Manuel Valdano

Dr. Manuel Valdano is an Assistant Professor at the School of Engineering of Comillas Pontifical University, affiliated with the Institute for Research in Technology (IIT). His expertise lies in computational mechanics and biomechanics, focusing on crashworthiness and vehicle safety engineering using multibody and finite element models.

Education:

• Mechanical Engineering (2018), Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto, Argentina

Research Interests:

• Collision biomechanics of vehicle occupants
• Seatbelt system optimization
• E-scooter rider safety analysis
• Finite element modeling of human body responses
• Certification methods for automotive dummy models

Key Projects (2021-2027):

• Development of High Dynamic Actuator (HDA) for crash simulation (EU-funded)
• Injury mitigation strategies for Vision Zero initiatives (European Commission)
• Cervical injury prevention in e-scooter users (Fundación Mapfre)
• WHO global road safety data analysis (2023)

Grants & Collaborations:

• Línea Directa: Gender biomechanical differences in frontal impacts
• Autoliv: Simulation and active structures (2023 exchange)
• CEESAR: New occupant seating positions (2021-2024)

Labs/Teams: Affiliated with IIT's Vehicle Safety and Biomechanics research groups, collaborating with Autoliv, WHO, and European automotive safety organizations.