Dr. Rajesh Bera is a Research Fellow at ICFO's Functional Optoelectronic Nanomaterials group specializing in quantum-confined nanostructures. His research examines ultrafast carrier dynamics, excitonic properties, and optoelectronic applications of nanomaterials including quantum dots, nanoplatelets, and hybrid nanostructures. Current investigations focus on intraband transitions in doped nanocrystals, orientation-dependent excitonic behavior in 2D materials, and charge transfer mechanisms in heterostructure devices. Work bridges fundamental photophysics with applications in photodetection, sensing, and energy conversion. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in time-resolved spectroscopy of quantum materials, nanomaterial synthesis via colloidal chemistry, and rational design of optoelectronic devices. Continually develops novel characterization methods to probe ultrafast processes at nanoscale interfaces.
Luo Mai is an Assistant Professor at the University of Edinburgh's School of Informatics , with an upcoming promotion to Associate Professor (UK Reader) in August 2025. He leads the Large-Scale Machine Learning Systems Group and co-leads the UK EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Machine Learning Systems and an ARIA Project on Scaling AI Compute by 1000X . PhD in Computer Science (Imperial College London, 2018) MRes in Advanced Computing (Imperial College London, 2012) His research focuses on the intersection of computer systems , machine learning , and data management . Key contributions include award-winning systems like WaferLLM (wafer-scale LLM inference), Tenplex (elastic ML), and ServerlessLLM (serverless LLM serving), published at top venues (OSDI, SOSP, ICML, NeurIPS, JMLR). Recent publications demonstrate trends in GPU-based distributed systems , LLM optimization , and adaptive machine learning . His team has developed groundbreaking open-source projects including TensorLayer , TorchOpt , and ServerlessLLM . Awarded Microsoft Research StarTrack Scholar (2024) , secured ARIA grant (2024) with Imperial College & Cambridge University, and received Google Fellowship during PhD (2012-2016). As an educator, he designed Edinburgh's popular Machine Learning Systems course (150+ students). His group supervises multiple PhD students including Yao Fu (recognized as 2024 Rising Star in ML & Systems) and Leyang Xue .
Prof. Daniel Ortega Ponce is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Cádiz's Condensed Matter Physics Department. He holds a PhD in Condensed Matter Physics from the University of Cádiz (2007) and has held positions including Ramón y Cajal Researcher (2020-2024), Marie Curie Fellow at University College London (2009-2012), and leadership roles in institutions like IMDEA Nanoscience and INiBICA. His research focuses on magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical applications, including hyperthermia, tissue engineering, and nanomedicine. Education: BSc in Chemistry of Materials (University of Cádiz, 2001) MSc in Industrial Process Engineering (2003) PhD in Condensed Matter Physics (2007) Research interests span nanomaterials for hyperthermia, magnetic nanoparticle synthesis, and in vivo thermal diagnostics. He leads the Nanoteranostics group at INiBICA and coordinates national and European networks in nanomedicine. Awards include EPSRC Peer Review College membership and Marie Curie fellowships. His work bridges physics, materials science, and clinical translation, with over 60 publications and 15 invited conference talks. Scientific awards include: Ramón y Cajal Researcher (2020-2024) EPSRC Peer Review College Member COST Action Coordinator (RADIOMAG, 2014-2018) Grants and collaborations involve leadership in the RedLab In Silico Electromagnetic Testing Lab and advisory roles for EU and international funding bodies. His research emphasizes computational modeling (in silico) for hyperthermia safety and efficacy, alongside experimental advancements in nanoparticle design.
Angel Manuel Carrion Rodriguez is a University Professor at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide, affiliated with the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology. His research focuses on Translational Neuroscience and Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Neuronal Plasticity. Research Trends: Recent publications highlight roles of HERC1 ubiquitin ligase in autophagy and neurodegenerative diseases, steroid sulfatase inhibitors in Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s therapies, and AMPK–NLRP3 inflammasome interactions in fibromyalgia and pain modulation. Academic Background: He earned his doctorate from Universidad Complutense de Madrid in 1997, supervised by Dr. Jose Ramon Naranjo Orovio. His work intersects Biology, Biotechnology, and Health Sciences. Labs & Groups: He leads the tNeuro Translational Neuroscience Group and has been part of the Neuroscience Laboratory, emphasizing neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Tiark Rompf is an Assistant Professor at Purdue University , with research spanning programming languages, compilers, and systems. His work bridges domains including architecture, databases, machine learning, and AI through projects like Reachability Types and Rhyme. Co-director of the Purdue Center for Programming Principles and Software Systems (PurPL) Scientific Advisor at SambaNova Systems Previously a member of the Scala team at EPFL His research focuses on: Runtime code generation and advanced compiler technology Expressive data-centric query languages (Rhyme, Datalog) Reachability type systems for memory safety and effect handling Metaprogramming and logical relations for formal verification Recent publications highlight contributions to Datalog compilation (Flan), nested data structures (Rhyme), and polymorphic reachability types. He leads projects exploring: Compiler optimizations for emerging architectures (GPU, TPU, FPGA) ML-driven compiler improvements Secure multi-party computation via metaprogramming Scientific awards include: NSF CAREER Award (2016) Google Faculty Research Awards (2017, 2018) DOE Early Career Research Award (2017) ACM SIGPLAN PL Software Award (2019) GPCE Test of Time Award (2020) Students and alumni from his group have joined institutions like Databricks, DeepMind, Galois, and Meta. He teaches advanced compiler courses including: CS 590 - Advanced Topics in Compilers CS 352 - Compilers CS 502 - Graduate Compilers
Prof. Michael Krieg leads the Neurophotonics and Mechanical Systems Biology group at the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), focusing on mechanosensation and cell mechanics in health/disease. His research uses C. elegans as a model, combining optogenetics, optical tweezers, and microfluidics to study how mechanical forces influence biology. Key areas include protein condensates in touch sensing, neurodegeneration under mechanical stress, and synthetic neural circuits. Technological innovations include time-shared optical tweezers for microrheology and photon-based communication systems. He received a Proof of Concept Grant (2023) for advancing these tools. Current projects explore age-related viscoelastic changes in cells and 'prosthetic' cellular communication systems. Advising and hiring: Open PhD positions in neuronal cell biology and biochemistry master’s projects. Collaborations involve deep learning microscopy and synthetic biology approaches to mechanobiology.
Dr. Simone Mortal is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), part of the SLN - Team Loza research group. They hold a PhD in Neurobiology from the International School for Advanced Studies (Italy). Their work focuses on advanced imaging techniques and cellular neurobiology, with specialties in super-resolution imaging, multiphoton microscopy, and confocal microscopy. Research interests include mechanisms of glioblastoma replication, neuronal mechanotransduction, microtubule dynamics in neurodegenerative diseases, and cytoskeletal roles in neuronal development. Dr. Mortal's research bridges biophysics and neuroscience, addressing fundamental questions about cellular signaling and disease mechanisms. They are based in Barcelona, Spain, and can be reached at Simone.Mortal@icfo.eu. Education: PhD in Neurobiology (International School for Advanced Studies, Italy). Research Themes: Investigating calcium signaling in neurodegeneration, mechanosensitive pathways in neurons, and actin dynamics during neuronal maturation. Their studies employ cutting-edge microscopy techniques to visualize cellular processes at high resolution, with a focus on glioma-derived exosome effects, growth cone mechanics, and cytoskeletal scaffolding in neural development. Labs/Teams: Active member of the SLN - Team Loza group at ICFO, specializing in neurobiophotonics and cellular imaging.
José Antonio Del Río Fernández is a distinguished Professor and Group Leader at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) , where he directs the Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology group. His work bridges developmental neurobiology , neurodegeneration , and lab-on-chip technology , focusing on diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's . He has been active in academic research for over 30 years, previously affiliated with institutions such as the University of Barcelona , Frankfurt University , and Imperial College London . Education : PhD , University of Barcelona (1994) Research Interests center on neurodegenerative disease mechanisms , particularly the spreading of tau and α-synuclein in conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and axon regeneration after CNS injury. His group pioneers lab-on-chip devices to model neurobiological processes and test regenerative therapies. Collaborations span institutions such as Imperial College , i3A, Zaragoza , and Biodonostia Hospital . Scientific Contributions include over 170 publications, with a H-index of 48 (Web of Science) and 55 (Google Scholar), and significant advancements in understanding prion protein interactions in neurodegeneration. His recent work explores optogenetics for axon regeneration and multitarget compounds for Alzheimer's therapy. He has mentored 24 PhD students , 26 Master's students , and 15 postdoctoral fellows , reflecting a strong commitment to academic training. Scientific Awards : Fundación Francisco Cobos CSIC Award (2001) Generalitat of Catalunya Award of Young Researcher (2003) Research Trends demonstrate a focus on neurodegenerative disease mechanisms , lab-on-chip platforms , and axon regeneration strategies . His collaborations with institutions like Imperial College London and University of Zaragoza highlight interdisciplinary approaches integrating biomaterials , optogenetics , and computational modeling .
Anabel-Lise Le Roux is a Researcher at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) within the Cellular and Molecular Mechanobiology research group. Her work focuses on understanding how mechanical forces and membrane dynamics regulate cellular processes, particularly in the context of signaling pathways, mechanotransduction, and cancer biology. She employs advanced imaging and biophysical techniques to study protein-membrane interactions and their implications in health and disease. Key research themes include lipid-driven protein self-assembly (e.g., Src kinase), membrane curvature sensing by BAR proteins, and the role of mechanical strain in secretory trafficking. Her findings bridge biophysics and cell biology, with applications in understanding cellular mechanosensing and oncogenic transformation mechanisms. Collaborations span experimental and theoretical approaches, including computational modeling of protein-membrane interactions. Le Roux’s contributions include pioneering studies on YAP nuclear entry mechanics and membrane tension regulation at the leading edge of migrating cells. Her work has been published in high-impact journals such as *Nature Communications*, *Elife*, and *The EMBO Journal*.
Armajac Raventós Pujol is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Economics at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M). He also currently conducts research projects at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) focusing on economics, political science, and marketing models. He holds a PhD in Mathematics from the Universidad Pública de Navarra (2022), a Master’s in Fundamental Mathematics from Sorbonne Universities (with a grant from Fondation des Sciences Mathématiques de Paris), and dual degrees in Mathematics and Physics from the Universitat de Barcelona (2015). His research centers on mathematical models for social choice, polarization measures, and applications of algebraic and differential topology to economics. Key areas include fuzzy preference aggregation, axiomatic analysis of inequality measures, and topological approaches to Arrow’s Impossibility Theorem. Recent work explores the integration of fuzzy logic with classical decision theory frameworks. Publications highlight interdisciplinary methods, blending topology with social choice theory and financial modelling (e.g., applying the Black-Litterman model in sports betting contexts). His research portfolio demonstrates a focus on rigorous mathematical foundations for real-world decision-making challenges. Raventós Pujol previously worked in financial consulting and has contributed to projects modeling economic and political phenomena. He maintains an active academic presence, with ongoing collaborations in cross-disciplinary mathematical economics.
Jordi Torres Durall is a Researcher at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) within the Molecular Bionics research group, focusing on molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders with emphasis on prion diseases and their intersections with proteinopathies like Alzheimer's disease. Research Focus: His work centers on cellular prion protein (PrPC) functions, miRNA dysregulation in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and cross-pathology interactions between prion disorders and Alzheimer's disease. Key methodologies include transgenic mouse models (APP/PS1), neurocellular assays (Neuro2a), and molecular profiling of protein aggregation pathways. His investigations reveal PrPC's role in modulating amyloid-beta deposition and EGFR signaling, alongside discovery of subtype-specific miRNA signatures as potential neurodegenerative biomarkers. Publication Trends: Analysis of his 2013-2018 publications shows consistent focus on molecular characterization of prion disease mechanisms, with increasing translational emphasis on biomarker discovery and public health implications. His collaborative work spans European research networks, addressing both fundamental mechanisms (protein misfolding, RNA regulation) and applied concerns like food chain safety from prion transmission risks. Research Environment: As core member of IBEC's Molecular Bionics group, Torres Durall contributes to a multidisciplinary ecosystem integrating bioengineering approaches with neuroscience to develop diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative conditions, leveraging IBEC's advanced core facilities and hospital partnerships.
Benedetta Bolognesi is a Group Leader at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), focusing on protein phase transitions in health and disease. She previously earned her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge (UK) under Prof. Chris Dobson, studying amyloid-beta aggregation in Alzheimer's disease. Her postdoctoral work at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (Barcelona, Spain) was supported by a Marie Curie Interdisciplinary Fellowship. Current Role: Group Leader, Protein Phase Transitions in Health and Disease Research Focus: Protein aggregation mechanisms, amyloid formation, deep mutational scanning (DMS), yeast models for neurodegenerative diseases Her research employs DMS to quantify mutation effects on disordered protein domains, particularly in amyloid-beta and prion-like proteins. She investigates liquid condensates and amyloids in neurodegenerative contexts like Alzheimer's and Fragile X syndrome. Recent publications demonstrate her leadership in amyloid nucleation studies using high-throughput methods and interpretable AI models. Collaborations include researchers like Ben Lehner and Mireia Seuma. Her work bridges bioengineering and molecular biology to decode protein aggregation rules. Bolognesi's lab at IBEC explores protein phase transitions through interdisciplinary approaches, integrating yeast systems and computational biology. Key contributions include atlases of variant effects and insights into amyloid transition states.
Prof. Juan Cabanillas González is a Senior Research Professor at IMDEA Nanociencia in Madrid, Spain, where he leads a research group focused on the photophysical characterization of luminescent materials and their application in photonics and sensing. He obtained his PhD in Physics from Imperial College London and conducted postdoctoral research at Politecnico di Milano before joining IMDEA Nanociencia in 2009 as a Ramón y Cajal Fellow. PhD in Physics, Imperial College London (1999–2004) MSc in Physics, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (1994–1999) His research centers on organic photonics , particularly the use of time-resolved spectroscopy to study conjugated polymers and organic semiconductors . Key areas include optical gain in polymer systems, exciton dynamics in blends, and the fabrication of polymer-based laser resonators and waveguides using soft nanoimprint lithography . His group also develops fluorescent chemosensors with high sensitivity for gas and liquid phase analytes, leveraging fluorescence quenching mechanisms. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in ultrafast photophysics , energy transfer processes , and advanced spectroscopic techniques applied to novel organic nanomaterials such as porphyrin-nanographene conjugates and conjugated polyrotaxanes. His work bridges fundamental photophysics with device applications in lasers and sensors. He has mentored several PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have advanced to academic and industrial positions. His group collaborates with in-house teams at IMDEA, particularly the Nanostructured Functional Surfaces group. The group operates within state-of-the-art facilities at IMDEA Nanociencia, utilizing advanced spectroscopy and nanofabrication tools for the development of next-generation organic optoelectronic devices.
Vanesa Guerrero Lozano is an Associate Professor in the Department of Statistics at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, affiliated with the Flores de Lemus Institute and the UC3M-Santander Big Data Institute. Her work bridges mathematical optimization, statistical modeling, and data science, with applications across disciplines including biomedicine, fluid mechanics, and sustainable development. Her research focuses on developing advanced statistical methodologies using mathematical optimization. Key interests include shape-constrained regression, P-splines smoothing, sparse modeling, clustering of categorical data, and interpretable machine learning. She applies these techniques to complex datasets in turbulence modeling, biological age imputation, and pandemic forecasting. The recent publications reveal a strong trend in integrating optimization techniques with statistical learning, particularly in nonparametric and semiparametric models. There is a consistent emphasis on interpretability, robustness, and scalability, especially for high-dimensional and dynamic datasets. Applications span from fluid dynamics to public health, demonstrating interdisciplinary impact. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Ayuda adicional within the Juan de la Cierva Incorporación Program (2020), awarded by the State Research Agency (AEI) Research Leadership and Advising: She has served as principal investigator on multiple competitive research projects funded by national and regional agencies, including the State Research Agency (AEI), the Jacques Hadamard Mathematical Foundation, and the Community of Madrid. Her projects cover topics such as constrained additive models, machine learning for sustainable fishing, turbulence control, and ADHD diagnosis using data science. She has supervised at least one doctoral thesis on constrained smoothing models, indicating active mentorship in methodological statistics and optimization. Laboratories and Research Groups: She is a member of the Energy Analytics research group and conducts her work within the UC3M-Santander Big Data Institute, which supports interdisciplinary data science research. Her affiliation with the Flores de Lemus Institute further underscores her engagement with advanced statistical and computational methodologies.
Dr. Raquel Fernández Peralta is a predoctoral researcher at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB). She is conducting her Ph.D. research under the supervision of Dr. Sebastià Massanet and Dr. Arnau Mir, focusing on characterizing families of fuzzy implication functions and studying their intersections. Degree in Mathematics from UIB (2018) Master's in Statistical and Computational Information Processing from UCM and UPM (2019) Her research interests center on fuzzy connectives, functional equations, and statistical and computational information processing. She is affiliated with the Consolidated R+D+I Group "Soft Computing, Image Processing and Aggregation (SCOPIA)". As an educator, she teaches Abstract Algebra I across multiple degree programs including Mathematics, and Double degrees in Mathematics with Informatics Engineering and Telematics Engineering. She has also taught Mathematics I and II to students in Biochemistry and Biology programs.
