Josep F Abril

Josep F. Abril is a researcher at the Universitat de Barcelona, leading the Computational Genomics Lab. He holds a MSc in Biology (UB, 1998) and a PhD in Genomics (UPF, 2005). His work focuses on computational analysis of eukaryotic genomes, including genome assembly, transcriptome analysis, and modeling molecular interactions. Key projects include the Smed454 dataset for planarian transcriptomics and tools like PlanExp and PPaxe for data integration. He has contributed to ENCODE and RGASP projects, and developed visualization tools like gff2ps. His research spans regenerative biology, virology, and genetic disease mechanisms. Awards include the Juan de la Cierva Postdoctoral Fellowship. He co-directed PhD theses on viral metagenomics and planarian stem cells, and collaborates across disciplines in genetics, bioinformatics, and public health.

• Education: MSc Biology (UB, 1998), PhD Genomics (UPF, 2005)
• Affiliations: Bioinformatics Unit, IBUB; Genetics Department, UB

Research Interests: Computational genomics, transcriptomics, regenerative biology, viral metagenomics, and systems biology. Projects include planarian stem cell regulation, SARS-CoV-2 analysis, and genetic studies of bone diseases.

Publications: Over 80 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on genome annotation, virology, and developmental biology. Recent work addresses coronavirus surveillance and regenerative signaling pathways.

Grants & Students: Led a 2010–2012 research project grant; advised PhD candidates like Natàlia Timoneda and Gustavo Rodriguez-Esteban. Collaborates with groups in virology, genetics, and computational biology.