Research Themes: Learning, Education, Sustainability, Climate Change 

Full Professor in Natural Sciences, in particular of Education in (Environmental) Science.
In Dutch: Hoogleraar Natuurwetenschappen, i.h.b. van (afstands)onderwijs in de milieu- en natuurwetenschappen.

Paquita Perez conducts research on competences for sustainability professionals; the focus is on the learning and on change processes. The quality of education (SDG-4) is addressed in the form of innovative e-learning programs for climate action (SDG-13) and in the further development and evaluation of competences for sustainability professionals.
New and integrative knowledge concepts for sustainability in higher education are being studied, such as the concept of 'Lived Experience of Climate Change’. This concept emphasizes diversity, in terms of culture, ethnicity, gender, social class, and connects abstract scientific knowledge with experiential and situated knowledge. A multi- and transdisciplinary approach is taken in the research.

Perez was the UNESCO Chair in Knowledge Transfer for Sustainable Development supported by ICTs (2013-2023), and she is the former Dean of the Faculty of Science at the Open Universiteit (2001-2013).

She worked at the University of Amsterdam (where she got her PhD degree in physical chemistry) and at the Universities of Groningen and Twente. She was an expert at the National Expert Organisation Girls/Women and Science/Technology (VHTO). She is active in several organizations in the field of science, sustainability and higher education.