I am a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the Agroecology & Functional Agrobiodiversity Group, University of Göttingen. My research focuses on agroecology and biodiversity conservation in agricultural systems, with the goal of developing innovative, evidence-based strategies to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem functioning under real-world farming conditions.
I combine advanced quantitative ecological analyses with participatory and transdisciplinary approaches to bridge science, policy, and practice. My work integrates ecological networks, landscape ecology, ecosystem services, and agroecological transitions, with particular emphasis on pollinators, extensive livestock systems, and farmers’ perceptions.
To date, I have authored more than 20 peer-reviewed scientific publications and contributed to multiple European research projects and international consortia advancing biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, and sustainable farming systems.

Main Research Areas:

• Agroecology and biodiversity conservation
• Ecological and spatial meta-networks
• Plant–pollinator interactions
• Landscape ecology and ecosystem services
• Agroecological transitions
• Social–ecological systems
• Extensive livestock systems

Methodological Expertise:

• Quantitative ecological modelling
• Spatial and GIS analysis
• Multivariate and Bayesian statistics
• Metacommunity and network analysis
• Participatory and co-design research approaches

You can find my publications in my Google Scholar profile: Elena Velado-Alonso
I have also contributed with book chapters and scientific-technical reports available upon request or via academic profile platforms.

PhD in Ecology, Conservation and Restoration of Ecosystems
University of Alcalá (2020) — Summa Cum Laude
Thesis: Livestock & Biodiversity. Ecological determinants and functions of the diversity of local livestock breeds in peninsular Spain

MSc in Agroecology (Social Sciences)
University of Córdoba (2015)

Degree in Veterinary Sciences
University of León (2014)

I have held postdoctoral positions in major European research projects, including:
• SHOWCASE (Horizon 2020) – Multidisciplinary biodiversity assessment in agricultural systems
• INTERREST (BiodivRestore) – Metanetworks and multifunctionality in restored grasslands
• Ecosystem services assessment linked to grazing management and energy infrastructure

I am also an active member of European biodiversity research initiatives, including the BiodivRestore Knowledge Hub and the RESSIST project.

• 145 hours of university-level teaching in ecology, ecosystem services, and environmental sciences
• Co-supervision of MSc and BSc theses (Wageningen University, Universidad Pablo Olavide, Universidad de Alcalá)
• Invited seminars across European universities and research institutions;