Ruben Sommaruga studied Biology and Biological Oceanography at the University of Uruguay and obtained a Master in Zoology and a Doctor in Natural Sciences from the University of Innsbruck. After several postdoc stays in different research centers abroad, he returned as Associate Professor to the University, of Innsbruck, where he then was promoted to Full Professor for Limnology. Between 2012 and 2020, he acted as Director of the Institute of Ecology at the same University. He has been awarded several international prizes including the Recognition of Professional Excellence in Limnetic Ecology by the International Ecology Institute and the Scientific Award from the Principality of Liechtenstein among others, as well as has being elected Fellow of the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography. Between 2008-2020, he was member of the Scientific Board from the Austrian Science Fund and he also was appointed as member of the Faculty of 1000. His scientific contributions are in the field of aquatic ecology with expertise in plankton ecology, biogeochemistry, photoecology, and global change effects. He has done research in aquatic ecosystems in different areas of the world including the Alps, the Andes, Himalaya, the Bale Mountains, China, Uruguay, Spain, and Greenland.