Irene Prieto Saiz named National Geographic Explorer for Cuenca project

Irene Prieto Saiz, a researcher from the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), has been selected as a National Geographic Explorer. She received funding through the international call ‘The Future of Learning. The Future of our Planet’ to lead the research and educational project ‘Unearthing Belonging’.

Out of ten projects selected worldwide, only two are European, highlighting the competitive nature of the grant. The project will be based in Cuenca, Spain, utilizing its rich paleontological and geological diversity, including sites such as Las Hoyas and Lo Hueco.

The initiative aims to use Earth Sciences education to connect schools and rural communities with their local geological and paleontological heritage. By fostering scientific literacy and environmental awareness, the project seeks to promote sustainable development in depopulated areas and help local populations recognize their heritage as part of their identity.