Dr. Patricio Hernáez is a marine biologist whose research focuses on the diversity, ecology, and evolutionary biology of decapod crustaceans, particularly along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of South America. His work integrates taxonomy, population ecology, and biogeography to better understand how environmental and evolutionary processes shape species distributions and adaptive traits. Dr. Hernáez has contributed to the description and revision of several decapod taxa and has published extensively on the reproductive ecology and social organization of ghost and mud shrimps (infraorders Axiidea and Gebiidea). Passionate about collaboration and mentoring, he seeks to build bridges among researchers from different regions and disciplines. As Guest Editor, his vision is to create a space that not only advances decapod research but also fosters a sense of scientific community, curiosity, and shared purpose among crustacean biologists worldwide.