Laia Alegret

Professor in Paleontology. I am interested in understanding past ocean and climate changes using microscopic fossils contained in marine sediments. The study of microfossils and their geochemical composition provides paleontologists with a valuable record of the climatic and environmental changes that occurred millions of years ago. I am particularly keen on the analysis of critical events along Earth´s history, such as the impact of an asteroid at the end of the Cretaceous, which led to the extinction of many species (including dinosaurs). I also look into the effects of past global warming events, as a tool to improve models that predict future climate change.
Since 2017, I am involved in the exploration of the submerged continent of Zealandia. This is a key location for climate change studies, and its evolution as an independent continent has provided insights into the formation of the Pacific Ring of Fire and the evolution of species.