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.
María Teresa Pérez Prior is Associate Professor and Director of the Álvaro Alonso Barba Institute of Chemistry and Materials Technology at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Her research develops advanced materials for energy applications including fuel cells, batteries, and sustainable technologies. She specializes in polymer electrolyte membranes, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and hybrid composites for electrochemical devices. Recent innovations include high-conductivity membranes using HKUST-1 MOFs and cross-linked polymer-ceramic electrolytes. She leads multiple international projects including HERSUS and ECOBUILT initiatives focused on sustainable materials. Dr. Pérez Prior has published extensively on anion-exchange membranes, proton conductors, and multifunctional composites in journals such as Chemistry of Materials and ACS Applied Polymer Materials , with over 60 peer-reviewed publications.
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.
Helena Roco Taboada is an Interim Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology at the University of Santiago de Compostela. She holds a PhD from the same institution for her thesis on 'Quality-by-design approach for the development of lipid-based nanosystems for anti-mycobacterial therapy' (2021), supervised by Dr. Mariana Landín Pérez and Dr. Carmen Remuñán López. She is affiliated with the Faculty of Sciences and is part of the Strategic Grouping in Materials (AEMAT) and the ID-FARMA research group focusing on dosage forms and drug release systems. Her research interests center on pharmaceutical technology, drug delivery systems, and nanomedicine, with a focus on applications in anti-mycobacterial therapy, osteoporosis treatment, and bone regeneration. Her work integrates lipid-based nanosystems, targeted drug delivery, and AI-driven formulation strategies. Recent projects include developing lipid nanoparticles for clofazimine delivery and thermosensitive hydrogels for osteoarthritis management. Her publications span topics like nanoparticle functionalization, cryoprotectant optimization in lyophilization, and AI tools for nanostructured lipid carrier design. She is active in interdisciplinary collaborations within materials science and biomedical engineering.
Carmen Fonseca Valero serves as a Professor within the Department of Mechanical, Chemical Engineering and Industrial Design at the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Her academic career at the institution commenced on July 30, 1998, establishing over 25 years of continuous service in mechanical and industrial engineering disciplines. Her research spans interdisciplinary materials science with emphasis on polymer applications. Key focus areas include Building and Construction materials, Ceramics and Composites development, Construction Technology innovation, and fundamental studies in Condensed Matter Physics and Chemistry. This diverse portfolio reflects integration of engineering principles with materials characterization methodologies. Since June 14, 2005, she has been an active member of the Polymers, Characterization and Applications research group, driving collaborative projects at the intersection of polymer science and industrial design. Her work demonstrates consistent engagement with both theoretical frameworks and practical engineering solutions. Professional correspondence may be directed to carmen.fonseca@upm.es , reflecting her ongoing institutional affiliation and academic activities.
Juan Luis Ramos Suárez is a Researcher at the University of La Laguna within the Higher Technical School of Agricultural Engineering , focusing on Agricultural and Natural Environment Engineering . His work bridges organic waste treatment with renewable energy systems. Education : PhD in Agro-Environmental Technology (2014) from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. International Experience : Professional roles in Chile, Germany, and Spain. His research interests include: Biogas production from agricultural residues and microalgae Biorefinery concepts for waste valorization Development of low-cost anaerobic digesters Combining amino acid extraction with energy recovery Key trends from his publications (2024–2014) show: Advancements in cheese whey and poultry manure co-digestion Innovations in plug-flow digester design Economic viability studies for industrial applications Mechanistic analysis of biodegradable plastic biodegradation Scientific Achievements : PhD grant from Spain's Ministry of Science and Innovation (2010–2014) He contributes to project technical coordination, pilot plant development, and applied research in circular economy systems.
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.
Ignacio Insua López is a Ramón y Cajal researcher at the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain), affiliated with the Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology within the Faculty of Pharmacy. He leads research in the ID-FARMA group, focusing on drug delivery systems and supramolecular peptide nanomaterials. His work is conducted at the Research Center in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CIQUS) and the Strategic Grouping in Materials (AEMAT). Dr. Insua López holds a PhD from the University of Birmingham (UK), awarded in 2017 for his thesis on polyion complex nanoparticles for antimicrobial delivery. His research interests span peptide-based nanomaterials, self-assembly processes, and biomimetic systems, with applications in antimicrobial materials and drug delivery. His lab (insualab.com) explores supramolecular chemistry, coacervates, and functional nanostructures. His recent publications highlight advancements in peptide amphiphile design, fluorescent nanoparticles, and biomaterials with environmental responsiveness. Collaborations include studies on fungal symbionts and enzyme-responsive drug carriers. Despite no explicit awards listed, his prolific output reflects recognition in supramolecular and pharmaceutical research.
María Belén Montero Rodríguez is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Earth Sciences at the Faculty of Sciences, University of A Coruña (UDC), Spain. Her work integrates applied physics with advanced polymer materials, focusing on sustainability, recycling, and functional applications in food packaging and engineering. She teaches across diverse programs including Nanoscience, Textile Technology, Industrial Design, and Environmental Management. Her research interests center on sustainable polymer systems , including biopolymers, mechanical recycling, waste valorization, rheology, nanocomposites, hybrid polymers (especially epoxy and POSS), fracture mechanics, and active packaging for food preservation. She is a key member of the Grupo de Polímeros , contributing to both fundamental and applied research. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in green materials science , with emphasis on biodegradable composites, microencapsulation of bioactive compounds, recycling of polymers, and development of hybrid nanomaterials. Her work bridges polymer chemistry, materials engineering, and environmental sustainability, often targeting industrial applications in packaging, electronics, and construction. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text. She actively supervises final-year and master's students, with thesis topics focusing on biopolymers, active packaging, and nanocomposite development. She participates in multiple funded research projects from national (AEI), regional (Xunta de Galicia), and European (European Commission) agencies, indicating sustained grant support. Her collaborations span institutions in Spain and internationally, often with researchers such as Luis Barral, Maite Rico, and Rebeca Bouza. She is involved in various research groups and conferences, contributing to the broader polymer science community. Laboratories and Research Teams: She is a core member of the Grupo de Polímeros at UDC, Ferrol campus, where experimental work on polymer synthesis, processing, and characterization is conducted. The group focuses on applied polymer research with industrial and environmental relevance.
Prof. Fabienne Barroso Bujans is an Ikerbasque Research Professor at the Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) and the Materials Physics Center (CFM) in San Sebastián, Spain. Her research group focuses on topological polymers, cyclic polymer synthesis, and their applications in nanodevices and graphene-based hybrid materials. She leads a multidisciplinary team exploring polymer confinement, functionalization, and biomedical applications. Her work emphasizes the synthesis of cyclic polymers using novel methodologies like zwitterionic ring-opening polymerization (ZROP) with B(C6F5)3 catalysts. Key areas include understanding polymer dynamics under confinement, developing luminescent polymer-ruthenium complexes, and creating nanomaterials for energy and biomedical uses. She has supervised numerous students, including PhD candidates and visiting researchers supported by grants like 'Woman for Africa.' Recent research highlights include the 2024 study on glycidol polymerization kinetics and the 2022 work on macrocyclic polymer applications. Her group has pioneered methods to isolate and characterize cyclic polymers using UPLC-MS/MS and dielectric spectroscopy. She actively recruits interns and postdocs, emphasizing organic chemistry and polymer science expertise. Founded research group in 2016 Collaborations with international institutions (e.g., Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Beni-Suef University) Key facilities: DIPC labs in Donostia
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.
Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and EngineeringSpain
Kenichi Oyaizu is a Professor in the Department of Applied Chemistry at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo. His research spans polymer chemistry, energy storage, and materials science, with a focus on functional polymers for batteries, hydrogen storage, and high refractive index applications. He maintains active collaborations across academia and industry. Professor Oyaizu's research centers on designing polymers with tailored redox properties for energy storage systems, including organic radical batteries and hydrogen carriers. He pioneers high refractive index materials through molecular engineering of hydrogen-bonded networks and sulfur-rich frameworks. His group integrates machine learning with experimental synthesis, utilizing lossless data platforms for materials discovery and optimization in electrochemistry and optical applications. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2020-2025) reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) High-refractive-index polymers leveraging hydrogen bonding and sulfur incorporation for optical devices, (2) Energy storage systems using redox-active polymers for batteries and hydrogen carriers, and (3) Materials informatics approaches applying generative models and quantum-inspired algorithms to accelerate polymer design. These streams demonstrate consistent innovation in structure-property relationships for functional materials. No scientific awards or major honors are documented in the provided materials. Professor Oyaizu leads an active research group mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in polymer synthesis and characterization. His work receives funding from Japanese national agencies supporting sustainable energy materials and advanced polymer research, though specific grant details are not disclosed in the source text. Current projects emphasize machine learning-driven development of solid-state electrolytes and hydrogen storage polymers. His laboratory operates within Waseda University's advanced materials infrastructure, utilizing specialized facilities for polymer synthesis, electrochemical testing, and optical characterization. The team collaborates with international researchers on battery technologies and participates in university-industry consortia focused on sustainable materials development, with recent projects highlighted in Waseda University News and EurekAlert!.
Gerard Puig is a Professor in the Department of Analytical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry at the University of Rovira i Virgili . He is affiliated with the Sustainable Polymers research group, focusing on polymer chemistry and sustainable materials development. Academic Qualifications : Doctor of Chemistry, Degree in Chemistry Contact : C/ Marcel·li Domingo s/n, 43007 Tarragona (Tarragona), Phone: 977558286 ORCID : 0000-0002-8519-1840 His research areas include Polymer Chemistry , Sustainable Materials , and Green Chemistry , with a focus on advancing environmentally friendly polymer technologies. No specific publications or awards are detailed in the provided text.
Manel del Valle is a Full Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), leading the Sensors & Biosensors Group. He specializes in electrochemical sensors, electronic tongues, and biosensor arrays, with contributions to environmental, pharmaceutical, and security applications. His work integrates nanotechnology and artificial intelligence for advanced data processing. PhD in Chemistry (1992) and B.Sc. in Chemistry (1986) from UAB. Former roles: Associate Professor (1997–2018), Assistant Professor (1989–1997). Research interests focus on sensor array design, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and automated analytical systems. He has coordinated EU projects like BORDERSENS (H2020) and authored over 220 publications with an h-index of 84. Awards include the ICREA Academy Distinction and multiple research sexennia. Awards: 3rd National Prize for Studies, Extraordinary Doctorate Award, Medical Journal Research Award. Supervised 28 doctoral theses and 36 final projects across chemistry, engineering, and environmental sciences. Current projects include development of portable drug detection devices and bioelectronic tongues for environmental monitoring. Collaborates widely on electronic tongue applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and security.
