Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)Spain
Prof. Elisabeth Engel López leads the Biomaterials for Regenerative Therapies group at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and serves as a Professor at the Technical University of Catalonia. With over 80 publications in JCR journals, her work focuses on designing biomaterials and scaffolds for in vitro/in vivo regenerative medicine, emphasizing cellular response mechanisms and translational applications. Developing lactate-releasing systems for metabolic modulation Advancing 3D bioprinting for tissue-specific models Engineering angiogenic and osteogenic biomaterials Her research bridges fundamental studies with industrial partnerships, including pharmaceutical and biomedical device companies, and contributes to European collaborative projects. She received the Barcelona City Award for technological research and has delivered numerous invited lectures. Her group explores substrate stiffness, ion release, and microenvironmental cues to control cell behavior in cardiac, neural, and bone regeneration contexts.
MARIO MARTINEZ MARTINEZ is Associate Professor at University of Valladolid's Department of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering, with secondary appointments at Aarhus University and Purdue University. His research develops plant-based macromolecular assemblies for food, pharmaceutical, and packaging applications. Research focuses on: Structure-function relationships of plant biopolymers Green modification techniques for polysaccharides Food waste valorization strategies Edible packaging development Nutrient bioaccessibility enhancement Recent publications showcase innovative approaches to starch modification using deep eutectic solvents, waste upcycling (bread, apple pomace, garlic peels), and functional ingredient development from underutilized sources (macroalgae, hawthorn). Major recognitions include: Nils Foss Talent Prize 2021 DFF-Sapere Aude excellence grant (€1M) Ontario Early Researcher Award Young Scientist Award from Cereals & Grains Association Leads research on sustainable food systems through international collaborations and industry partnerships.
Albert Gibert Bosch serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull. He is an active member of the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF) and has been involved in significant research projects spanning from 2014 to 2025. His research spans multiple areas of pharmaceutical chemistry with a focus on drug discovery and development. Key research interests include molecular modeling for drug design, CXCR4 inhibitors for cancer treatment, HIV therapeutics, nanoparticle drug delivery systems, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. His work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between computational chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and cancer biology. Recent publication trends show a consistent focus on CXCR4 targeting compounds with applications in both oncology (particularly B-cell lymphoma) and HIV treatment. His research utilizes advanced molecular modeling techniques to design novel compounds with therapeutic potential. Dr. Bosch has participated in multiple research projects including DisX4lymph: Design and synthesis of CXCR4 allosteric inhibitors and IRAK4 degraders as potential treatments of B-cell lymphoma (2022-2025), and has been part of the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group funded by Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca (AGAUR) from 2022-2025.
CARMEN PADILLA RASCÓN is a Researcher at the Department of Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering at the University of Jaén. She obtained her Doctorate in 2022 with the thesis "Production of furfural and bioethanol from olive stones." Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering, University of Jaén (2022) Her research focuses on lignocellulosic biomass valorization through biorefinery systems, particularly using agricultural residues like olive stones and vine shoots for producing biofuels and high-value chemicals. Key techniques include steam explosion, acid/alkaline pretreatments, and microwave-assisted processing. Recent publications highlight integrated biorefinery strategies, furfural production optimization, and recovery of bioactive phenolic compounds. The work often involves process engineering, catalytic transformations, and circular economy principles.
María Belén Montero Rodríguez is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Earth Sciences at the Faculty of Sciences, University of A Coruña (UDC), Spain. Her work integrates applied physics with advanced polymer materials, focusing on sustainability, recycling, and functional applications in food packaging and engineering. She teaches across diverse programs including Nanoscience, Textile Technology, Industrial Design, and Environmental Management. Her research interests center on sustainable polymer systems , including biopolymers, mechanical recycling, waste valorization, rheology, nanocomposites, hybrid polymers (especially epoxy and POSS), fracture mechanics, and active packaging for food preservation. She is a key member of the Grupo de Polímeros , contributing to both fundamental and applied research. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in green materials science , with emphasis on biodegradable composites, microencapsulation of bioactive compounds, recycling of polymers, and development of hybrid nanomaterials. Her work bridges polymer chemistry, materials engineering, and environmental sustainability, often targeting industrial applications in packaging, electronics, and construction. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text. She actively supervises final-year and master's students, with thesis topics focusing on biopolymers, active packaging, and nanocomposite development. She participates in multiple funded research projects from national (AEI), regional (Xunta de Galicia), and European (European Commission) agencies, indicating sustained grant support. Her collaborations span institutions in Spain and internationally, often with researchers such as Luis Barral, Maite Rico, and Rebeca Bouza. She is involved in various research groups and conferences, contributing to the broader polymer science community. Laboratories and Research Teams: She is a core member of the Grupo de Polímeros at UDC, Ferrol campus, where experimental work on polymer synthesis, processing, and characterization is conducted. The group focuses on applied polymer research with industrial and environmental relevance.
Dr. Maria Harrison is the William H. Crocker Distinguished Professor at Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science and Adjunct Professor in Plant Pathology. Her research investigates arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses, focusing on phosphate transfer mechanisms and plant defense biochemistry. Using model legumes and poplar trees, her lab studies fungal colonization, symbiotic gene regulation, and metabolic pathways for bioactive compounds. She was elected to the Royal Society in 2024, recognizing her contributions to plant-microbe interactions. Her publications reveal insights into lipid provisioning, kinase signaling in symbiosis, and development of plant biosensors. Research integrates molecular genetics, cell biology, and genomics to address nutrient acquisition challenges in agriculture.
Eduard Bardají Rodríguez is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Girona, where he has been active since 1992. He is affiliated with the Institute of Agro-Food Technology and leads the LIPPSO research group (Laboratory for Innovation in Organic Synthesis Processes and Products), recognized as a Consolidated Research Group by the Generalitat de Catalunya. His work bridges organic chemistry, biomedicine, and agro-food innovation through the design and application of bioactive peptides. Research Interests: His primary focus lies in the discovery and development of bioactive peptides with applications in antimicrobial, anticancer, analgesic, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular therapies. His work integrates synthetic organic chemistry with biological evaluation, aiming to translate basic findings into practical solutions in medicine and agriculture. The recent publication trends highlight a strong emphasis on peptide-based drug discovery, particularly targeting pain, neurodegeneration, and infectious diseases. His research extends into plant biotechnology (e.g., expressing antimicrobial peptides in rice) and combating citrus diseases (HLB), demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach spanning human health and sustainable agriculture. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Consolidated Research Group status for LIPPSO by the Generalitat de Catalunya Advising and Grants: He has led and participated in numerous competitive research projects, including MINECO, PLANT-KBBE (Trilateral Project), IAPP PEP2BRAIN, and H2020 PreHLB. He has established industrial collaborations with companies such as Medichem, Croda, and Menadione. He co-founded the spin-off AMPbiotech to commercialize antimicrobial technologies, reflecting a strong commitment to technology transfer and innovation. Laboratories and Teams: He leads the LIPPSO research group and maintains a strategic alliance with the CIDSAV group, fostering collaborative research in applied antimicrobial development.
Dr. Manuel Desco Menéndez is a Full Professor at the Department of Bioengineering , Carlos III University of Madrid , focusing on biomedical imaging and instrumentation. He leads the Biomedical Imaging and Instrumentation Group. Key research domains: Medical Imaging , Neuroimaging , Biomedical Instrumentation Primary publication areas: Computed Tomography , PET Imaging , MRI , Biomaterials His scientific contributions (2022-2025) include: Neuroanatomical changes in pregnancy/postpartum and psychiatric disorders Advanced CT reconstruction algorithms with beam-hardening compensation Innovative biomedical nanoplatforms using milk exosomes Preclinical bone regeneration scaffolds in animal models Current technical developments focus on GPU-accelerated image processing and deep learning applications in tomographic reconstruction.
Rufino Mateo Castro is a Professor at the Universitat de València in the Department of Analytical Chemistry . His work focuses on mycotoxin analysis , fungal contamination control , and analytical methods for cultural heritage . Research Interests: Development of advanced analytical techniques (mass spectrometry, electrochemical methods) Mycotoxin detection in food and feed Application of bioactive compounds (e.g., essential oils) for toxin prevention Archaeometric studies of artworks and ancient materials Publications highlight his contributions to mycotoxin mitigation in cereals, environmental risk factors for fungal growth, and chromatographic/electrochemical methodologies . He has collaborated extensively on food safety and cultural heritage projects.
Raquel Lama Lopez is a Juan de la Cierva-former researcher affiliated with the Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC). She operates within the Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), focusing on pharmacological and immunological approaches to marine/aquaculture disease control. University: University of Santiago de Compostela Department: Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Research Center: CIMUS Her research spans multiple domains: (1) Marine Immunology - identifying novel fish-specific immune proteins like Igldcp and NK-lysin for antiviral/antiparasitic applications, (2) Pharmacological Modulation - investigating anti-inflammatory compounds (e.g., AG5) that preserve innate immunity, (3) Viral Disease Modeling - using zebrafish and turbot models to study nodavirus and rhabdovirus infections, and (4) Biomaterials Development - creating 3D-printed scaffolds for bone tissue engineering with sterilization analysis. Publication trends show a strong emphasis on fish immunology , antiviral mechanisms , marine biotechnology applications, and biomaterials research. Her work combines molecular biology techniques with in vivo model systems to address both aquaculture challenges and broader biomedical questions. Her doctoral thesis at USC (2021) focused on developing new strategies for controlling viral diseases in aquaculture. She has contributed to understanding host-pathogen interactions in fish species through transcriptomic analyses and explored natural products from cyanobacteria for antiviral activity against fish pathogens.
Gemma Eibes is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Spain. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering (2007) and has conducted postdoctoral research at the Technical University of Lisbon (2007–2009) and USC (2009–present). Her research focuses on enzymatic biocatalysis, biorefinery technologies, and sustainable waste valorization, with particular emphasis on lignocellulosic biomass conversion, pollutant bioremediation, and bio-based product development. Eibes leads projects funded by national and EU grants, including the Proyectos I+D+i (Mineco) and ERA-IB2 programs. Education: BSc in Chemical Engineering (USC, 2001); PhD in Chemical Engineering (USC, 2007), supervised by Dr. Juan Manuel Lema and Dr. María Teresa Moreira. Research Interests: Enzymatic degradation of pollutants, bioprocess optimization, bioactive compound extraction from agro-industrial wastes, and development of eco-friendly biocatalytic systems. Her work integrates chemical engineering principles with biotechnology to create sustainable solutions for environmental and industrial challenges. Notable Projects: CREPÉ (PET biorecycling), PETzyme (enzymatic PET recycling), and ULTREIA (apple pomace biorefinery). She has supervised multiple PhD and MSc students on topics like enzymatic polymerization, lignin valorization, and biofuel production. Awards: FPI Fellowship (Spanish Government, 2002), Postdoctoral Grants (Xunta de Galicia, 2013, 2015), Principal Investigator roles in major grants. Labs/Teams: BIOGROUP Biotecnoloxía Ambiental, affiliated with the Interdisciplinary Research Center in Environmental Technologies (CRETUS). Collaborations include institutions in Portugal, Germany, and the EU.
Ana Arias Calvo is a Postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Santiago de Compostela, affiliated with the Higher Technical School of Engineering. She is part of the BIOGROUP (Environmental Biotechnology) research group. Her doctoral thesis focused on transforming biowaste into biomaterials and bioactive products within circular economy frameworks, completed in 2023 under the supervision of Dra. María Teresa Moreira Vilar and Dr. Chewing Feijoo Costa. Research Interests: Ana's work centers on sustainable biorefinery design, waste valorization, and environmental impact assessments. She explores how circular economy principles can drive innovation in bio-based materials, renewable resources, and eco-efficient technologies. Her research integrates life cycle analysis (LCA), multi-criteria decision-making, and policy frameworks to evaluate sustainability outcomes. Key Themes in Publications: Her recent work emphasizes the environmental and economic feasibility of biorefinery systems, biofuel production from agro-industrial byproducts, and the development of sustainable bio-based polymers and adhesives. She also investigates governance mechanisms to align certification systems with bioeconomic policies. Advising & Grants: No advising roles or grants are explicitly listed, though her research often involves collaborative projects with industry and academic partners. She contributes to advancing the bioeconomy through interdisciplinary approaches that bridge technological innovation and environmental stewardship. Labs/Teams: Active member of the BIOGROUP lab, focusing on environmental biotechnology and circular economy applications.
Clara Asuncion Tovar Rodriguez is a full-time researcher in the Department of Applied Physics at the University of Vigo , affiliated with the Institute of Physics and Aerospace Sciences and the FA4 Thermophysics Laboratory . Her work bridges applied physics and food engineering, focusing on viscoelastic properties, gelation mechanisms, and protein-based food systems. Doctorate (1996) in Applied Physics from University of Vigo Research areas: Rheology, Thermophysics, Food Engineering Email: tovar@uvigo.es Her research explores viscoelastic behavior in food matrices (cheeses, surimi, plant proteins) using techniques like rheological analysis , high-pressure treatments , and nanostructuring (chitosan nanoparticles, gelatin fractions). Recent publications examine lipid digestibility, bioactive delivery, and sustainable protein blends. Collaborative trends reveal interdisciplinary work in food biotechnology , marine ingredients , and plant-protein applications . She has contributed extensively to understanding texture evolution during cheese ripening and frozen storage impacts on protein gels.
Francisco Martin Goycoolea Valencia is a Full Professor (Chair in Biopolymers) at the School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, UK. Previously held roles include Research Scientist at CIAD, Mexico (1995–2010), Visiting Scholar at Universidad Complutense de Madrid (2001–2002), and Professor at University of Münster, Germany (2010–2016). His research focuses on biopolymer science, nanobiotechnology, and food structure, with emphasis on biomaterials for biomedical and biotechnological applications. Education: BSc in Chemistry/Biology (Universidad La Salle/UNAM, 1988), MSc in Food Science (Reading University, UK, 1990), PhD in Food Polysaccharides (Cranfield University, UK, 1994). Research interests include structure-function relationships of biopolymers, drug delivery systems, microfluidics phenotyping, antibiotic-free therapies, and in silico simulations of nanomaterial behavior. Grants/PI Roles: Hosted EU Horizon2020 Marie Curie Fellowship MINUSMICRO, UKRI UK-Canada project on crustacean waste valorization, and Innovate UK projects on sustainable nutrition and yeast-based food products. Scientific Awards: International Marie Curie Fellowship (2008–2010) Professional Memberships: Founder President of Iberoamerican Chitin Society (2002–2006), Member of European Chitin Society Board (2011–present) Lab/Teams: Leads the Immunobiology for Aquaculture research group and collaborates across disciplines to develop novel biomaterials and sustainable food technologies.
Arjan W. Kleij is a Professor and Group Leader at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) , which operates under the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA) . His research is centered on sustainable catalysis, particularly the valorization of CO₂ and biomass for the synthesis of biopolymers and fine chemicals. He leads a dynamic research team and is deeply involved in training the next generation of scientists. Research Interests: Prof. Kleij's work focuses on developing innovative catalytic methodologies for green and sustainable chemistry. His group pioneers the transformation of CO₂ into valuable heterocycles and polymers, the synthesis of biobased polycarbonates and polyesters, and stereoselective synthesis using functional heterocycles. The overarching goal is to replace petroleum-based feedstocks with renewable alternatives and design circular chemical processes. His research integrates catalyst engineering, mechanistic studies, and sustainable synthesis to address global environmental challenges. Publications and Impact: His recent articles reveal a strong trend towards CO₂ utilization, polymer chemistry, and heterocycle synthesis. Key themes include catalytic CO₂ conversion into seven- and eight-membered rings, depolymerization and recycling of biobased polycarbonates, and the creation of complex molecular architectures from sustainable feedstocks. This body of work positions him at the forefront of green chemistry and sustainable materials science. Scientific Awards and Honors: European Sustainable Chemistry Award (ESCA), 2023 Catalan Chemical Society Scientific Excellence Award, 2023 Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), 2021 Spanish Chemical Society Excellence Award, 2020 Visiting Professor, University of Tokyo, 2022 Visiting Professor, University of Salerno, 2024 ICREA Junior Fellow, 2006 NWO TALENT Fellow, 2000 Advising and Grants: Prof. Kleij actively mentors a large team of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment. He has secured significant competitive funding, including from the European Research Council and the Spanish State Research Agency. He is the scientific coordinator of the HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN-JD “D-Carbonize” doctoral network, highlighting his leadership in training researchers in CO₂ valorization. Labs and Teams: He leads the Kleij Research Group at ICIQ, a state-of-the-art facility equipped for advanced organic synthesis, catalysis, and polymer characterization. His team collaborates closely with other research groups at ICIQ and international partners, driving innovation in sustainable chemistry.
