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WUR scientist receives award for research on insect viruses
Luis Hernández Pelegrín, a researcher at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), has been awarded the NEV Dissertation Prize for the best thesis in entomology of the past year. This annual prize, presented by the Netherlands Entomological Society (NEV), recognises PhD graduates who have conducted groundbreaking research in the field of entomology.
Luis Hernández Pelegrín completed his PhD at Wageningen University & Research and the University of Valencia. His research was carried out within the international training network Insect Doctors and focused on the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), a pest species that causes significant agricultural damage worldwide, particularly in citrus production. His work identified the presence of as many as 13 different viruses in this species. Additionally, he explored how these viruses are transmitted and their effects on the fly's development. The findings could contribute to optimising large-scale rearing of the fly, which is crucial for controlling this harmful pest through the release of sterilised males in the field, a method known as sterile insect technology.
About the NEV Dissertation Prize
The NEV Dissertation Prize was established in 2008 and is awarded annually to an exceptional PhD thesis in entomology. The prize includes a certificate and a cash award of €1,250. Eligible theses must have been defended at a Dutch university in the preceding academic year (1 August–31 July). The winner is selected by the board of the Netherlands Entomological Society.