Laura Rodriguez-Lorenzo

Laura Rodriguez-Lorenzo serves as a Research Scientist and Principal Investigator at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), leading the Water Quality group within the Espiña Research Group. Her work bridges nanotechnology and environmental science to address critical water contamination challenges.

Her academic foundation includes a Diploma in Chemistry (2007) and PhD in Nanotechnology (2012), both earned at the University of Vigo, Spain. This dual expertise enables her innovative approach to environmental monitoring systems.

Research focuses on developing real-time detection devices for biotoxins, organic pollutants, and emerging contaminants like microplastics in aquatic environments, alongside integrated urban wastewater purification systems. Her methodology heavily leverages nanomaterial engineering and optical sensing techniques, particularly Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS), to create field-deployable solutions for water quality assessment.

Recent publications reveal a consistent trajectory toward multifunctional nanosensors combining SERS with microfluidics for pathogen detection in complex matrices like seawater and food systems, demonstrating strong translational potential from laboratory to real-world environmental monitoring.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• L'Oréal Fellowship "For Women in Science" (2013)
• Ranked among "100 most influential young people in francophone Swiss zone" by L'Hebdo journal (2015)

She actively contributes to major research initiatives including LABPLAS, D4runoff, DIGIRAS, FRONTSH1P, and R&W Clean projects, with additional industrial collaborations through KET4CP. These efforts focus on developing scalable nanotechnology solutions for water safety and pollution control.

As leader of the Water Quality group at INL, she directs research on nanoparticle-based biosensors and contaminant monitoring systems within the Espiña Research Group framework, maintaining strong industry and EU project partnerships to advance practical environmental applications.