Biography: My research focuses on multidisciplinary approaches to understanding microbial systems, ranging from the molecular characterization of key components (e.g., genes) and their interactions, to systems-level properties such as phenotype and metabolic robustness. The ultimate goal is to translate these insights into innovative applications.
I earned dual degrees in Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Extremadura (2003), where I received the Premio Extraordinario de Licenciatura. I hold a PhD in Molecular Biology from CIB-CSIC (2009) supervised by Prof. Eduardo Díaz, focused on aromatics acids degradation. From 2010 to 2013, I conducted postdoctoral research with Prof. Bernhard Palsson at the University of Iceland and UC San Diego, specializing in metabolic modelling, which led to several high-impact publications, e.g., Nature Biotechnology and PNAS. Back at CIB-CSIC (2013–2017), I developed the first genome-scale reconstruction and analysis platform in Spain. During this period, I was awarded a JIN project from the AEI and a FET-OPEN project from the EC as PI, establishing my independent research line on Systems Biotechnology. In 2016, I was offered a Ramón y Cajal fellowship (declined) and secured a tenured position at CSIC. I have led the Systems Biotechnology Group at CNB-CSIC since 2017, and in 2024, I was appointed Head of the Systems Biology Department. I have 3 sexenios (latest 2021) and 3 quinquenios (latest 2022), with 59 ISI-indexed publications: 49 research articles (43 Q1, 11 first author, 13 corresponding), 10 reviews (Q1, 4 corresponding), and 12 book chapters. My work has received over 4,300 citations, with an average of 59.7 citations/article and an H-index of 31 (Google Scholar). I have supervised 3 PhD theses (7 ongoing), 12 MSc theses, and teach in 6 Master’s programs.
As PI, I have led 18 research projects (8 international, 2 as coordinator, 10 national) and 4 private contracts (BIOPOLIS, ERCROS, MOA FOOD, REPSOL), securing €3.74M (international), €1.68M (national), and €370K (private). I serve as Scientific Lead of the CNB DNA Biofoundry (CNBIO), a CSIC core facility, and am part of the CSIC IBISBA core, contributing to European R&D&I infrastructure in industrial biotechnology. I am founding member of the SusPlast Platform (sustainable plastics and circular economy) and participate in several national and international networks, including Life-Hub, BCB, and Microbiome Connections, SynCell and Flavo-Green. Additionally, I am co-inventor of 2 PCT-extended patents and co-founder of two start-ups: Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence and Biodriven Technologies SL.