Ximena Aguilar Vega

Mexican, living in Scotland

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Ximena is a PhD researcher at the University of Stirling, specializing in bio-optics to explore the interplay between glaciers and the marine system, aiming to understand their pivotal role in the global carbon cycle.

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Ximena has participated in five scientific expeditions to the poles. Her journey began in 2018 as part of NASA’s IceBridge mission to Antarctica. Since then, she has contributed to expeditions in the high Arctic (2022, 2023) and the Antarctic (2019, 2020, 2023) through collaborations with the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH).

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Beyond her research, Ximena actively champions polar regions and climate action. In February 2023, she co-founded APECS Mexico to foster a vibrant community of young Mexican polar scientists and amplify awareness of polar issues. She also played a key role at COP26 (Glasgow, 2021) and COP27 (Sharm el-Sheikh, 2022), where her efforts alongside Palmira Cuellar led to Mexico joining the high-level "Ambition on Melting Ice" group, spearheaded by Chile and Iceland.

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A passionate advocate for the fusion of science and art, Ximena uses her writing and photography skills to communicate the urgency of climate change. She believes in the transformative power of storytelling to inspire action and bridge the gap between data and emotion.

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Her dedication and impact have earned her recognition as a finalist for the Shackleton Medal for the Protection of the Polar Regions, 2024.
 

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Member of

APECS Mexico | National Representative

Mexican Agency for Antarctic Studies 

Homeward Bound, Team 6 .

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