The group is formed by experts in the growth and characterization of materials. During the last years the group has focused its activities on surfaces, interfaces and nanoparticles (NPs). Between 2012 and 2018 the group has also achieved technological developments that have led to 5 patents, 3 of them being licensed (for high performance AFM tips and growth of NPs) and it has created 2 spin-off companies. The efforts in technological developments have provided new tools to manufacture novel nanomaterials whose properties and applications are under study.

Our group is focused on the molecular mechanisms driving cancer progression, with particular emphasis in pancreatic cancer. This tumor, in particular pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in the developed countries and it is one of the most aggressive human tumors. The 5-year patient survival is less than 2%. Currently, there is no effective therapy for this highly malignant tumor and identification of novel molecular targets is an urgent need.

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common and lethal type of cancer of the central nervous system, it is characterized by its aggressiveness, rapid cell proliferation and great infiltration capacity. GB cause progressive neurological dysfunction including memory loss, speech and language defects, epileptic seizures and vomits. There is no cure for this type of tumors and the median survival after optimal treatments (surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy) is 14,6 months.

In Vid has as main objective to reduce the dependence of traditional agrochemicals on pest control and evaluate the sustainability of agrosystems in terms of management, with special emphasis on the vineyard. Our gruop develops two lines of research: (i) functional biodiversity of vineyards and multitrophic interactions and (ii) habitat modification and development of new bio-tools.

Development of sustainable and eco-innovative processes and systems for the use of raw materials, recovery of critical metals, post-consumer waste and emerging waste through sustainable processes. It develops a scientific and technological activity related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): 1 (Clean water and sanitation); 7 (Affordable and non-polluting energy); 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructures); 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 13 (Climate Action) as demonstrated in its trajectory since 2003.

The group studies the protein fraction of foods and the health impact, including the quality assessment and the nutritional value of food proteins. Currently, we are working on the intestinal signalling of the protein fraction with different types of receptors involved in satiety and metabolic response. The research group is expert on the simulation of the food gastrointestinal digestion and the application of omic tools (proteomics and peptidomics) to study digestion and other enzymatic hydrolysis processes.

The research activity of the Electrocatalysis for Energy and the Environment Group is dedicated to the development of electrocatalysts that improve the activity and stability of electrodes in electrochemical devices for storage and conversion of clean energy, mainly in those applications that use hydrogen as an energy carrier such as fuel cells, electrolysers and regenerative fuel cells.

The research activity of the group focuses on the development and optimization of metallic materials and manufacturing and forming processes in a sustainable manner, to improve the safety of individuals and the environment. The main activity of the group is carried out in the transport, energy and construction sectors. Among the metals, light alloys and their foams are considered, mainly aluminum, and high strength steels, together with reinforced or composite materials.

The lab aims to understand how brain process sensory information and how the sensory processing interacts with motor commands. To that end two main lines of research are open. The first one is focus in the basal ganglia, more specifically in the striatum. This nucleus is well known for its role in motor control, and problems in the striatum underlay Parkinson’s or Huntington, among other diseases. Individual striatal neurons can integrate both sensory and motor information.