Ana María Pizarro Arranz

Dr. Ana María Pizarro Arranz serves as an Assistant Professor (tenure track) at IMDEA Nanoscience since January 2014, where she leads research on metallodrug applications in cancer therapy. Holding a PhD in Chemistry from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (2004), she previously conducted postdoctoral work at University of Edinburgh and University of Warwick.

Education:

• PhD in Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 2004 (Supervisor: Prof. C. Navarro-Ranninger)

Her research exploits transition metal complexes (ruthenium, osmium, iridium) to modulate cancer cell machinery at the molecular nano-scale. This interdisciplinary work bridges inorganic chemistry and oncology, focusing on cytotoxic compound mechanisms and cellular interactions.

Research Focus:

• Trans-platinum cytotoxic compounds
• Organometallic ruthenium-based metallodrugs
• Anticancer mechanisms in tumor cells
• Nano-space molecular modulation
• Metallodrug-cell machinery interactions
• Cancer cell targeting strategies

Scientific Recognition:

• Marie Curie Fellowship (EIF) for work with Prof. P.J. Sadler FRS
• Ramón y Cajal Fellowship enabling IMDEA Nanoscience appointment

Dr. Pizarro coordinates IMDEA's Cell Culture Unit and Microbiology facilities while serving as one of ten guarantors for the Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence award. Her leadership extends to core facility management and institutional research strategy. She leads the 'Metallodrugs to Modulate Cancer Cell Machinery' research group, advancing nanomedicine approaches for cancer treatment through transition metal chemistry.