Margarita Martínez Medina is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at the University of Girona , specializing in the Microbiology of Intestinal Disease . She has been a professor in the Microbiology area since 2001 and focuses on the pathogenicity of AIEC bacteria and multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections. Education: PhD in Biology (University of Girona, 2009) Her research spans genomic, transcriptomic, and functional studies of AIEC bacteria, host-pathogen interactions , and novel treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections , including vaccine development. She has also explored the impact of diet on intestinal homeostasis. Since 2010, she has collaborated with the Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l'Hôte laboratory at Université d'Auvergne, France, advancing methodologies for studying microbial pathogenesis. Scientific Recognition: Two awards for her PhD thesis European mention for her doctoral work Martínez Medina participates in institutional management roles and contributes to teaching assignments at the University of Girona.
Maria Pla de Solà Morales is a tenured Professor in the Food Technology area at the Department of Chemical, Agricultural Engineering and Agri-Food Technology, affiliated with the Institute of Agro-Food Technology at the University of Girona (UdG). She teaches in agri-food degrees at the School of Agricultural Chemical Engineering and Agri-Food Technology and the Master's in Food Biotechnology. Education: Doctor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Focus: Her work centers on plant elicitor peptides (Peps) for pathogen control, biotechnological production of antimicrobial peptides in microorganisms and plants, and characterization of genetically modified (GM) plants with emphasis on traceability, food safety, and unintended transcriptomic/proteomic effects of transgenes. Affiliations: Food Technology Research Group (University of Girona) Institute of Agro-Food Technology (UdG)
Sebastián Acosta Jurado is a researcher in Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering at the Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), affiliated with the research group EXPRESIÓN GENICA EN BACTERIAS DE INTERÉS MEDIOAMBIENTAL . His work focuses on gene regulation in rhizobia, particularly Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 , and its symbiotic interactions with legumes.
Dr. Jose Maria Moreno-Navarrete is a Consolidated Researcher (R3) in the Department of Nutrition, Eumetabolism and Health at the University of Girona. His research focuses on obesity phenotyping, metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease, adipose tissue biology, and systems medicine approaches to precision nutrition. He leads projects funded by the European Union (Stratification of Obese Phenotypes, HADEA) and Spanish agencies (Ministry of Economy, Carlos III Institute). Research interests include multiomics analysis of gut-liver-adipose axis interactions, iron metabolism in obesity, and biomarker discovery for metabolic diseases. His work integrates cellular transcriptomics, microbiome studies, and clinical metabolomics to develop predictive models of metabolic health. Recent publications highlight discoveries in adipose tissue transcriptomics linked to glycemic control, iron's role in adipose dysfunction, and novel non-coding RNA mechanisms in obesity. He coordinates interdisciplinary teams investigating intestinal barrier dysfunction and antiviral pathways in glucose metabolism. Principal Investigator on grants like PID2022-143113OB-I00 (LBP gene knockout studies) and PREP2022-000811 (pre-doctoral training). Collaborates with international teams on obesity-related liver diseases and systems biology approaches to metabolic precision medicine.
Dr. Juan José Gutiérrez González is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at the Universidad de León , affiliated with the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences . His research focuses on plant genetics and genomics within the GENPLANT1 research group. Education: PhD in Genetics from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2009) Research Focus: Genetic basis of isoflavone accumulation in soybean under water-deficit conditions
Mar Albà Soler serves as an ICREA Research Professor at Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM) in Barcelona and has taught bioinformatics at Pompeu Fabra University for 20 years. Her work bridges computational genomics and biomedical research within IMIM's Department of Biomedical Informatics. She earned her Bachelor's and PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Barcelona (1997), followed by an MSc in Bioinformatics and Molecular Modeling from Birkbeck College during postdoctoral work at London's MRC Clinical Research Centre. Her training included developing viral evolution tools under Paul Kellam at University College London. Dr. Soler's research focuses on genomics , molecular evolution , and transcriptomics , with specialized expertise in herpesvirus computational analysis. She pioneers methods for high-throughput sequencing data interpretation to uncover evolutionary mechanisms. Her distinguished recognition includes: Ramón y Cajal Fellowship (2002) ICREA Research Professor appointment (2005) She has directed 12 doctoral theses while leading her research group at IMIM. Current activities span ongoing grants in genomic medicine, conference presentations, and academic dissemination through courses and workshops.
Alejandro Ivan Ruiz Riquelme is a distinguished researcher at the University of Santiago de Compostela, affiliated with the Department of Physiology and the Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS). He leads the PatMol-DR group (Molecular Pathology of Rare Diseases). His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Celia's Encephalopathy, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's, with an emphasis on protein misfolding mechanisms and biomarker discovery. His work integrates molecular biology, genetics, and translational neuroscience. PhD (2015): Molecular basis of Celia's encephalopathy , advised by Dr. Jesús Rodríguez Requena and Dr. David Araujo Vilar Key research interests include: Protein aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders Mechanisms of prion-like propagation Biomarker development for early diagnosis Role of BSCL2 gene mutations in lipid metabolism and neurodegeneration His recent studies highlight innovative approaches in: Alpha-synuclein conformational analysis for Parkinson's diagnostics β-amyloid seeding activity in Alzheimer's models Circulating biomarkers for protein misfolding syndromes Lab/Team: Leads the PatMol-DR group, focusing on molecular pathology of rare neurodegenerative diseases, combining biochemical, cellular, and genetic approaches.
Juan Ramón González serves as a Research Professor at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), leading the Bioinformatic Group in Genetic Epidemiology (BRGE), and holds an Adjunct Professor position in the Department of Mathematics at the Autonomous University of Barcelona where he delivers graduate lectures on advanced statistical methods and bioinformatics. His academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Biostatistics from the University of South Carolina Columbia (USA) under Prof. Edsel Peña's supervision, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG). Dr. González pioneers statistical and computational methodologies for multi-omic data analysis (genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic) with emphasis on genomic inversions, chromosome Y regulation, and exposome integration. His research bridges bioinformatics with epidemiological applications to unravel mechanisms in complex diseases like asthma and obesity, while developing scalable tools for personalized medicine. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a dominant trend in open-source bioinformatics tool development—particularly for genomic inversion detection (scoreInvHap), exposome-wide association studies (rexposome), and toxicogenomics (CTDquerier)—showcasing methodological innovation in handling big data challenges across genetic epidemiology and environmental health domains. No specific scientific awards are documented in the source material, though his leadership in major international consortia (ATHLETE, HELIX, MEDIRAD, OPERRA) demonstrates significant recognition. He actively mentors through graduate teaching and authored the authoritative text 'Omic association analysis with R and Bioconductor'. The BRGE group he directs focuses on advancing computational frameworks for integrating genetic, environmental, and clinical data, with ongoing projects targeting exposome characterization and structural genomic variations in disease pathogenesis.
Paulino Martinez Portela is a Professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela, affiliated with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology. His research is centered within the Strategic Grouping in Sustainable Management and Production of Bioresources (BioReDes) and the ACUIGEN research group focused on Genetics for aquaculture and resource conservation. Dr. Martinez Portela earned his doctorate from the University of Santiago de Compostela in 1992 with a thesis on "Cytogenetic characterization and allozyme analysis in 'Salmo trutta' conservation of genetic resources," directed by Dra. Laura Sánchez Piñón. His research spans multiple areas of genetics with a strong emphasis on aquaculture applications. Martinez Portela's work primarily focuses on fish genetics, genome analysis, and sex determination systems across various marine species. His expertise encompasses population genetics, molecular evolution, and conservation genetics, with particular attention to economically important species like turbot, sole, and oysters. The researcher has made significant contributions to understanding chromosome structure, gene function, and adaptation mechanisms in aquatic organisms. Analysis of Martinez Portela's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward advanced genomic techniques including chromosome-level genome assembly, transcriptomic analysis, and population genomics approaches. His work frequently addresses practical aquaculture challenges such as disease resistance, reproductive management, and selective breeding. The research spans fundamental genetic mechanisms to applied solutions for sustainable aquaculture production, with particular emphasis on European marine species. Dr. Martinez Portela is actively involved in multiple research initiatives including the Strategic Grouping in Sustainable Management and Production of Bioresources (BioReDes) and leads the ACUIGEN research group. His laboratory work focuses on cutting-edge genomic technologies applied to aquaculture species, with emphasis on understanding genetic mechanisms underlying economically important traits.
Carolina Escobar Lucas is a Full Professor at the University of Castilla-La Mancha, specifically in the School of Environmental Sciences. She has held this position since 2021, following her appointment as Catedrática (Full Professor) in Environmental Sciences in December 2020. Her academic career spans over two decades with significant contributions to plant pathology and nematology. She has also served as an Associate Professor at Kumamoto University (2018-2022) and as a Visiting Professor at Durham University (2011). Dr. Escobar received her PhD in Biology from the University of East Anglia in 1999, conducting her research at the John Innes Institute. She completed her Master's degree (Degree in Biology) at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in 1995. Her early career included predoctoral fellowships at John Innes Centre (1995-1998) and Hospital Ramón y Cajal (1993-1994). Dr. Escobar's research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying plant-nematode interactions, particularly root-knot nematodes. Her work explores how these parasites manipulate plant developmental pathways to establish feeding sites, with emphasis on hormonal regulation, epigenetic modifications, and plant defense responses. She has made significant contributions to understanding how plants can be engineered for enhanced resistance to nematode infections through biotechnological approaches. Her recent publications demonstrate a shift toward more applied research, exploring sustainable agricultural solutions including biopesticides derived from plant compounds, biochar applications for nematode control, and biological control methods using beneficial fungi. Her work bridges fundamental molecular biology with practical agricultural applications for sustainable nematode management. Dr. Escobar serves as an Editor for Frontiers in Plant Science and holds leadership positions in the National Society of Phytopathology, where she currently serves as Vice-chancellor. She has been actively involved in numerous research grants funded by Spanish national agencies and regional governments, focusing on sustainable agriculture and plant protection. Her research has been supported by multiple grants from MICIN, Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, and other funding bodies. Current projects include "New treatments for biological control of phytoparasitic nematodes with application in sustainable agriculture" (2022-2024) and "REBIOIDENEMA Study of the reproducibility of grape pomace biochar..." (2022-2024). She has supervised numerous research projects investigating molecular aspects of plant-nematode interactions and sustainable control methods. Dr. Escobar leads a research group focused on plant-nematode interactions at the University of Castilla-La Mancha. Her team employs molecular, cellular, and omics approaches to understand the mechanisms of plant susceptibility and resistance to nematodes. The group collaborates with international researchers and has established partnerships with agricultural companies seeking sustainable solutions for nematode control in crops.
Sara Rodrigues Passos Rocha is a Researcher at the University of Vigo, Spain, affiliated with the Faculty of Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Immunology, and the Marine Research Center. She leads the XB2 EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION research group, focusing on genetic mechanisms underlying biodiversity and evolutionary processes in marine and island ecosystems. Her research spans evolutionary genetics, biodiversity conservation, marine genomics, phylogeography, and speciation. She investigates genetic diversity patterns in marine species (e.g., European hake, cockles), island biogeography of reptiles (particularly geckos), and transmissible cancers in marine invertebrates. Her work integrates genomic, transcriptomic, and phylogeographic approaches to study adaptation, population declines, and conservation needs under climate change pressures. Analysis of her recent publications reveals dominant themes in marine cancer evolution (especially transmissible leukemias in bivalves), reptile dispersal mechanisms across oceanic barriers, and conservation genetics of vulnerable marine populations. Her research frequently employs next-generation sequencing to address speciation history, inbreeding effects, and human-mediated species invasions, with strong emphasis on Western Indian Ocean and European coastal ecosystems. Dr. Rocha actively contributes to the Marine Research Center of the University of Vigo through the XB2 research group, which conducts field and genomic studies on evolutionary adaptation and biodiversity conservation. Her collaborative projects span international teams studying marine genomics, island biogeography, and conservation strategies for threatened species.
Francisco J. Balao Robles is a Professor in the Department of Plant Biology and Ecology at the Faculty of Biology, University of Seville. He teaches courses including Botánica II , Diseño de Experimentos y Análisis de Datos , Genética Evolutiva , and Aplicaciones y Discusiones en Evolución Vegetal . He leads the research group 'ECOLOGIA REPRODUCTIVA DE PLANTAS' (Reproductive Ecology of Plants), focusing on evolutionary botany and conservation genomics. His research integrates plant ecology , evolutionary genetics , and conservation biology , with emphasis on polyploidy, speciation, and Mediterranean plant systems. Key areas include: Polyploid adaptation in Dianthus and orchid complexes Phylogeography of Mediterranean conifers (e.g., Abies pinsapo ) Conservation strategies for endangered flora Plant-pollinator coevolution and floral biochemistry His recent publications (2018–2022) demonstrate a strong focus on polyploid evolution , niche divergence , and conservation genomics , using transcriptomic, physiological, and field-based approaches. Studies frequently address climate adaptation and anthropogenic impacts on Mediterranean biodiversity. He has supervised doctoral students, including Jose Manuel Sánchez-Robles, and secured multiple competitive grants such as Autopoliploidía y Divergencia Ecológica (PGC2018) and LIFE18 conservation initiatives for Abies nebrodensis . His group conducts translocation projects for threatened species like Dianthus inoxianus .
Bàrbara Baro is an Assistant Research Professor at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), focusing on severe infections and global health. She completed her Biotechnology degree at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (2007) and earned her PhD in Biomedicine from Universitat de Barcelona (2013), studying mitotic regulation under Dr. Ethel Queralt. Her postdoctoral work included malaria vivax research in Brazil (FAPEAM fellowship), Plasmodium falciparum studies at Stanford University, and fieldwork in Papua New Guinea as a Beatriu de Pinós fellow. During the pandemic, she contributed to SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology and diagnostics research in Barcelona hospitals. Her research integrates molecular mechanisms of severe infections, biomarker discovery, and diagnostic tool development. Key projects include malaria transmission dynamics in Lihir Islands, immune/endothelial biomarker validation for COVID-19 prognosis, and host-parasite interaction studies. She leads a team developing point-of-care diagnostics and strategies to reduce infection-related mortality. Rewarded Fellowships: Beatriu de Pinós, FPU, FAPEAM, Stanford Child Health Collaborative Work: PNG Institute of Medical Research, Stanford University, Barcelona hospitals Her work spans 20+ peer-reviewed articles in journals like Frontiers in Immunology , PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases , and Blood . Current initiatives focus on translational research to improve global health outcomes through innovative diagnostics and therapeutic strategies.
Oriol Vidal Fàbrega is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Girona, where he is affiliated with the Genetic Ichthyology Laboratory research group. His academic work spans genetics, evolutionary biology, and molecular biology, with a focus on both domestic and wild species. He holds a PhD in Animal Production and has established research lines in goat domestication, invasive species, and cavefish evolution. Research Interests: His primary research areas include Molecular Genetics , Evolutionary Biology , and Conservation Genetics . He investigates the genetic basis of adaptation in extreme environments, particularly in Astyanax mexicanus , a model organism for evolutionary and metabolic studies. His work integrates QTL analysis, population genomics, and transcriptomics to understand phenotypic changes in cave-dwelling fish and invasive freshwater species. He also explores the genetic diversity of domestic goats and meat quality traits in pigs. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in evolutionary genomics, with multiple studies on Astyanax mexicanus focusing on metabolic adaptation, eye degeneration, and gene regulation. Other works address invasive species monitoring and livestock genetics, reflecting a dual focus on basic and applied research. Scientific Recognition: Although no formal awards are listed, his research has been published in high-impact journals such as Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) , and his work on growth hormone in cavefish was highlighted in Nature , indicating significant scientific influence. Advising and Grants: He has served as Principal Investigator on competitive grants, including an INIA project (RZ2007-00005-C02-02) on goat genetics. He has collaborated with institutions such as the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, the Centro Ricerche Studi Agroalimentari in Milan, and the Cave Biology Lab at New York University. These collaborations have led to international publications and postdoctoral exchanges. Laboratories and Teams: He is a key member of the Grup de Recerca Laboratori d'Ictiologia Genètica at the University of Girona. This team focuses on genetic studies of fish, including both native and invasive species, and uses molecular tools to address ecological and evolutionary questions. The lab also participates in national and regional environmental monitoring projects, particularly with the Agència Catalana de l’Aigua.
Marc Yeste Oliveras is a Full Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Girona, where he also serves as Director of the Institute of Agri-Food Technology (INTEA) and Director of the TechnoSperm Reproduction Biotechnology Centre. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and teaches across multiple faculties, including Nursing, Sciences, and the School of Engineering, as well as in Master’s programs in Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, and Food Biotechnology. He has held visiting professorships at the University of Oxford, University of São Paulo, and several Spanish universities. Education: BSc in Biology, University of Girona MSc in Biotechnology PhD in Cell Biology (European Doctorate), University of Girona Law Degree, UNED (with Extraordinary Academic Award) BSc in Political Science and Sociology, UNED Philosophy studies, University of Girona Marc Yeste's research focuses on cellular and reproductive biology across mammalian species, including humans, pigs, horses, cattle, sheep, cats, and dogs. His work explores sperm physiology, capacitation, cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, oocyte in vitro maturation, fertility preservation, reproductive aging, and the genetic basis of infertility. He investigates sperm-epithelial interactions in the epididymis and oviduct, microbial contamination in semen, and oocyte activation deficiency. His research integrates molecular, cellular, and biotechnological approaches to improve reproductive outcomes. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on reproductive biotechnology, with recurring themes in sperm cryopreservation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and fertility preservation. His work bridges animal and human reproduction, often applying findings from veterinary models to human clinical contexts. There is a clear trend toward translational research, biomarker discovery, and the application of omics technologies in reproductive science. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB) Fellow of the Young Academy of Europe (FYAE) Chartered Biologist (CBiol) Chartered Scientist (CSci) Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach) I3 Certificate for Research Intensification (2019) Member of the Royal European Academy of Doctors Accredited Full Professor by AQU and ANECA Marc Yeste has been actively involved in research funding and academic mentorship. He has participated in over 100 competitive research projects, including EU programs (FP7, H2020, Horizon Europe), and has served as Principal Investigator in over 40. He has directed 16 PhD theses and 30 master's theses, and supervised 15 postdoctoral researchers and over 60 undergraduate students. He has also evaluated research proposals and academic positions for national and international agencies. He leads the Research Group in Animal and Human Reproductive Biotechnology and is the scientific director of TechnoSperm, a center dedicated to advancing reproductive technologies. His editorial leadership includes roles as Editor-in-Chief of Animal Reproduction Science and Senior Editor at Scientific Reports (Nature), reflecting his influence in the scientific community.
