The University of Gibraltar has announced the appointment of Professor Julia Fa as a Beacon Professor. 

A statement continued: “Beacon Professors are unique to the University of Gibraltar, and the title is symbolic of the role they undertake. The image of the Europa Point lighthouse as a beacon is important to the University representing, as it does, the University’s mission to spread the light of knowledge, to inspire students and illuminate their life paths. 

“The University’s competitive professorial scheme was launched in 2017 and is overseen by an independent Professorial Appointments Committee which is made up of academics drawn from a number of international higher education institutions. All members of the committee are full professors and hold, or have held, high academic office in their own universities. It is the responsibility of the committee to receive all submissions for professorial appointments and, to ensure that the appointments process is rigorous and transparent. 

The committee fully endorsed the appointment of Professor Julia Fa in recognition of her outstanding and consistent contribution to work that examines the complex and dynamic relationships between people and nature, particularly in regions where communities depend heavily on natural resources. In particular, the Board noted that her research has advanced scientific understanding and shaped international policy frameworks addressing critical issues such as biodiversity conservation, sustainable food systems, and climate change mitigation. 

“Professor Julia E. Fa completed her doctorate in Animal Ecology at the University of Oxford in 1984 and has since built a global career spanning Mexico, Gibraltar, and two decades at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey, where she became Chief Conservation Officer. A widely published author on biodiversity and sustainability, she now serves as Professor at Manchester Metropolitan University, Senior Associate at the Center for International Forestry Research, and Visiting Professor at Imperial College London and the University of Malaga.” 

Professor Catherine Bachleda, Vice-Chancellor and CEO at the University added, “Professor Fa’s appointment reflects the University’s commitment to recognising academic excellence. Her research in biodiversity and sustainability has informed international policy and contributed to addressing some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges. We are delighted to welcome her as a Beacon Professor”. 

Professor Julia Fa joins fellow Beacon Professors David Abulafia, John Cortes, Clive Finlayson, and Jamie Trinidad. Julia delivered her inaugural Beacon Professor public lecture on Tuesday 14th October 2025 at the University of Gibraltar’s Conference Hall.