Holding a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Lancaster University (UK), Ainara Peñalver-Cruz is currently a researcher at the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) of Spain. During her scientific career, she has studied tritrophic interactions (plant-insect pest-natural enemy) in the context of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach (host plant resistance, habitat manipulation, cultural practices and biological control) in different agronomic systems and in developing and developed countries. Lately, she works on the evaluation of limiting resources for parasitoids in different agroecosystems such as wheat, broad bean and especially in apple orchards. For the latter, she has studied the influence of shelters and food sources for Aphelinus mali (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), the main natural enemy of the woolly apple aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum (Hemiptera: Aphididae). She has been involved in seven research projects, one of which she was project manager as principal investigator. She has published a book chapter, two popular publications and 16 articles in scientific journals. Additionally, she participated in dissemination and communication activities to promote more sustainable practices for pest control. In addition, she has presented her work at eight national and international conferences.