Tell us a bit about yourself
I was born in Barcelona Spain, where I studied Biomedical Sciences and Genetics and then moved to the UK to do my PhD on epigenetic regulation of developmental processes in Xenopus and planarians at the University of East Anglia. After my PhD, I wanted to continue on science but could not picture myself pipetting anymore so I moved to research management.
What is your role within EATRIS and what does a typical week look like for you?
I am the national coordinator for EATRIS Spain and my role is to try to increase the participation and visibility of Spanish health research institutes at the international level. A normal week involves a lot of emails, calls and contact with the institutes part of the EATRIS Spain node.
What has been the highlight of your EATRIS experience so far?
Contributing to making the EATRIS Spain community a more dynamic and active member of EATRIS.
What is translational research for you?
Translational research to me is the kind of research that has a positive impact on the patients. From lab discoveries to validation in clinical practice.
Why did you decide to work in the translational medicine field?
It is exciting and rewarding to contribute (even if it is very small participation) in increasing the knowledge of human health and biology. The question should be, why I wouldn’t want to work on that!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Do whatever you are passionate about and the rest will follow.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
I love playing with my guineapigs, Pepper and Ginger. In my spare time, I hit the gym and I don’t say no to a glass of wine while watching my series.
If you were a drug, vaccine or diagnostic, what would you be and why?
A diagnostic! I am the kind of person that rapidly takes action to overcome problems. The first step in this method is to know what is not working properly and I feel diagnostics follows that the best.
What would surprise people to know about you?
I am part of an NGO to promote science among migrant pupils. The NGO is called Native Scientist.
