Martín A. Núñez, associate professor in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Houston, has been appointed executive editor of the Journal of Applied Ecology, a leading publication of the British Ecological Society and one of the most influential journals in the field. He will begin his term in January 2026.
Applied ecology is one of the fastest-growing fields in the environmental sciences, focused on translating ecological knowledge into practical solutions for urgent global challenges, including biodiversity loss, invasive species, pollution and the sustainable management of natural and agricultural systems.
An expert in biological invasions, Núñez investigates how invasive species reshape ecosystems and what those changes reveal about ecological and evolutionary processes. His research spans belowground ecology, including the role of mycorrhizal fungi in plant invasions; forestry and land management involving invasive trees; chemical ecology; and the ecological and societal impacts of invasive species. He also explores how invasion ecology provides insight into global challenges such as climate change.
Núñez has served as a senior editor for the journal for nine years. As executive editor, he will lead the journal’s overall strategic vision and direction. The role includes working closely with senior editors, the publisher and the managing editor to ensure smooth editorial operations, strong author support and a cohesive editorial team. The position also offers significant creative freedom to shape and grow the journal in ways that best serve the global applied ecology community, ensuring the Journal of Applied Ecology remains the leader in the discipline.
Núñez earned his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee and is part of the department’s Ecology and Evolution research division. His research includes extensive field studies in forested and steppe ecosystems, work on plant–soil interactions and plant chemistry, and applied approaches to managing invasive species such as pines in South America. His publications, outreach efforts, and mentorship emphasize both fundamental ecological theory and practical strategies for land managers and policymakers.
In addition to his research, Núñez is the author of A Pocket Guide to Scientific Writing and Publishing, a book that draws from his extensive experience in scholarly publishing. Since its release, he has been invited to give talks and workshops across UH and at institutions worldwide, offering guidance to students and faculty on scientific writing, peer review and navigating the publication process.
The Journal of Applied Ecology is published by the British Ecological Society, founded in 1913 and recognized as the oldest ecological society in the world. Established in 1964, the journal is one of the discipline’s longest-standing and most influential publications, widely known for connecting ecological research with real-world environmental decision-making for more than 60 years.
More information about Núñez’s research and publications can be found on his website and Google Scholar profile.