Simone Cutajar
BSc (HONS), MRes, MSc, DIC, MEnt
Multidisciplinary researcher with over a decade of experience in agricultural sciences, microbiology, pollinators, and conservation. Her research focuses on managing EU-funded projects and conducting innovative studies on plant conservation, pollinator health, insect gut microbiota, and sustainable agricultural practices. Currently, her research centers on the environmental and genetic effects on the gut microbiota of honey bee subspecies.
Education
- Ph.D. Candidate (2022 – present), University of Malta & University of Bologna
- Research: Environmental and genetic effects on the gut microbiota of honey bees (Apis mellifera ruttneri).
- M.Ent. Knowledge-Based Entrepreneurship (2022 – 2024), University of Malta
- Research: The Cheese Concierge Business Plan and Market Analysis.
- M.Sc. Conservation Biology (2013 – 2014), Imperial College London
- Research: Baboon-human conflict in Cape Town, South Africa.
- M.Res. Chemistry (2010), University of Malta
- Research: Chemical characterization and biological activity of Mediterranean propolis.
- B.Sc. (HONS) Chemistry and Biology (2006 – 2009), University of Malta
- Research: Chemical characterization and biological activity of Maltese propolis.
Academic Career
- University of Malta (2021 – present)
- Organization and management of Malta’s first BioBlitz campaign.
- Co-author of a book on invasive alien arthropods of Malta and Sicily.
- Research on: bee health, ecological mapping with remote sensing and GIS, pathogens affecting agricultural trees, public perception of alternative food technologies.
- University Lecturer (2021 – present)
- Parasitology (University of Malta)
- Microbiology (Centre for Liberal Arts, University of Malta)
- Inquiry Methods in STEM (Institute for Education, Malta)
- Thesis Supervision
- Supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate theses on microbiology, conservation, and pollinators.
Scientific Activity
- Participated in numerous national and international research programs on bee microbiology, biodiversity conservation, and citizen science.
- Visiting researcher at several European institutions.
- Author of multiple scientific publications and speaker at international conferences.
Institutional Roles and Academic Appointments
- Expert Consultant at the Environmental Resource Authority of Malta (2022 – present)
- Development of Malta’s first national pollinator monitoring program.
- Development of a national policy for biodiversity data collection through citizen science.
- Coordination of citizen science campaigns and statistical analysis of environmental monitoring data.
Membership in Scientific and Editorial Committees
- Editorial board member of the Bulletin of the Entomological Society of Malta.
- Consultant and reviewer for various scientific journals in environmental sciences and microbiology.
Awards and Recognitions
- Citizen Science Ambassador for Malta (since 2022)
- COLOSS Ambassador for Malta (since 2022)
- Take Off Seed Fund Award (2022, 2023, 2024)
- National STEM Community Award (2022, 2023)
- Malta Intellectual Property Award (2022)
Other Activities
- Founder and director of environmental NGOs and startups.
- Organizer of science outreach events and educational programs.
- Actor and director in science shows for science communication.
- Volunteer in educational and social programs in various countries.
Publications and Conferences
- Author of over 20 scientific publications on microbiology, conservation, and citizen science.
- Invited speaker at international conferences, including the European Congress of Conservation Biology and the European Citizen Science Conference.
References
Available upon request.
