Dr. Maria Harrison is the William H. Crocker Distinguished Professor at Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science and Adjunct Professor in Plant Pathology. Her research investigates arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses, focusing on phosphate transfer mechanisms and plant defense biochemistry. Using model legumes and poplar trees, her lab studies fungal colonization, symbiotic gene regulation, and metabolic pathways for bioactive compounds. She was elected to the Royal Society in 2024, recognizing her contributions to plant-microbe interactions. Her publications reveal insights into lipid provisioning, kinase signaling in symbiosis, and development of plant biosensors. Research integrates molecular genetics, cell biology, and genomics to address nutrient acquisition challenges in agriculture.
Eduard Bardají Rodríguez is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Girona, where he has been active since 1992. He is affiliated with the Institute of Agro-Food Technology and leads the LIPPSO research group (Laboratory for Innovation in Organic Synthesis Processes and Products), recognized as a Consolidated Research Group by the Generalitat de Catalunya. His work bridges organic chemistry, biomedicine, and agro-food innovation through the design and application of bioactive peptides. Research Interests: His primary focus lies in the discovery and development of bioactive peptides with applications in antimicrobial, anticancer, analgesic, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular therapies. His work integrates synthetic organic chemistry with biological evaluation, aiming to translate basic findings into practical solutions in medicine and agriculture. The recent publication trends highlight a strong emphasis on peptide-based drug discovery, particularly targeting pain, neurodegeneration, and infectious diseases. His research extends into plant biotechnology (e.g., expressing antimicrobial peptides in rice) and combating citrus diseases (HLB), demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach spanning human health and sustainable agriculture. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Consolidated Research Group status for LIPPSO by the Generalitat de Catalunya Advising and Grants: He has led and participated in numerous competitive research projects, including MINECO, PLANT-KBBE (Trilateral Project), IAPP PEP2BRAIN, and H2020 PreHLB. He has established industrial collaborations with companies such as Medichem, Croda, and Menadione. He co-founded the spin-off AMPbiotech to commercialize antimicrobial technologies, reflecting a strong commitment to technology transfer and innovation. Laboratories and Teams: He leads the LIPPSO research group and maintains a strategic alliance with the CIDSAV group, fostering collaborative research in applied antimicrobial development.
Clara Asuncion Tovar Rodriguez is a full-time researcher in the Department of Applied Physics at the University of Vigo , affiliated with the Institute of Physics and Aerospace Sciences and the FA4 Thermophysics Laboratory . Her work bridges applied physics and food engineering, focusing on viscoelastic properties, gelation mechanisms, and protein-based food systems. Doctorate (1996) in Applied Physics from University of Vigo Research areas: Rheology, Thermophysics, Food Engineering Email: tovar@uvigo.es Her research explores viscoelastic behavior in food matrices (cheeses, surimi, plant proteins) using techniques like rheological analysis , high-pressure treatments , and nanostructuring (chitosan nanoparticles, gelatin fractions). Recent publications examine lipid digestibility, bioactive delivery, and sustainable protein blends. Collaborative trends reveal interdisciplinary work in food biotechnology , marine ingredients , and plant-protein applications . She has contributed extensively to understanding texture evolution during cheese ripening and frozen storage impacts on protein gels.
Francisco Martin Goycoolea Valencia is a Full Professor (Chair in Biopolymers) at the School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, UK. Previously held roles include Research Scientist at CIAD, Mexico (1995–2010), Visiting Scholar at Universidad Complutense de Madrid (2001–2002), and Professor at University of Münster, Germany (2010–2016). His research focuses on biopolymer science, nanobiotechnology, and food structure, with emphasis on biomaterials for biomedical and biotechnological applications. Education: BSc in Chemistry/Biology (Universidad La Salle/UNAM, 1988), MSc in Food Science (Reading University, UK, 1990), PhD in Food Polysaccharides (Cranfield University, UK, 1994). Research interests include structure-function relationships of biopolymers, drug delivery systems, microfluidics phenotyping, antibiotic-free therapies, and in silico simulations of nanomaterial behavior. Grants/PI Roles: Hosted EU Horizon2020 Marie Curie Fellowship MINUSMICRO, UKRI UK-Canada project on crustacean waste valorization, and Innovate UK projects on sustainable nutrition and yeast-based food products. Scientific Awards: International Marie Curie Fellowship (2008–2010) Professional Memberships: Founder President of Iberoamerican Chitin Society (2002–2006), Member of European Chitin Society Board (2011–present) Lab/Teams: Leads the Immunobiology for Aquaculture research group and collaborates across disciplines to develop novel biomaterials and sustainable food technologies.
Marta Planas Grabuleda is a full Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Girona, where she also holds the area of Organic Chemistry. She is affiliated with the Institute of Agri-Food Technology and co-leads the Research Group LIPPSO (Laboratory of Innovation in Organic Synthesis Processes and Products). She served as Head of the Department of Chemistry from 2010 to 2013 and has been actively involved in research and academic leadership. Research Interests: Her work focuses on the development of solid-phase synthesis strategies for peptides containing non-natural amino acids and the design of peptidomimetics with antimicrobial and antitumor activities. These efforts are central to advancing new therapeutic agents with improved stability and selectivity. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on peptidomimetic chemistry, particularly in designing bioactive molecules for medical applications. Her research spans antimicrobial agents, anticancer therapeutics, drug delivery systems, and synthetic methodologies, demonstrating a strong interdisciplinary approach at the interface of organic chemistry and biomedicine. Scientific Contributions: Co-directed 12 PhD theses Currently supervising 3 doctoral candidates Principal investigator in 6 research projects Participant in 25 research projects Co-author of 85 scientific articles and 5 patents 143 conference communications, with 17 JCR-indexed follow-up publications Advising and Research Leadership: Dr. Planas has played a significant role in training the next generation of scientists through doctoral supervision and project mentorship. Her leadership extends to managing research teams and securing competitive funding. She co-directs the LIPPSO research group, fostering innovation in synthetic organic chemistry for biomedical applications.
Daniel José Franco Ruiz is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Higher Technical School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. His research focuses on food chemistry, biotechnology, and sustainable food systems with particular emphasis on meat science, proteomics, and bioactive compounds. He leads the TIBD Research Group (Technologies for the Development of Industrial Bioproducts). Franco Ruiz holds a doctoral degree from the same university (2002), with a thesis on oilseed processing and ethanol extraction. His educational background includes advanced studies in chemical engineering and food technology. Key research areas include proteomic analysis of meat quality, antioxidant properties of natural compounds (e.g., phlorotannins from seaweed), and development of novel food products through green technologies. He has pioneered tools like PhenoExam for gene-phenotype analysis and contributed to understanding pre-slaughter stress effects on meat proteins. Publications span food safety, animal welfare, and sustainable production systems. Notable work includes studies on Celta pig breed characteristics, lipid profiles in meat products, and proteomic innovations. Franco Ruiz collaborates extensively on projects like ACE-TICs and has explored digital strategies for education and animal husbandry practices. He is actively involved in industry-relevant research, bridging academic insights with practical food industry applications. His lab focuses on cutting-edge proteomic techniques (e.g., SWATH-MS) and bioinformatics tools, while addressing global challenges like functional food development and environmental sustainability in food processing. Franco Ruiz also advocates for improved animal welfare standards through scientific research.
Monica Toldrà Alegret is an Associate Professor in the Food Technology area at the Department of Chemical, Agricultural and Agro-Food Engineering (EQATA) at the University of Girona. She coordinates the Degree in Food Innovation and Safety and contributes to teaching in Agri-Food Engineering and Biotechnology programs at the Higher Polytechnic School. PhD in Biology from University of Girona (UdG) Degree in Veterinary Medicine from Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) Her research focuses on valorization of meat industry by-products , development of functional food ingredients , and alternative protein sources , with particular emphasis on antioxidant peptide production and microencapsulation techniques. She has participated in multiple industry-related research projects. In her publication record, Monica demonstrates expertise in food waste valorization , protein engineering , and sustainable agri-food systems , with recent work exploring enzymatic hydrolysis, encapsulation methods, and functional food development from slaughterhouse co-products. She leads the Food Technology Research Group (GReTA) within the Institute of Agro-Food Technology (INTEA) and has extensive experience in technology transfer initiatives with food sector companies.
Dr. Angel Luis Fuentes de Abriba is a researcher affiliated with the Department of Organic Chemistry at the University of Salamanca through the Research Center in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CIQUS) . His work focuses on the development of supramolecular systems and organocatalysts that mimic enzymatic active sites, with applications in enantioselective synthesis, molecular recognition, and confined catalysis. His research interests include: Organocatalysis for asymmetric synthesis (e.g., oxyanion hole mimics) Supramolecular chemistry in artificial receptors and catalytic capsules Biocatalytic models replicating hydrolase and protease activity Molecular recognition mechanisms for amino acids and neurotransmitters Green chemistry applications in biodiesel production Photocatalysis for reverse-polarity reaction engineering Recent publications highlight trends in protective group development (e.g., naphthoic acid derivatives), supramolecular capsule design for confined catalysis, and enantioselective extraction systems using chiral receptors. Collaborative projects span chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and sustainable energy solutions. Dr. Fuentes de Abriba was part of the SupraNanoBioMol group , which integrates supramolecular chemistry with bioinspired nanomaterials research. His doctoral thesis (2014) specifically addressed organocatalysts simulating oxyanion holes through innovative molecular architectures.
Juan Jesus Perez Gonzalez is a Professor at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), affiliated with the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Barcelona School of Industrial Engineering (ETSEIB). He leads the GBMI research group (Grup de Biotecnologia Molecular i Industrial) and is part of the CEBIM (Centre de Biotecnologia Molecular). His work focuses on computational chemistry, molecular modeling, drug design, and biomaterials, with over 348 documented activities including articles, projects, and presentations. Research interests span structural biochemistry, protein-ligand interactions, and the application of computational methods to drug discovery. Notable contributions include studies on SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors, K-RAS allosteric sites, and rhodopsin mutations linked to retinitis pigmentosa. He has collaborated on projects funded by national and international grants, emphasizing sustainability and interdisciplinary research. Over 197 indexed articles and 77 conference presentations highlight his prolific output. Key projects include 'Raise excellence in R&S&I in HEI for widening countries' and contributions to the 'Unite! University Network for Innovation, Technology and Engineering.' His research also explores green transitions and sustainable science through workshops and collaborative initiatives. Perez Gonzalez holds ORCID (0000-0002-0748-8147) and ResearcherID (E-3710-2010), reflecting his international academic engagement. His lab and team activities emphasize computational tools for drug design and biomaterials innovation.
Lidia Feliu Soley is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Girona, Spain, where she is actively engaged in research and teaching. She is affiliated with the Institute of Agri-Food Technology and leads research within the LIPPSO (Laboratory of Innovation in Organic Synthesis Processes and Products) research group. Her research focuses on the design and synthesis of bioactive peptides, including linear and cyclic peptides, depsipeptides, cyclolipopeptides, and multivalent peptides, targeting antimicrobial and antitumor activities. She specializes in solid-phase synthesis strategies and the incorporation of non-natural amino acids into peptide structures. Her work bridges synthetic organic chemistry with pharmaceutical applications. The scientific awards she has received include the prestigious Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship and the Marie Curie Reintegration Grant, recognizing her international research contributions. She has been involved in research projects and has contributed to publications in journals, books, conferences, and lectures, although specific titles are not listed in the provided text. Lidia Feliu advises students and contributes to academic mentoring as part of her role, though specific advisees are not named. She is also involved in research management and institutional service. Her laboratory, LIPPSO, focuses on innovative synthetic methodologies and the development of novel bioactive molecules for therapeutic applications.
Jose Luis Mascareñas Cid is a University Professor in the Department of Organic Chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Santiago de Compostela. He leads the Biological and Supramolecular Chemistry (BCS) research group within the Research Center in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CIQUS), focusing on the interface of synthetic chemistry and biological systems. His doctoral training was completed at the University of Santiago de Compostela in 1988 with a thesis on vitamin D 3 analog synthesis under Dr. Antonio Mouriño Mosquera and Dr. Luis Castedo Expósito. This foundational work in bioactive molecule synthesis evolved into his current research program spanning transition metal catalysis in biological environments , supramolecular DNA recognition , and bioorthogonal reaction engineering . Mascareñas Cid's research demonstrates exceptional chemical innovation within living systems , particularly through the development of intracellular catalytic platforms. His group pioneers methods for transition metal-catalyzed reactions in mammalian cells , including palladium-mediated peptide cleavage, iridium-catalyzed hydroarylations, and gold-based cycloisomerizations. A parallel focus involves designing sequence-selective DNA binders using peptide-based arc mimetics and bisbenzamidine scaffolds, with applications in gene regulation and cancer therapy. Recent work integrates computational and experimental approaches for metallopeptide optimization. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals three dominant trends: (1) Engineering artificial metabolic pathways via enzyme-transition metal hybrid systems; (2) Developing red-shifted photoredox tools for bioorthogonal radical chemistry; (3) Creating topologically selective DNA binders for targeting oncogenic sequences. These efforts consistently bridge fundamental organometallic chemistry with therapeutic applications, particularly in pancreatic cancer stem cell targeting. While specific awards aren't documented in the source material, his sustained high-impact publication record in journals like Journal of the American Chemical Society and Angewandte Chemie reflects significant contributions to chemical biology. His group actively trains graduate students through thesis supervision and maintains collaborative projects within CIQUS's interdisciplinary ecosystem. The BCS group operates within CIQUS's state-of-the-art facilities, utilizing advanced techniques in organic synthesis, molecular modeling, and cellular imaging. Current initiatives focus on stimuli-responsive nanoreactors for controlled intracellular catalysis and mitochondria-targeted ruthenium complexes for cancer therapy, demonstrating translational commitment to biomedical challenges.
Mateo Martin Salgado is a researcher affiliated with the Universidad de Salamanca , specializing in asymmetric synthesis and its applications in biomedicine and nanotechnology. His work focuses on developing novel methodologies for preparing chiral amino acid derivatives. Education : Doctorate from Universidad de Salamanca (2017) with a thesis on asymmetric synthesis of β-amino acids. Research interests center on Organic Chemistry , particularly asymmetric catalysis techniques for pharmaceutical compounds and nanotechnology applications. His work bridges synthetic organic chemistry with biomedical innovations and nanostructured materials development. Recent publications highlight trends in organocatalysis, fluorinated amino acid analogs, and supramolecular chemistry applications. 60% of his articles focus on asymmetric synthesis strategies, while 40% explore biomedical/nanotechnology implementations. Research Groups : SUPRABUR (Supramolecular Chemistry group).
Esteban Orenes Piñero is a Part-Time Lecturer at the University of Murcia's Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology within the Faculty of Health Sciences-Lorca. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Murcia (2006), focusing on enzymatic systems for bioconversion of monophenols into diphenols. His research interests span cardiovascular disease mechanisms, gut microbiota interactions, nutritional interventions, and biomarker discovery. He has contributed to studies on dietary patterns' impact on atherosclerosis, microbial modulation in acute coronary syndrome, and bioactive peptides in hypertension. His work also addresses atrial fibrillation pathophysiology, postoperative complications, and environmental health links to pediatric cancer. Key research groups include Biochemistry and Enzyme Biotechnology and Clinical Cardiology and Experimental Cardiology. Notable publications (2023-2025) explore microbiota-cardiovascular links, therapeutic peptides, and nature-based interventions in addiction. His work bridges molecular biology with clinical cardiology and public health. Though no explicit awards are listed, his prolific publication record indicates sustained research activity in interdisciplinary areas of cardiology, microbiology, and nutrition.
Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)Spain
Zaida Álvarez Pinto is a Principal Investigator at the Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the Feinberg School of Medicine , Northwestern University . She also holds a Visiting Scientist role at the Simpson Querrey Institute for Bionanotechnology . Her research focuses on neural regeneration , biomaterials , and spinal cord repair , utilizing supramolecular polymers , peptide amphiphiles , and synthetic extracellular matrix engineering . She explores applications in stem cell differentiation , neurodegenerative disease modeling , and nanotechnology-based therapies . Her recent publications emphasize dynamic bioactive scaffolds for neuronal survival, glycopeptide-amphiphile copolymers , and age-specific decellularized matrices in regenerative medicine. Trends include supramolecular motion for chondrogenic bioactivity, neural stem cell maturation , and antiviral nanofiber therapies . Scientific Awards : Young Baxter Investigator Award (2019) Rafael Hervada Award (2021) Women in Science Nanotechnology Award (2022) She holds 4 patents with AmphixBio Incorporation and consults for two biotechnology startups in the USA. Her work bridges biomaterials science and clinical translation for CNS repair.
Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)Spain
Prof. César Rodriguez-Emmenegger, PhD, is a Principal Investigator at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) , leading the research group Bioinspired Interactive Materials and Protocellular Systems . His work focuses on designing synthetic materials that interact with biological systems, particularly antifouling polymer brushes and biomimetic vesicles. Education : Chemical Engineer, Universidad de la República (Uruguay); PhD in Biophysics, Charles University (Prague, Czech Republic) Postdoctoral Training : Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany); University of Pennsylvania (USA) Research Interests : His research bridges materials science , surface chemistry , and synthetic biology to develop non-fouling interfaces , dendrimersomes , and smart coatings for medical devices. Key themes include protein adsorption resistance , hemocompatibility , and biofilm prevention . Scientific Contributions : His work has led to 15+ high-impact publications (2020-2023) in journals like Advanced Materials , ACS Nano , and PNAS , with a focus on dendrimersome self-assembly , light-triggered surface modifications , and medical implant coatings . Articles reveal expertise in glycoengineering , nanovesicle design , and complement activation in blood-plasma interactions. Grants & Collaborations : Supported by Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellowship , with collaborations spanning Cambridge University , University of Pennsylvania , and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology . Holds patents on antifouling polymer brushes and co-authored a book on Biological Fluid-Surface Interactions . Labs & Teams : Currently leads a multidisciplinary team at IBEC , previously establishing junior groups at IMC Prague and DWI Aachen . Integrates polymer chemistry , biointerface engineering , and synthetic cell mimics for next-gen biomaterials.
