Dr. Rajesh Bera is a Research Fellow at ICFO's Functional Optoelectronic Nanomaterials group specializing in quantum-confined nanostructures. His research examines ultrafast carrier dynamics, excitonic properties, and optoelectronic applications of nanomaterials including quantum dots, nanoplatelets, and hybrid nanostructures. Current investigations focus on intraband transitions in doped nanocrystals, orientation-dependent excitonic behavior in 2D materials, and charge transfer mechanisms in heterostructure devices. Work bridges fundamental photophysics with applications in photodetection, sensing, and energy conversion. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in time-resolved spectroscopy of quantum materials, nanomaterial synthesis via colloidal chemistry, and rational design of optoelectronic devices. Continually develops novel characterization methods to probe ultrafast processes at nanoscale interfaces.
Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2)Spain
Prof. Gustau Catalán is an ICREA Research Professor and Group Leader of the Oxide Nanophysics Group at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2). He earned his PhD in Physics from Queen’s University of Belfast (2001) and held postdoctoral positions at IMEDEA (2002–2004), University of Groningen (2004–2005), and University of Cambridge (2005–2009). Since 2009, he has led pioneering research in flexoelectricity, domain wall physics, and strain-engineered oxide materials, supported by an ERC Grant. Education: PhD in Physics, Queen’s University of Belfast (2001) BSc in Physics, Universitat de Barcelona (1997) Research Interests: Gustau Catalán's work focuses on the interplay between ferroelectricity, flexoelectricity, and metal-insulator transitions in oxide materials. His research explores how these properties manifest at reduced dimensions, with applications in nanoelectronics, photovoltaics, and smart mechanical systems. Key areas include polarization dynamics, domain wall engineering, and strain-gradient effects. Recent Publications (2024–2025): The 15 most recent articles highlight advancements in flexoelectricity (e.g., water ice and halide perovskites), domain wall dynamics (e.g., tungsten trioxide), and strain-gradient-induced photovoltaic effects. These studies span materials like PbZrO3, BaTiO3, and BiFeO3, with implications for energy harvesting, memory devices, and nanoscale actuators. Scientific Awards: ERC Grant for flexoelectricity laboratory establishment Advising and Collaborations: While specific students are not listed, Catalán collaborates extensively with researchers across Europe. His group develops novel oxide-based systems and investigates their electromechanical and optoelectronic properties. Laboratory & Team: At ICN2, he established one of the world's first flexoelectricity laboratories, leading a team that explores oxide nanophysics through advanced characterization techniques like AFM, X-ray diffraction, and electrocaloric imaging.
Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2)Spain
Arben Merkoçi is an ICREA Research Professor and leader of the NanoBioelectronics and Biosensors Group at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2). He holds a PhD in ion-selective electrodes from the University of Tirana (Albania) and has held research positions at institutions including the Polytechnic University of Budapest, University of Ioannina, and New Mexico State University. His research focuses on integrating biological molecules with micro/nanostructures to design advanced biosensors, with applications in healthcare and environmental monitoring. Education: PhD in Analytical Chemistry (University of Tirana, 1992) Roles: Co-Editor-in-Chief of Biosensors and Bioelectronics , member of the Academy of Sciences of Albania Research interests include nanomaterial-based biosensors (e.g., graphene, MXenes, quantum dots), point-of-care diagnostics, and sensor fabrication technologies. He has pioneered innovations in inkjet-printed sensors, wearable devices, and CRISPR-integrated biosensing. His group collaborates globally to advance nanobiosensor applications in clinical and environmental settings. Over 350 publications (H-index 91) and 40 supervised PhD theses highlight his contributions. He co-founded GraphenicaLab (graphene patterning) and PaperDrop (clinical diagnostics). Active in grant acquisition and policy, he shaped Spain’s first nanoscience undergraduate program at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)Spain
Prof. Elisabeth Engel López leads the Biomaterials for Regenerative Therapies group at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and serves as a Professor at the Technical University of Catalonia. With over 80 publications in JCR journals, her work focuses on designing biomaterials and scaffolds for in vitro/in vivo regenerative medicine, emphasizing cellular response mechanisms and translational applications. Developing lactate-releasing systems for metabolic modulation Advancing 3D bioprinting for tissue-specific models Engineering angiogenic and osteogenic biomaterials Her research bridges fundamental studies with industrial partnerships, including pharmaceutical and biomedical device companies, and contributes to European collaborative projects. She received the Barcelona City Award for technological research and has delivered numerous invited lectures. Her group explores substrate stiffness, ion release, and microenvironmental cues to control cell behavior in cardiac, neural, and bone regeneration contexts.
Maria Dolores Blanco Rojas is a Full Professor and Deputy Director of the Systems and Automatic Engineering Department at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M). Her research focuses on robotics and biomedical engineering, particularly in the development of soft robotic exoskeletons, shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators, and rehabilitation technologies. She leads the Robotics Lab and has contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed articles. Affiliations : UC3M, Robotics Lab, Systems Engineering and Automation Department Education : Not explicitly stated in text Her research interests include: Soft Robotics : Design of wearable exoskeletons for pediatric and post-stroke patients Materials Science : SMA-based actuators for medical and robotic applications Control Systems : Adaptive control algorithms for rehabilitation devices Biomedical Engineering : Integration of sEMG signals for gesture classification in assistive technologies Recent articles explore topics like hyperparameter optimization for machine learning models, SMA actuator efficiency, and eye-hand coordination assessment systems. Projects include the development of pediatric rehabilitation robots (Discover2Walk) and soft exoskeletons for ankle and wrist mobility. Grants/Projects : SRAR (2024–2027): Soft robotics for ankle rehabilitation STRIDE-UC3M (2022–2024): Pediatric exoskeleton validation Advising : Supervised theses on SMA actuators, soft exoskeletons, and rehabilitation systems Her lab develops novel sensors and actuators, including a silver-coated polyamide sensor and multi-wire SMA actuators for high-displacement applications. Collaborations include Airbus and TechnoFusión facilities.
Olga Martin Cadiz is an Associate Professor at the University Carlos III of Madrid, affiliated with the Academic Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering. She is a member of the Polymers and Composites research group, associated with the Álvaro Alonso Barba Institute of Chemistry and Materials Technology. Her research focuses on polymer composites, nanotechnology, and functional materials for food packaging and industrial applications. Key areas include antibacterial materials, environmental sustainability, and the use of nanomaterials like graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, and MXene to enhance material properties. Recent publications highlight advancements in active food packaging , metal-polymer hybrids , and catalytic nanomaterials . Her work integrates nanotechnology for biocidal properties, flame retardancy, and catalytic applications. Notable Scientific Awards: Patent: Material compuesto antimicrobiano (2023) Patent: Nanocompuestos de sales dobles de cobre (2021) She supervises research projects on polymer-based antimicrobial materials and has participated in grants from institutions like the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI), Airbus Operations, and the Ministry of Science and Innovation.
Dr. Jose Manuel Sánchez Peña is a Full Professor at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), affiliated with the Grupo Universitario de Tecnologías de Identificación (GUTI). His research focuses on precision agriculture technologies, optoelectronics, and neuroscientific interfaces. He leads projects on drone-based crop monitoring, renewable energy systems, and machine learning applications in environmental science. Key research areas include: UAV remote sensing for water stress and weed management in viticulture and maize Optical communication systems leveraging photovoltaic integration Machine learning models for precision agriculture Neuroscientific studies on multisensory emotion elicitation Publishing trends show strong focus on: Drone technology advancements (42% of recent articles) Optoelectronics and VLC systems (28% of recent articles) Neuroscience applications (15% of recent articles) Sustainable agricultural practices (12% of recent articles) Laboratory activities center around GUTI's interdisciplinary teams working at the intersection of engineering, agriculture, and neurotechnology.
Katherine Villa is a Group Leader at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), where she leads cutting-edge research in light-driven systems for energy, health, and environmental applications. Her work bridges chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology, focusing on nanostructured photocatalysts and self-propelled micro/nanorobots. PhD in Chemistry from Autonomous University of Barcelona Former senior scientist at Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots, Prague Current research group leader at ICIQ, Tarragona, Spain Her research interests center on photocatalysis, nanomaterials, renewable energy, and environmental remediation . She designs nanostructured materials for solar fuel generation and develops photoactive micromotors for water purification and biomedical applications. Her work aligns with EU Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in clean energy and environmental protection. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in functional micro/nanorobots , gas-phase CO2 conversion , and advanced photocatalytic systems . These works span from fundamental charge transport studies to real-world applications in pollution removal and green hydrogen production. Scientific awards and honors include: ERC Starting Grant (2022) BBVA Leonardo Grant in Basic Sciences (2023) RSEQ Young Investigator Award – Group Leader (2023) Member, Young Academy of Spain (2023) BIST Mother of Science Award (2021) Member, Early Career Editorial Board, Applied Catalysis B She actively mentors a diverse team of PhD and master's students , and her group receives substantial funding from the European Research Council (ERC) , Horizon Europe , Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions , and Spanish national programs such as Juan de la Cierva and FPI . She is also involved in outreach, training workshops for grant applications, and public science communication. Her research group operates within a collaborative ecosystem at ICIQ, leveraging advanced scientific core facilities for material characterization, synthesis, and analysis. Projects like PhotoSwim , TherMotors , and PhotoClean reflect the interdisciplinary and innovative nature of her lab.
The Atomic Quantum Optics Group at ICFO, Barcelona , led by Morgan W. Mitchell , investigates quantum phenomena at the interface of light and matter. The group develops advanced sensing technologies with applications in biomedicine, space science, and fundamental physics. Research focuses on ultra-cold atoms, high-coherence photons, and entanglement, aiming to understand and utilize atomic coherence for quantum technologies. Their work includes pushing sensitivity limits in magnetic field detection, quantum thermometry, and miniaturized quantum devices. Recent publications highlight advancements in cavity-enhanced spin detection , anomalous noise in SERF magnetometry , and spread-spectrum magnetic sensing . These studies span quantum optics, atomic physics, and applied quantum technologies. Scientific awards include mentoring students like Joanna Zielinska and Carlos Abellan , who won the UPC Thesis Prize. The group actively trains PhD students, postdocs, and visiting researchers in quantum technologies.
Raul Sanchez Reillo is a Full Professor at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), affiliated with the Grupo Universitario de Tecnologías de Identificación (GUTI). His research focuses on biometric systems, mobile authentication, and security technologies. Key areas include presentation attack detection, vein recognition, and ECG biometrics. He leads projects involving smartphone-based biometric solutions, 3D printed markers, and standards development for biometric interoperability. Research interests span multiple modalities: fingerprint authentication, dynamic signature verification, gait recognition, and vascular biometrics. He emphasizes usability and accessibility in mobile environments, exploring ergonomics and user interaction challenges. His work integrates machine learning (transformers, RNNs) with hardware solutions like FPGA-based systems. Publications highlight innovations in spoofing detection, medical applications (ECG/vein analysis), and low-cost hardware implementations. He contributes to European standards (BioAPI, Hand Data Interchange Format) and evaluates security practices for R&D compliance with EU data protection regulations. Current initiatives include enhancing biometric systems for critical infrastructure security and improving accessibility for elderly users. Active in interdisciplinary collaborations, he leads the Mobile Pass project evaluating user interaction in biometric systems. His lab (GUTI) develops open testing methodologies for biometric performance under Common Criteria and environmental stressors. Recent work addresses vulnerabilities in mobile fingerprint sensors and the ethical implications of biometric-as-a-service models.
Eduard Massaguer Colomer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Construction Engineering at the University of Girona, where he is part of the School of Engineering. He is a Serra Húnter Fellow, reflecting his strong research and academic trajectory. He is affiliated with the Research Group in Fluids, Energy and Environmental Engineering (GREFEMA) and leads research in thermoelectric energy harvesting and waste heat recovery. His research focuses on improving the efficiency of thermoelectric generators for heat recovery in automotive, industrial, and renewable energy systems. Key areas include: Thermoelectric generator design and optimization Waste heat recovery from exhaust gases and industrial processes Integration with solar, biomass, and marine systems Dynamic modeling and experimental validation Technology transfer and spin-off development His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on energy conversion efficiency, transient thermal behavior, and practical applications of thermoelectric systems across transportation, industrial, and domestic sectors. He has contributed significantly to hybrid energy systems and low-cost solutions for rural electrification. His scientific awards include: Extraordinary Doctoral Award 2016 (UdG) Volkswagen Think Blue Award 2015 Seal of Excellence 2019 (European Commission) Multiple awards from Repsol Foundation, Iberdrola Foundation, and La Caixa He has supervised two doctoral theses and led multiple competitive research projects, securing over €320k as Principal Investigator and €500k in total funding. His work has led to four patents and five technology transfer contracts. He co-founded the spin-off Nabla Thermoelectrics SL (2016–2021), demonstrating strong industry collaboration and innovation impact. He is actively involved in research leadership, having served as guest editor for a special issue on Solar Thermoelectric Generators in MDPI Energies. His lab work centers on the Heat and Cold Laboratory at the University of Girona, where experimental validation and prototype development are conducted.
Dr. Paul Pistor is an Associate Professor at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide , affiliated with the Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems and the Center for Nanoscience and Sustainable Technologies (CNATS) . His research focuses on the physics and materials science of solar cells, particularly perovskite and kesterite thin films. Research areas include Photovoltaic materials engineering Thin film stability and degradation Crystallography of photovoltaic compounds Advanced characterization techniques Email: ppis@upo.es
Iván Mora-Seró is a Research Professor at the Universitat Jaume I de Castelló (Spain), where he leads the Group of Advanced Semiconductors at the Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM). He completed his M.Sc. in Physics in 1997 and Ph.D. in Physics in 2004 from Universitat de València. His research career began with crystal growth of semiconductors, establishing Spain's first laboratory dedicated to MOCVD epitaxial growth. Since 2002, he has been at Universitat Jaume I, where he started his research line on quantum dot sensitized solar cells in 2006. Dr. Mora-Seró's research focuses on: Semiconductor physics and crystal growth Optoelectronic devices and photovoltaic systems Nanoscaled semiconductor materials including quantum dots Lead halide perovskites for solar cells and light-emitting applications Photocatalysis and water splitting systems His recent work centers on two main research lines: semiconductor quantum dots and lead halide perovskites, with the latter being particularly significant in advancing optoelectronic device technology. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on perovskite materials for solar energy conversion, with particular attention to stability improvements, lead-free alternatives, and novel device architectures that enhance efficiency while addressing environmental concerns. Dr. Mora-Seró has received numerous scientific awards and recognitions: Juan de la Cierva Fellowship from the Spanish government Ramon y Cajal Fellowship from the Spanish government Idea Award (2011) in physico-chemical sciences from Generalitat Valenciana Research Award from Universitat Jaume I (2019) Fellowship at Weizmann Institute, Israel (2016) Included in the Highly Cited Researchers list of Web of Science (2016-2020) As a principal investigator, Dr. Mora-Seró has supervised numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers through the INAM training programs. His research has been supported by various grants that have enabled the publication of over 200 papers, with his work on perovskite solar cells being particularly influential in the field. He leads a vibrant research team at INAM that focuses on developing next-generation semiconductor materials for energy applications. Dr. Mora-Seró's laboratory at INAM includes state-of-the-art facilities for semiconductor growth, device fabrication, and materials characterization. His research group collaborates extensively with international partners, contributing to several scientific networks and projects focused on advanced materials for sustainable energy solutions.
Santiago Badia is a Full Professor of Computational Science and Engineering at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), holding an adjoint researcher position at the International Center for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE). He leads the Large Scale Scientific Computing (LSSC) group at CIMNE, focusing on finite element methods, numerical analysis, and high-performance computing. His research emphasizes fluid dynamics, multiphysics problems, and scalable solvers for large-scale systems. Previously, he worked at Politecnico di Milano and Sandia National Labs. He developed the FEMPAR software framework, a parallel finite element tool for PDE simulations, achieving landmark scalability (e.g., 60 billion unknowns on 458,672 cores). FEMPAR is recognized in the High-Q Club of European codes. His expertise includes discontinuous Galerkin methods, XFEM, and domain decomposition preconditioners. Research interests span metal additive manufacturing, superconductor devices, and nuclear engineering applications. Awards include FEMPAR's High-Q Club inclusion. He advises PhD and MSc students (e.g., Jesus Bonilla, Eric Neiva, Marc Olm) and has open positions in postdoc/PhD levels. His team includes researchers like Javier Principe and Alberto Martín. Ongoing projects involve advancing parallel algorithms, multiphysics simulations, and software scalability for exascale computing.
Juan Carlos Torres Zafra is a Visiting Professor at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. His research focuses on optoelectronics, liquid crystal technologies, visible light communication (VLC), and sensor systems. His work spans interdisciplinary areas including energy-harvesting IoT nodes, indoor positioning systems, and optical communication interfaces for high-definition media transmission. Torres Zafra has contributed to advancements in semiconductor materials (e.g., perovskites), low-cost sensor networks, and hybrid RF-VLC positioning systems. His research also extends to educational technology, exploring tools like Telegram and Google Workspace for improving student engagement in cybersecurity engineering programs. Notable projects include the GUTI group's work on optical vortices using liquid crystal devices and the development of tunable resonators based on liquid crystal capacitance. His publications from 2020–2025 highlight trends in VLC system optimization, AI-driven disinformation detection (SmartVote-AI initiative), and medical studies on amyloidosis therapy outcomes. Torres Zafra’s work often emphasizes practical applications in robotics, automotive systems, and sustainable energy solutions. While no formal awards are listed, his extensive publication record (over 80 entries from 2004–2025) reflects sustained contributions to photonics, sensor engineering, and liquid crystal device innovation. His research integrates hardware design, algorithm development, and material science to address challenges in modern communication systems and assistive technologies for visually impaired patients.
