Juan Manuel Monterroso Montero is a Professor of Art History at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), affiliated with the Department of Art History within the Faculty of Geography and History. He holds a Ph.D. from USC (1995) with a thesis on Baroque Painting in Galicia (1620-1750). His career includes roles as Dean of the Faculty of Geography and History at USC (2008–2016), Director of the Department of Art History (2003–2008 and 2016–2021), and President of the Commission for the University of Santiago de Compostela’s Statutes (2009–2012). Monterroso leads the Iacobus research group (GI-1907) and coordinates the doctoral program in History, Geography, and Art History. His research focuses on Galician modern-era art, iconography, and cultural heritage management. He has coordinated the Interuniversity Master’s in Architectural and Artistic Heritage Management with the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. His work spans academic leadership, exhibition curation, and international collaboration, with a strong emphasis on Galician cultural patrimony. Monterroso’s publications include the Opus Monasticorum series exploring monastic heritage in Galicia, studies on Santiago de Compostela’s architectural and artistic legacy, and analyses of Baroque and modern-era religious art. His research bridges historical analysis with contemporary heritage preservation, reflecting his dual role as scholar and institutional leader.
Gerardo Boto Varela is an Associate Professor in the Department of History and Art History at the University of Girona, where he has been a faculty member since 1995 and holds the title of 'Professor Titular d'Universitat'. He earned his PhD in Art History from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in 1998 and currently serves as Director of the School of Doctoral Studies. His academic affiliations include the Institute of Historical Research and the Research Group in Cultural, Artistic, and Political Studies (9th–21st centuries). His research focuses on medieval religious architecture, particularly Romanesque cathedrals and monastic cloisters in the Iberian Peninsula. He investigates spatial organization, visual programs, liturgical practices, and memorial discourses, combining architectural archaeology with theological and historical analysis. His work emphasizes materiality, perception, and the symbolic function of sacred spaces. Boto Varela's recent publications and edited volumes explore themes such as cathedral urban contexts, episcopal memory, emerging naturalism in sculpture, and the ritual use of space. His research is supported by major grants from the Spanish Ministry of Economy, La Caixa, and the European Union (Marie Curie Project), and he leads the recognized research group 'Edificis i escenaris medieval de la Corona d'Aragó'. He is a leading figure in medieval art scholarship, serving as scientific editor of Codex Aquilarensis. Revista de Arte Medieval and on the editorial boards of several international journals. He has organized numerous international conferences and collaborative research initiatives across Europe. Scientific Editor, Codex Aquilarensis Member, Scientific Committees of Medievalista , Quintana , Cahiers de Saint Michel de Cuxa , and others Principal Investigator, TEMPLA Research Team Principal Investigator, SGR 110 Research Group Member, Catalan Society of Liturgical Studies Boto Varela has supervised interdisciplinary research projects involving scholars from Spain, France, the Netherlands, and beyond. He promotes knowledge transfer through public engagement, digital documentation (3D scanning, georadar), and the integration of technology in heritage studies. His work bridges academic research and cultural preservation, contributing significantly to the understanding of Europe’s shared medieval architectural heritage.
Jorge Manuel Rodríguez Almenar is a faculty member at the University of Valencia, affiliated with the Faculty of Law, where he serves in the Department of Civil Law. He holds the academic rank of Titular de Escuela Universitaria, equivalent to Associate Professor, and is actively engaged in teaching and research. His research centers on the intersection of law, sacred art, and religious history, with a particular focus on Christian relics such as the Shroud of Turin, the Sudarium of Oviedo, and the Holy Chalice of Valencia. His work employs interdisciplinary methodologies combining art history, forensic analysis, and theological inquiry. Sacred Art Eucharistic Theology Sacred Architecture Historical Art Analysis Religious Relics Interdisciplinary Studies of Faith and Science His publications reveal a consistent scholarly engagement with the historical, artistic, and scientific dimensions of Christian relics. He explores how faith and reason intersect in the study of sacred objects, often analyzing their cultural, theological, and forensic significance. His work bridges legal scholarship with religious and artistic studies, contributing to a deeper understanding of religious heritage within civil and canonical frameworks. Notable scientific contributions include comparative studies of the Sudarium of Oviedo and the Shroud of Turin, analyses of the Holy Chalice of Valencia, and comprehensive historical-artistic investigations into the Shroud. While no formal awards are listed, his publications demonstrate scholarly recognition in niche interdisciplinary domains. He has not listed any students or formal advising roles, nor has he mentioned grants or research teams. However, his academic profile suggests independent and collaborative research in religious and legal studies. His work continues to contribute to academic and ecclesiastical discussions on the authenticity and significance of Christian relics.
Rafael Sánchez Saus is a Professor of Medieval History at the Department of History, Geography and Philosophy, University of Cadiz (Spain). With a career spanning over three decades, his work focuses on Iberian nobility structures , Andalusian frontier dynamics , and medieval genealogical networks , particularly in Seville and Jerez de la Frontera. Research Focus: Medieval kinship systems, Castilian-Trastámara political structures, Atlantic maritime expansion, and religious coexistence under Islamic rule. Projects: Principal investigator in "El mar como frontera" (PGC2018-095719-B-100) analyzing legal transgressions in Atlantic medieval frontiers. His bibliography includes seminal works on hidalguía (2018), Al-Andalus y la Cruz (2016), and Linajes Sevillanos Medievales (1989-2011). Recent publications explore Alfonso X's multifaceted governance (2023) and Córdoba's martyrdom movement (2022). Academic Engagement: Member of the HUM182 Medievalism of Cadiz research group, with extensive collaborations across Spanish and European medievalist institutions. Supervised by Dr. Miguel Ángel Ladero Quesada, he obtained his doctorate from Complutense University of Madrid in 1986.
Carlos Alberto Redondo Díaz is a researcher specializing in Library and Information Science at the University of Salamanca, where he works in the Department of Library and Information Science within the Faculty of Translation and Information Science. He earned his PhD in Training in the Knowledge Society from the University of Salamanca in 2022, with his thesis "Iconography of the book in painting: development of a model for its cataloging and analysis" receiving Outstanding Cum Laude distinction and an International mention. His academic background includes a graduate degree in Information and Documentation (2014) and a Master's in Evaluation and Management of Cultural Heritage (2015). Prior to completing his doctorate, he served as Administrator of the Library Network of the Archdiocese of Granada (2016-2017) and conducted his doctoral research through a predoctoral FPU contract from 2017-2022. Dr. Redondo Díaz's research focuses on Digital Humanities, particularly book iconography in painting, historical bookbinding traditions, and cultural heritage preservation. His work bridges traditional library science with modern digital methodologies, creating innovative approaches to document and analyze bibliographic heritage. He has conducted extensive studies on collections at the Cathedral of Salamanca and the former Jesuit college of Monterrey, examining bindings from the 15th through 19th centuries. His publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly output across multiple venues, with recent work focusing on metadata standards for art collections, development of the LiberIC cataloging system for book representations in painting, and the application of semantic web technologies to historical documentation. His research shows a clear trajectory from traditional bookbinding studies toward increasingly digital and interdisciplinary approaches. Outstanding Cum Laude doctoral thesis International mention for doctoral work Development of LiberIC cataloging system Extensive documentation of Spanish bookbinding traditions Dr. Redondo Díaz actively collaborates with the "Teresa Andrés" Research Group on Information and Society (GIR-TAIS), the Association of Archivists of Castile and León (ACAL), and the University Association against Gender-Based Violence (AUVIM). His work with academic centers, cathedral archives, and historical libraries demonstrates strong institutional connections and practical applications of his research. His future work appears focused on expanding digital methodologies for book iconography analysis and developing more comprehensive conservation frameworks for historical bindings in the digital age.
Professor of Modern History at the University of Burgos, Spain, with six awarded six-year research periods. Director of the Department of Modern History and Principal Investigator (PI) of the GRUMHIS research group focused on the Hispanic Monarchy's military, cultural, and overseas expansion dynamics. PhD in Humanities and Communication (University of Burgos) Doctorate from University of Valladolid (1987) on 18th-century Spanish military recruitment Research interests include: Early Modern European and Iberian Atlantic history Cultural and military history intersections Visual propaganda in religious conflicts Monarchical rituals and public ceremonies Warfare's societal impact Advisory roles include: Director of the Castilla y León Foundation Chair President of the Spanish Foundation of Modern History Board member of General Archive of Simancas Evaluator for ANECA's PEP Program Former Director of International Relations (University of Burgos) Scientific achievements: Burgos Ambassadors Award (2022) Coordinated international conferences across 10+ countries Authored 125+ academic papers Curated historical exhibitions Academic network spans: Visiting Scholar at Harvard, University of Chicago, and University of Illinois Visiting Professor at University of Massachusetts, Boston, and Mexican institutions Collaborator with Geoffrey Parker (military history expert)
Antonio Irigoyen López is a Professor of Modern History at the University of Murcia, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. He specializes in the social history of the Catholic Church, the clergy, and family dynamics in Early Modern Spain. Since 1992, he has been a member of the 'Seminario Familia y Elites de Poder' and co-founded the international research network REFMUR (Red Internacional de Estudios de Familia) in 2010. Education: PhD in History from the University of Murcia (1998), focusing on the cathedral chapter of Murcia in the 17th century, titled *Entre el cielo y la tierra, entre la familia y la institución. El cabildo de la catedral de Murcia en el Siglo XVII*. Research Interests: His work examines the intersection of family strategies, religious institutions, and social mobility in early modern Spain and its colonies. Key themes include clerical domestic life, Trent reforms' implementation, and the role of the family in power elites. Recent Publications Highlight: Analysis of secular clergy preaching practices in 17th-century Castilian cities, domestic life of lower clergy in Murcia (17th-18th centuries), and socio-demographic studies of colonial Buenos Aires households (1744 census). Academic Contributions: Over 70 publications, including studies on clergy merit systems, inquisitorial networks, and family strategies in noble lineages. His work bridges historiography and social analysis, emphasizing kinship and institutional power dynamics.
Miguel Tain Guzmán is a professor in the Department of Art History at the University of Santiago de Compostela, affiliated with the Faculty of Geography and History and the Humanities Research Institute (iHUS). His research focuses on Baroque art and architecture, the cultural and urban history of Santiago de Compostela, and the artistic heritage of the Way of St. James. He is a recognized scholar in the field of art historical studies, particularly in Galician and Spanish architectural heritage. His research interests include Baroque art and architecture , urban topography , pilgrimage studies , historical documentation of cities , and the cultural reception of European grand tours . He has conducted in-depth studies on lost architectural heritage in Galicia and the artistic documentation of 17th-century elite travel, such as the journey of Cosimo III de’ Medici through Iberia. The most recent articles highlight a consistent trend in analyzing visual and textual sources to reconstruct historical urban and religious life. His work often centers on Santiago de Compostela, examining its cathedral, festivals, pilgrimage infrastructure, and architectural evolution. These publications reflect a deep engagement with archival materials, artistic representations, and historical narratives, contributing significantly to the understanding of Spain’s cultural and religious landscape. He has not been explicitly mentioned as receiving scientific awards in the provided texts. Miguel Tain Guzmán advises and collaborates with other researchers, particularly in interdisciplinary projects involving architectural conservation and historical documentation. He has participated in major research initiatives such as the Programa Catedral, supported by the Fundación Barrié, and has led studies on architectural drawings and construction techniques in Baroque Spain. His work often involves collaboration with institutions like the Consorcio de Santiago and academic peers across Spain and Europe. He is associated with the research group IDEAHS (Research and Development in Arts and Humanities) and has contributed to projects involving the study of historical tracings (monteas) in Galician churches, such as at the convent of Santa Clara. These efforts highlight his involvement in both theoretical and practical aspects of architectural history and conservation.
Alfredo Andrés Martín García is a Full Professor (Profesor Titular) at the Department of History, Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, University of León. His research focuses on Early Modern History, Social History, Religious History, and Gender Studies. His academic work extensively explores the Franciscan Third Order (VOT) in the Iberian Peninsula and colonial Americas, analyzing its medieval origins, 18th-century revival post-Trent reforms, and socio-economic bases. He has coordinated monographic issues on secular Franciscanism and studied female transgressions in Iberian ecclesiastical records. Recent publications examine female sexual morality in Portuguese territories (2024), Trent-inspired relic cults in León (2019), and the role of printed propaganda in shaping Iberian religious identity (2017). His work often integrates quantitative analysis of archival sources, focusing on rural economies and communal land management. He is affiliated with the research group 'CONCEJO' and has secured funding from the Ministry of Science and Innovation for studies on violence, conflict, and social control in the Iberian Northwest (16th-19th centuries).
Joan Bosch Ballbona is a Professor of Art History at the University of Girona, specializing in Catalan art from the 16th to 18th centuries. He has held visiting positions at the universities of Sassari and Cagliari in Italy. Research focuses on Baroque art, altarpiece studies, and the reception of international artistic culture in Catalonia Curator of major exhibitions including De Flandes a Itàlia , Llums del Barroc , and Falsos Verdaders Recognized with five national and five autonomous research six-year periods His work combines critical analysis of Renaissance sculpture (e.g., Agustí Pujol), artistic workshops in the Principality of Catalonia, and the collection practices of the Toledo marquises. Recent publications examine Camillo Procaccini’s Spanish works and the influence of printed engravings on Baroque-era Catalan art. Scientific Awards: Five national research six-year periods Five autonomous research six-year periods Six teaching trams Three management trams Active in research projects and collaborations, particularly with Joaquim Garriga and Francesc Miralpeix, while also addressing challenges in public university funding and pedagogical trends.
José Ángel Lecanda Esteban is a Lecturer at the University of Deusto, affiliated with the Faculty of Social and Human Sciences and the Department of International Relations and Humanities. His work focuses on archaeological and historical research, particularly in the Basque Country and broader Iberian Peninsula regions. Key research interests include Paleolithic settlements, medieval social structures, funerary practices, and territorial dynamics. Education details are not explicitly listed in the provided texts, but his extensive academic publications indicate advanced training in archaeology and medieval history. His research integrates interdisciplinary methods, combining archaeological analysis with historical and geographical perspectives. His research explores themes such as Neanderthal occupation strategies in the Paleolithic, social inequality through medieval burial practices, and frontier fortifications in Asturias. Recent studies emphasize the Ebro Valley's historical transitions and the role of pilgrimage routes in shaping cultural landscapes. Publications highlight his contributions to understanding medieval aristocracy, ceramic typology, and frontier dynamics. While no formal awards are mentioned, his prolific output reflects scholarly recognition. He advises no listed students, but collaborates with institutions like the University of Deusto's archaeological teams. His work often addresses historical territorialization, emphasizing material culture's role in reconstructing past societies. Lecanda is part of the Deusto academic community, contributing to both teaching and research initiatives in archaeology and historical studies.
Francisco Prado-Vilar is a Professor in the Department of Art History at the Faculty of Geography and History, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), where he contributes to advanced research and teaching in medieval art and cultural theory. He holds a PhD from Harvard University (2002) and is a Fellow of the Real Colegio Complutense at Harvard. His academic profile is further enhanced by his roles as Director of Projects at the RCC and Scientific Director of the Andrew W. Mellon Program for the Portal of Glory at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. His research interests span Art History, Medieval Art, Romanesque Sculpture, Cultural Theory, Visual Studies, and Manuscript Studies. He explores the Nachleben der Antike (Afterlife of Antiquity), the material imagination in medieval art, and the phenomenology of sacred spaces. His work often bridges medieval and modern contexts, engaging with figures like Picasso, Benjamin, and Warburg. His most recent publications focus on the Portal of Glory, the stone choir of Santiago Cathedral, the Codex Calixtinus, and Romanesque sculpture in León and Jaca. These works reveal a strong emphasis on iconographic analysis, archival recovery, digital reconstruction, and the conservation of cultural heritage. His articles span journals and edited volumes, often combining deep archival research with theoretical innovation. Among his scientific recognitions are his fellowship at the Real Colegio Complutense and his designation as a Distinguished Researcher at USC. He leads the research group SIFC (Síncrisis, Research in Cultural Forms), which fosters interdisciplinary work in cultural forms. Prado-Vilar has advised numerous students and collaborators, though specific names are not listed in the provided text. He has secured significant research funding through programs like the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and leads major collaborative projects on medieval Iberian art. He is deeply involved in digital and open-access scholarship, exemplified by his work on the open-access database The Prophets of the Portal of Glory in the Twentieth Century , which reconstructs the history of displaced sculptures using over 70 unpublished documents.
César García Álvarez is a Professor at the Universidad de León , affiliated with the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters and the Department of Artistic and Documentary Heritage . His research focuses on Art History with particular emphasis on Renaissance symbolism , cathedral iconography , and the interplay between geometry and symbolism in architectural contexts. He earned his doctorate in 1999 with a thesis on Fantastic Iconography and Symbolism in the Renaissance . Primary Affiliation : Universidad de León Research Group : HUMTC HUMANISTAS His publications highlight a deep engagement with Gaudí's architectural symbolism, medieval and Renaissance art, and the hermeneutics of artistic spaces. Notable works include analyses of the Cathedral of León and Gaudí's Palacio Episcopal de Astorga . He explores themes like symbolic geometry , allegorical dimensions , and artistic deception across diverse mediums such as furniture, paintings, and musical instruments. His research spans interdisciplinary domains, connecting art history with philosophy (e.g., Nelson Goodman, Arthur Danto), literary analysis (Don Quixote's symbolic infinity), and material culture . He has contributed to debates on just transition policies in Europe and Latin America, though this appears tangential to his core art historical work.
Àngel Campos Perales is a postdoctoral researcher at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid , Department of History and Theory of Art, holding a prestigious Juan de la Cierva fellowship. He earned his PhD in Art History from the Universitat de València in 2022, receiving the Premio Extraordinario de Doctorado for his thesis on noble art collecting in the Kingdom of Valencia during the reign of Felipe III. He is a member of the GEOART research group, focusing on art and architecture in the modern age. His research interests center on early modern Spanish art, particularly the interplay between art, power, and nobility. Key themes include aristocratic collecting practices, court patronage, religious ideology, and the cultural significance of artistic commissions in 16th and 17th century Spain. He frequently investigates figures such as the Duke of Lerma, San Juan de Ribera, and Don Jerónimo Funes, analyzing their collections, residences, and social networks. His recent publications reflect a strong trend in archival research and provenance studies, often uncovering new documents related to art sales, inventories, and commissions. His work spans journals like the Journal of the History of Collections , Boletín del Museo del Prado , and eHumanista , covering topics from Rubens’s equestrian portraits to the scientific interests of ecclesiastical collectors. He also contributes to museum scholarship and pedagogical approaches to historic house museums. Premio Extraordinario de Doctorado, Universitat de València, 2022 He actively supervises and collaborates on research, though no formal advisees are listed. He has delivered lectures at institutions like the Museo del Prado and participates in academic seminars. His work bridges archival rigor with cultural interpretation, contributing significantly to the understanding of Spanish art and collecting history.
José Antonio Huesca Tortosa is an Assistant Professor Doctor in the Department of Architectural Constructions at the University of Alicante , Spain. Since 2004 (with a brief interruption from 2019–2020), he has taught over 2,500 hours of official courses in Architectural Technology, Construction Materials, Quality Control, Heritage Management, and Seismic Risk Prevention. He is a member of the Architectural Restoration Research Group (GIRAUA-CICOP) and co-founder of the spin-offs Arquinversa (heritage digitization) and Sismo Edificación (seismic research and outreach). Education PhD in Materials, Structures & Soil Engineering: Sustainable Construction, University of Alicante, 2021 Master’s in Secondary Education Teaching (specialty Civil Construction & Drawing), University of Alicante, 2020 Post-graduate specialization in Digital Heritage Documentation, CSIC-Incipit, 2019 Graduate in Architectural Technology & Technical Architecture, University of Alicante, 1994–2011 Master in Building Management (Heritage Management track), University of Alicante, 2008 Research Interests His core research revolves around sustainable construction , seismic vulnerability assessment , heritage restoration , and the digitalization of built heritage through advanced surveying technologies (LiDAR, UAV photogrammetry, HBIM). He integrates geomatics, materials science, and structural engineering to develop methodologies for preventive conservation, emergency intervention, and risk mitigation in historic and contemporary buildings. Current projects focus on earthquake early-warning systems, rapid damage assessment protocols, and eco-compatible consolidation treatments for calcareous stones. Recent Publications & Trends Over the last five years he has authored 12 journal papers and 4 book chapters. The works exhibit a clear trajectory from technological innovation (LiDAR, UAV photogrammetry) to applied heritage engineering (structural health monitoring, restoration of Gothic and Renaissance buildings) and multi-hazard assessment (seismic–radon correlations). Interdisciplinary collaboration is a hallmark, with studies spanning from archaeological sites in Italy and Spain to real-time seismic monitoring networks in southeastern Spain. Scientific Awards & Recognition One six-year research period (sexenio) accredited by ANECA Two five-year teaching periods (quinquenios) recognized by University of Alicante Coordinator or collaborator in 15 competitive research projects funded by Spanish Ministries and regional governments Grants, Projects & Advising He has participated in 15 publicly funded R&D projects (PID, CGL, ARQ, GV programs) and 36 private contracts, coordinating 4 technology-transfer actions since 2023. Notable projects include the European Seismological Commission studies on radon-seismicity correlations and the development of an earthquake early-warning system for Alicante province. He has supervised or co-supervised 27 bachelor’s and master’s theses in the last five years, fostering student involvement in heritage digitization and seismic risk scenarios. Labs & Teams He operates within the Architectural Restoration Research Group (GIRAUA-CICOP) , leveraging the University of Alicante’s Geomatics & Heritage Conservation Laboratory . The group maintains high-precision terrestrial and aerial laser scanners, UAV platforms, and advanced materials testing equipment, enabling integrated workflows from field data capture to structural modeling and conservation treatment design.
