Nicolás Velasco

Researcher

Nicolás has a great curiosity for plant species, their reproduction, ecology and how these disperse. Originally from Chile, Nicolás started his career as an Agronomist, but he was always involved with several nature conservancy NGOs. Encouraged by a scholarship from the Chilean National Research and Development Agency, he pursued a MSc in Restoration Ecology. Afterwards, he committed to different research and restoration ecology projects, aimed to study the natural regeneration of sclerophyllous forest. Nicolás followed a double PhD in Science between the University of Chile and University of Groningen, the Netherlands. For his project he studied the dispersion, morphology, climatic niche and ecological function of Vachellia caven one of the most widely distributed native Fabaceae in South America. For Nicolás, as a researcher, it is vital to contribute to the science made in the Galapagos Archipelago, to guarantee the restoration of the original vegetation dynamics, with focus on ecological restoration using keystone species of the island ecosystems under study. Since September 2022 he joined as a researcher in the GV2050 Program. In this role, he provides scientific advice in projects, specific studies, and a strong commitment in the reviewing of scientific documents.