Xavier Trepat

Xavier Trepat is an ICREA Research Professor and Group Leader at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), affiliated with the University of Barcelona. His academic journey includes a BSc in Physics (2000), a BSc in Engineering (2001), and a PhD in Medical Sciences (2004) from the University of Barcelona. He conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard University and later held positions at the University of Barcelona and IBEC, becoming an ICREA Research Professor in 2011.

His research focuses on mechanobiology, integrating physics and biology to study cellular and tissue dynamics. Key areas include cytoskeletal mechanics, collective cell migration, cancer metastasis, and organoid engineering. He has pioneered techniques like traction force microscopy and microfluidic platforms (e.g., MIRO chip) to model tumor-stroma interactions.

Recent work highlights include uncovering mechanical signaling pathways (YAP/TAZ-TEAD), the role of nuclear mechanics in cancer, and the development of 3D tissue models. His studies on durotaxis and collective cell migration have advanced understanding of how cells sense and respond to mechanical cues. Collaborations span institutions like Harvard, MIT, and leading research centers globally.