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.
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.
Prof. Edward L. D'Antonio is a Professor of Biochemistry and Structural Biology at the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB). He has held progressive academic appointments since 2013, advancing from Assistant to Associate and Full Professor. His research is centered on drug discovery for neglected tropical diseases, particularly Chagas disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi . Research Interests: His work integrates Medicinal Chemistry , Structural Biology , and Biochemistry to develop inhibitors targeting pathogenic proteins. He employs structure-based drug design , high-throughput screening , and enzymatic assays to identify compounds with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity. Recent Article Trends: His recent publications and patent focus on antiparasitic agents, including natural products like malvidin and gossypol derivatives. These studies combine in silico modeling , in vitro testing , and protein characterization , reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to therapeutic development. Scientific Awards: Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor Award (2018) The American Institute of Chemists Foundation Award (2008) Advising and Grants: He has mentored undergraduate researchers and received the 2025 RISE research grant from the University of South Carolina. The grant supports his project on enzymatic hemoglobins in marine polychaetes, in collaboration with researchers from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Labs and Teams: His research program involves both independent work and international collaborations, including scientists from Emory University, Laboratório de Biotecnologia in Brazil, and researchers in Peru and Ecuador. He also collaborates with Dr. Luis Goyzueta-Mamani and Dr. Miguel Angel Chávez-Fumagalli on antileishmanial drug discovery.
Katherine Villa is a Group Leader at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), where she leads cutting-edge research in light-driven systems for energy, health, and environmental applications. Her work bridges chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology, focusing on nanostructured photocatalysts and self-propelled micro/nanorobots. PhD in Chemistry from Autonomous University of Barcelona Former senior scientist at Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots, Prague Current research group leader at ICIQ, Tarragona, Spain Her research interests center on photocatalysis, nanomaterials, renewable energy, and environmental remediation . She designs nanostructured materials for solar fuel generation and develops photoactive micromotors for water purification and biomedical applications. Her work aligns with EU Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in clean energy and environmental protection. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in functional micro/nanorobots , gas-phase CO2 conversion , and advanced photocatalytic systems . These works span from fundamental charge transport studies to real-world applications in pollution removal and green hydrogen production. Scientific awards and honors include: ERC Starting Grant (2022) BBVA Leonardo Grant in Basic Sciences (2023) RSEQ Young Investigator Award – Group Leader (2023) Member, Young Academy of Spain (2023) BIST Mother of Science Award (2021) Member, Early Career Editorial Board, Applied Catalysis B She actively mentors a diverse team of PhD and master's students , and her group receives substantial funding from the European Research Council (ERC) , Horizon Europe , Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions , and Spanish national programs such as Juan de la Cierva and FPI . She is also involved in outreach, training workshops for grant applications, and public science communication. Her research group operates within a collaborative ecosystem at ICIQ, leveraging advanced scientific core facilities for material characterization, synthesis, and analysis. Projects like PhotoSwim , TherMotors , and PhotoClean reflect the interdisciplinary and innovative nature of her lab.
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. Xinjun Tang is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), conducting cutting-edge research in photochemical organic synthesis under the PROBIST Postdoctoral Fellowship program. His educational background includes: Ph.D. from Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry Tang specializes in developing light-driven catalytic methodologies for complex molecular transformations, with emphasis on asymmetric synthesis and biomolecule modification. His work bridges sustainable catalysis and molecular medicine by creating energy-efficient reaction pathways that avoid traditional high-energy reagents. His publication trajectory reveals a focused evolution toward photoredox applications in peptide engineering and transition-metal catalysis, demonstrating consistent innovation in overcoming chemoselectivity challenges through tailored photochemical protocols. His scientific recognition includes: PROBIST Postdoctoral Fellowship Funded by the competitive PROBIST program (Marie Sklodowska Curie COFUND), Tang operates within Prof. Paolo Melchiorre's research ecosystem at ICIQ, contributing to the institute's Sustainable Catalysis pillar through collaborative projects and methodological advancements. He actively participates in ICIQ's Photophysics Spectroscopy and Material Characterisation core facility, leveraging advanced instrumentation for mechanistic studies of photoinduced electron transfer processes in organic transformations.
Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2)Spain
Dr. Laura Lechuga Gómez is a CSIC Research Professor and Group Leader at the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), focusing on NanoBiosensors and Bioanalytical Applications . Her research emphasizes plasmonic and photonic biosensors for clinical, biomedical, and environmental diagnostics. Key projects include label-free detection of pathogens, autoimmune markers, and environmental pollutants. She leads an interdisciplinary team advancing point-of-care platforms for conditions such as tuberculosis, cancer, and preeclampsia. Research Interests span nanotechnology, biosensor design, and analytical chemistry. Her work bridges fundamental physics and applied biomedical engineering, with a focus on translating lab innovations into real-world diagnostic tools. Recent advances include biomimetic sensors for immunotherapy evaluation and veterinary SARS-CoV-2 detection. Publications (2025–2022) highlight cutting-edge contributions in Biosensors & Bioelectronics , Analytical Chemistry , and Nanomaterials , addressing challenges in sensor sensitivity, integration, and clinical validation. Her team collaborates globally on EU-funded projects, advancing nanotechnologies for health and environmental monitoring. Laura’s group develops portable platforms using silicon photonics and plasmonic systems, enabling rapid diagnostics in resource-limited settings. Ongoing work explores mRNA cleavage for splicing analysis and microfluidic integration for automated assays.
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.
José Ruiz López is a Professor at the University of Murcia's Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, and leads the Metallodrugs Discovery Group. He founded the Non-Conventional Anticancer Metallodrugs Group at IMIB (Murcian Institute of Biosanitary Research) and is a member of the Spanish Network MultiMetDrugs (RED2018-102471-T) and ACS. His education includes a Chemistry degree (honors) and PhD (1984) from the University of Murcia, followed by postdoctoral work at Sheffield University. His research focuses on Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry , specifically designing d6 metal-based photosensitisers for novel anticancer mechanisms. Key interests include metallodrugs for photodynamic therapy, DNA/protein interactions, and theranostic agents. His work emphasizes Ir(III)/Ru(II) complexes, hypoxia-targeting therapies, and nanocarrier drug delivery. Publications (130+) in high-impact journals ( Angew. Chem. , J. Med. Chem. ) show trends in phototherapy innovation, metallodrug design, and translational cancer research. Recent articles explore red-light PDT, blood-brain barrier penetration, and osmium/rhenium complexes. Awards: National Extraordinary Bachelor’s Degree Award (Spanish Ministry of Education) He mentors researchers in the Metallodrugs group, collaborates internationally (e.g., Brabec, Janiak, Gasser), and evaluates projects for agencies like ANR (France) and DFG (Germany). His lab focuses on metallodrug synthesis, biological testing, and translational oncology.
Almudena Filgueira Vizoso is a Contracted Professor PhD at the Polytechnic School of the University of A Coruña (UDC), specializing in Chemical Engineering and Renewable Energy research. She holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering from UDC and has been actively involved in academic and research activities since 2013. Her educational background includes a Doctorate in Industrial Engineering from the University of A Coruña. Her research focuses on marine renewable energies, technical-economic analysis of offshore systems, tribological behavior of materials, and teaching innovation in engineering education. She has developed expertise in hybrid marine energy systems, wave energy conversion, and sustainable engineering solutions. Her publication trends demonstrate consistent contributions to renewable energy research, particularly in offshore wind systems and marine energy technologies. The articles reflect interdisciplinary work spanning engineering, environmental science, and economic analysis, with significant focus on Galician and Atlantic coastal energy potential. Professor Filgueira Vizoso actively supervises undergraduate and graduate theses, with numerous completed projects on offshore wind farm feasibility, electric vehicle infrastructure, and sustainable building systems. She participates in multiple research projects including the European ARCWIND initiative, the national SEARENEW project, and laser material deposition methodology development. Her teaching portfolio includes Environmental Engineering, Chemical Technology, and Occupational Risk Prevention across various engineering programs at UDC. She maintains regular tutorial hours at the Batallones Building in Ferrol and contributes to curriculum development in industrial engineering disciplines.
Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2)Spain
Dr. Maria Soler serves as a Senior Researcher at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), conducting pioneering work in the Nanobiosensors and Bioanalytical Applications group (NanoB2A) under the Networking Research Center of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN). Her expertise spans nanophotonic biosensor development for real-time, label-free detection in complex biomedical environments. Her academic credentials include: PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biomedicine from Autonomous University of Barcelona (2015, with distinguished honors) Postdoctoral research at Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL, Switzerland) for 3 years Dr. Soler's research integrates optical biosensor development , nanoplasmonics , and surface chemistry with molecular biology to create diagnostic platforms for immunology and personalized medicine. The NanoB2A group focuses on nanoplasmonic biosensors, silicon nanophotonic systems, lab-on-a-chip integration, and surface biofunctionalization, targeting clinical diagnostics and environmental applications through interdisciplinary innovation. Her publication trends reveal consistent advancement in label-free photonic biosensors for precision diagnostics, particularly in point-of-care testing for infectious diseases (including multiple SARS-CoV-2 applications) and cancer immunotherapy monitoring. This work bridges nanotechnology fundamentals with urgent healthcare needs, demonstrating exceptional translational potential in pandemic response and personalized treatment strategies. Dr. Soler's contributions have been recognized through distinguished PhD honors and features in Laser Focus World, though specific awards remain unlisted in available materials. Her research has secured significant ERDF funding for laboratory enhancements within the Biodeposition and Biodetection Unit (U4 NANBIOSIS). As leader of the NanoB2A laboratory at ICN2, she oversees cutting-edge equipment for nanobiosensor development and application, recently upgraded through European Regional Development Fund investments to advance diagnostic capabilities for complex biomedical challenges.
Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2)Spain
Prof. Laura M. Lechuga is a Full Professor at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and leads the Nanobiosensors and Bioanalytical Applications Group at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) in Barcelona, Spain. Her research focuses on nanophotonic biosensors, lab-on-a-chip platforms, and their clinical and environmental applications. Key Research Areas: Nanoplasmonic biosensors, silicon nanophotonics, surface biofunctionalization, and point-of-care diagnostics. With over 200 publications, 8 patent families, and 300+ invited talks, she has co-founded two spin-off companies. Her work spans biomedical diagnostics for infections (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, H. pylori) and environmental monitoring, integrating advanced photonics into portable systems. Scientific Distinctions: Recipient of multiple unspecified awards for her contributions to biosensor technology. The ICN2 Nanobiosensors Group, under her leadership, develops technologies for real-time biomarker analysis, including applications in sepsis detection, therapeutic drug monitoring, and autoimmune disease diagnostics.
Josep Casanovas is a Full Professor at the Statistics and Operations Research Department of the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), affiliated with the Barcelona School of Informatics. He previously served as head of inLab FIB (2012-2020) and as dean (1998-2004) and vice-rector (2006-2011) of UPC, leading strategic initiatives in university governance and ICT policies. His research focuses on Modelling and Simulation , Internet and Information Systems , and Urban Mobility . He has led projects for the European Union, including C-ROADS Spain, REMEDiAL, and ECHORD++, addressing intelligent transport, software automation, and robotic innovation. Recent publications highlight his work on agent-based simulation for urban health, deep learning applications in traffic and energy savings, and wildfire management tools . He co-directs LogiSim and coordinates the Severo Ochoa Research Excellence Program at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS).
Ana de Castro Ríos is a Professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela, affiliated with the Faculty of Pharmacy, the Department of Forensic Sciences, Pathological Anatomy, Gynecology and Obstetrics and Pediatrics, and the Institute of Forensic Sciences "Luis Concheiro" (INCIFOR). She is an active member of the FORTOX (Forensic Toxicology) research group, focusing on advanced analytical methods in toxicology. Her research interests lie primarily in Toxicology , Forensic Toxicology , and Analytical Chemistry , with a strong emphasis on developing and validating LC-MS/MS methods for detecting drugs in alternative biological matrices such as hair, nails, oral fluid, and meconium. Her work bridges clinical and forensic applications, including therapeutic drug monitoring, occupational exposure assessment, drug-impaired driving, and perinatal drug exposure. The recent trend in her publications (2019–2024) demonstrates a consistent focus on the application of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for multi-analyte detection in challenging matrices. Her research spans forensic contexts like drug-facilitated crimes and DUID profiling, as well as clinical areas such as immunosuppressant monitoring and neonatal exposure to tobacco and synthetic drugs. PhD in Toxicology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 2007 Ana de Castro Ríos has contributed significantly to the validation and application of analytical methods in forensic and clinical toxicology. Her publications reflect active collaboration and leadership in method development, particularly for detecting drugs in keratinous tissues and meconium. There is no mention of grant funding or student supervision in the provided texts. She is involved in research that supports legal and medical investigations through robust analytical science. She maintains an active research profile with publications up to 2024, indicating ongoing scientific contributions in her field.
Dr. Juan M. Sarria Toro is a researcher at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), where he develops innovative methodologies in organic and organometallic chemistry. Education : PhD in Chemistry from ETH Zürich. His work focuses on gold carbene generation and asymmetric synthesis , contributing to the advancement of sustainable catalytic processes. Although specific articles are not listed in the provided text, his research aligns with modern trends in synthetic organic chemistry and transition metal catalysis. Dr. Sarria Toro is affiliated with ICIQ's research groups, which include leaders in catalysis, molecular medicine, and renewable energy technologies. His work supports ICIQ's mission to create meaningful scientific advancements through innovative chemical research.
