• Scopus Profile

Education 🎓 

Dr. Norma Inés Hilgert holds a robust academic background in biological sciences, beginning with her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, where she specialized in community ecology. She completed this degree in 1992, laying the foundation for her future research in ecology and ethnobiology. In 1999, Dr. Hilgert earned her doctorate in Biological Sciences from the same university, with a dissertation focused on the ethnobotanical uses of plants among rural communities in the Salta province of Argentina. Her doctoral research explored the relationship between local subsistence practices and plant resources, highlighting her early commitment to the integration of cultural and ecological knowledge. Following her PhD, she pursued postdoctoral studies centered on medicinal plants within therapeutic systems at CONICET, further expanding her expertise in ethnobiology and plant conservation. Dr. Hilgert has also completed numerous specialized courses and research stays, including training in plant domestication and genetic resource management, which have enriched her interdisciplinary approach to biodiversity and conservation science.

Professional Experience 💼 

Dr. Norma Inés Hilgert has an extensive professional career centered on ethnobiology and biodiversity conservation, primarily within Argentina’s subtropical forests. She is a researcher at CONICET and the Instituto de Biología Subtropical (IBS), where she leads and participates in interdisciplinary projects examining the sustainable use of forest resources and the socio-ecological relationships of indigenous and local communities. In academia, Dr. Hilgert holds associate professor positions at the Universidad Nacional de Misiones and the Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, teaching courses in ethnoecology, research methodology, and scientific knowledge at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She supervises graduate theses and contributes to curriculum development, including specialized diplomas such as Sustainable Meliponiculture. Her research spans diverse topics, from the conservation of wild plant populations to the role of traditional ecological knowledge in landscape management. Dr. Hilgert’s work bridges scientific inquiry and community engagement, reflecting a commitment to both academic excellence and practical conservation outcomes.

Research Interest 🔬

Dr. Norma Inés Hilgert’s research interests lie at the intersection of ethnobiology, conservation biology, and sustainable resource management. She focuses on understanding the intricate relationships between indigenous and local communities and their natural environments within the subtropical forests of Argentina, including the Atlantic Forest, Chaco, and Yungas regions. Her work explores how traditional knowledge and cultural practices contribute to biodiversity conservation, emphasizing the concept of conservation through sustainable use of non-timber forest products such as plants and wild honey. Dr. Hilgert investigates the socio-ecological dynamics of human-forest interactions, including the management of wild populations of key species like Euterpe edulis and the impact of landscape fragmentation on genetic diversity. Additionally, she is interested in the role of ethnoecology in environmental education and intercultural bilingual programs, aiming to integrate scientific and traditional knowledge for better conservation outcomes. Her interdisciplinary approach combines ecological, cultural, and socio-economic perspectives to promote biocultural conservation and sustainable development.

Research Skill🔎

Dr. Norma Inés Hilgert possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that enable her to conduct interdisciplinary studies at the nexus of ethnobiology, ecology, and conservation science. She is highly skilled in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including ethnographic fieldwork, participatory observation, and interviews to document traditional ecological knowledge and cultural practices of indigenous and local communities. Her expertise extends to ecological data collection and analysis, focusing on plant population dynamics, biodiversity assessment, and landscape fragmentation. Dr. Hilgert is proficient in managing and analyzing complex datasets related to genetic diversity and resource use patterns. She also excels in designing and implementing multidisciplinary research projects that integrate social and biological sciences. Her skills in scientific writing, grant proposal development, and dissemination of results through academic publications and presentations are well established. Additionally, Dr. Hilgert has strong mentoring capabilities, guiding students and collaborators in research methodologies, contributing to capacity building in conservation and ethnobiology.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Norma Inés Hilgert has been recognized for her significant contributions to ethnobiology and biodiversity conservation through various awards and honors over her career. As a respected researcher at CONICET, Argentina’s premier scientific research institution, she has gained national recognition for her impactful studies on the sustainable use of forest resources and the integration of traditional ecological knowledge in conservation practices. Her academic excellence is further highlighted by her associate professorships at leading Argentine universities, where she has been honored for her dedication to teaching and mentoring graduate students. Dr. Hilgert’s work has also been acknowledged in scientific communities through invitations to participate in conferences, workshops, and collaborative networks focused on conservation and ethnobiology. Although specific awards may not be detailed in her CV, her sustained leadership in interdisciplinary research, combined with her contributions to community-based conservation and environmental education, positions her as a distinguished scientist deserving of prestigious accolades in her field.

Conclusion📝

Dr. Norma Ines Hilgert demonstrates a strong candidacy for the Best Researcher Award given her solid academic background, focused and impactful research in ethnobiology and biodiversity conservation, and her leadership roles in higher education. Her work significantly contributes to understanding and preserving subtropical forest ecosystems through an interdisciplinary approach integrating social and biological sciences. To maximize her competitiveness for the award, enhancing her international profile and providing clear quantitative research metrics will be beneficial. Overall, she is highly suitable and deserving recognition for her contributions to science, conservation, and education.

Publications Top Noted📚

• Chamorro, F.J., Galetto, L., Hilgert, N.I. (2025). Local food plant diversity and cultural significance in the Atlantic Forest: a comprehensive ethnobiological synthesis for a humanly disturbed but mega-diverse region. Biodiversity and Conservation, 34(4), 1177-1209. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-025-03018-9

• Sackser, M.G., Rojas, L., Keller, H.A., Hilgert, N.I. (2025). Diversity of plant species used as firewood in indigenous colonized communities: An ethnobotanical study in East Misiones, Argentina. Forest Policy and Economics.

• Vandebroek, I., Stepp, J.R., Kunwar, R., Timsina, S., Albuquerque, U.P., … Hilgert, N.I. (Year not specified). Upholding Ethical Accountability in Ethnobotany and Ethnobiology Research. [Editorial].