Rafael Cela
Pablo Álvarez
Carlos Cobas
Silvia Werd
Alba Castro
Javier López
Roberto Lozano
Iria Pérez
Patricia Alvarenga
Juan Suárez
Beni Sieira
Diego Suárez
Álvaro Taboada
Paula Mora
Vera Martos
Julián Lomba
Mazen Hassani
Leticia Pérez
Karen Vilela
Óscar Crego
Carlos Nogueira
Carmen Trigo
Alexandre Rodríguez
Olalla Liz
José Sueiro Rivas
Prof. Rafael Cela
Rafael has developed all his scientific trajectory in the University as a professor of analytical chemistry, studying and starting as assistant at the University of Madrid, then as an associate professor at the university of Cadiz and finally as a full professor at the university of Santiago de Compostela. Retired since August 2022.
In the 70’s he was among the pioneers of chemometrics in Spain and most of his research has been focused on chemometrics and chromatography, particularly experimental design and optimization of chromatography separations. He has published more than 300 papers in referenced journals having currently an h-index of 62. He has also written two textbooks and several chapters in the Wiley’s Analytical Chemistry Encyclopedia and Elsevier’s Comprehensive Chemometrics. Founded and coordinated up to his retirement the ChromChem research group leading and developing more than 25 pluri-annual research projects thanks to government and private enterprise’s funding. Rafael is now part of the team at our new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM).
Carlos Cobas
Carlos Cobas is the Director of Research at the Mestrelab Research Center (CIM) and co-founder of Mestrelab Research, where he continues to play a key role in the company’s R&D activities. With a background in Chemistry, Carlos obtained his PhD from the University of Santiago de Compostela in 2000, after completing a master’s degree and a research stay at the University of Leicester under the supervision of Dr. Paul R. Jenkins.
In 2004, he co-founded Mestrelab Research, successfully transforming the MestReC project into a successful spin-off from the University of Santiago. His work has focused on developing advanced applications for NMR spectroscopy, including signal processing, quantum simulations, and spectral predictions. Recently, his efforts have been directed towards integrating Artificial Intelligence into spectroscopy and chemoinformatics.
Carlos also manages his own personal investment company and is a co-founder of Semola Ventures, an investment firm specializing in early-stage biotech startups. He actively participates in several of these companies as a board member, contributing to their growth and strategic development.
Outside of work, Carlos enjoys History, cycling, athletics, and playing the drums in a rock band.
Pablo Álvarez Freire
Pablo Álvarez is a professional with 25 years of experience, of which the last 15 years have been in managerial roles. He is a Computer Engineer and has completed an Executive MBA at EOI. His career began at Deloitte and continued in relevant companies, where he consolidated his expertise in SAP consulting and digitalization.
Pablo has led the Information Technology area at Infinita Renovables before starting a series of entrepreneurial projects. Subsequently, he joined Zendal as deputy to the CEO, where heó strategy, business development and open innovation management. In addition, Pablo is President of EDIH DATAlifefounder and General Partner of the fund Bio&Tech Smart Capital, and has developed the T.END Foundation with the aim of eradicating tuberculosis in the world. He is also a member of the Gradiant.
Despite his technical academic background, Pablo has always felt a great passion for the business world and the challenges involved in undertaking entrepreneurial projects. He enjoys managing teams, facing challenges and taking on responsibilities with confidence. Ahora exercises as Director of the CIM and Institutional Relations/Public Relationships.
Silvia Werd
My name is Silvia, and I’m based in Madrid, Spain. I have a passion for animals, sports, technologies and marketing. So I`m one of the lucky ones who can really say that I found my passion and made it my profession!
Self-motivated and proactive, with strong analytical skills, I pride myself on being a creative problem-solver able to pick up new skills quickly and effectively. I am driven to learn as much as possible and to deliver high-quality work, through a structured and methodical approach, strong customer orientation, and solid project management and business development competencies. And I am a team player with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
Project success and customer satisfaction are the pillars on which I build trusting relationships and drive business growth.
I really enjoy fast-moving and diverse environments, where everywhere you turn there are opportunities to expand knowledge. I see myself as someone who is eager to learn, committed, honest and open-minded. I am now part of the team at our new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM).
Alba Castro
Alba Castro is a professional born in Pontevedra in 1990 and holds a degree in Business Administration. For over six years, she has been dedicated to accounting in a large industrial company, gaining extensive experience.
In addition to her education in business administration, Alba has a great interest in computer science and office automation. She has completed several courses in these areas and is always updating her knowledge in tools and new technologies.
In her free time, Alba enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking. She is also an avid reader and enjoys spending time with friends and family. Alba is a curious, creative, and hardworking person, always willing to learn new things and take on new challenges. Alba is now part of the team at our new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM).
Roberto Lozano
Roberto obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Experimental Sciences, specializing in Physics, from Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Móstoles in 2015. Following that, he pursued a Master’s Degree in Mathematical Engineering, specializing in Non-Linear Systems and Numerical Methods, at Universidad Carlos III in Leganés in 2017. Then he embarked on his PhD at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, focusing on the simulation of neuronal networks as nonlinear systems, while also teaching Physics at the undergraduate level. In 2022, he achieved another Master’s Degree in Computer Graphics from Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, specializing in Simulations and GPGPU. Roberto is now part of the team at our new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM).
Iria Perez
Iria was born in Rois and moved to Santiago de Compostela during her teenage years. She studied Biomedical Engineering at Universidade de Vigo from 2018 to 2022, specializing in Biotech and being highly interested in the programming and signal processing fields. Her first formal experience consisted of a half-year internship with Gradiant, developing and testing a radar device for remote diagnosis of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea). Later, she spent another half a year working in research and development of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems at CTAG. Finally, she is now part of the team at our new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM).
Javier López
Born in Ourense (Galicia), Javier obtained his Bachelor of Science in Energy Engineering, specializing in Energy Technologies, from the University of Vigo (2014). There he received his first Master’s Degree in Mining Engineering (2016). He also obtained the inter-university MSc in Industrial Mathematics, specializing in Numerical Simulation, from the University of Santiago de Compostela (2018).
In late 2017 he started working at the Energy Technology research Group (GTE), back at the University of Vigo. There he embarked in a PhD in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Engineering and Architecture (2021), focused on numerical weather prediction models applied to energy simulations in buildings and renewable energy systems. After obtaining his PhD, he kept working as a post-doctoral researcher in the same group until early 2023. Javier is now part of the team at our new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM).
Patricia Alvarenga
Was born in El Salvador and arrived in Spain, specifically in Cantabria, at the age of 18 to study Computer Engineering (2016-2020) with a collaboration scholarship. Thanks to this scholarship, I was able to do internships during the first two years at CITICAN and the last two years at Diatomea Tech, where I was also hired and had the opportunity to work on web development projects, Artificial Intelligence, and other emerging technologies for two more years. I live in Santiago de Compostela and I am now part of the team at our new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM).
Juan Suárez
Juan obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. He then pursued a Master’s degree in Chemical and Industrial Chemistry Research at the same university, specializing in NMR Spectroscopy under the supervision of Prof. Javier Sardina.
Following that, Juan spent 6 years working within the research team overseen by Prof. Javier Sardina. During this time, he engaged in R&D projects in the field of NMR, with a particular emphasis on creating applications for compact NMR devices.
In 2023, Juan joined Mestrelab and he is now part of the team at our new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM). In his leisure time, he enjoys cycling in nature and holds a deep passion for all things related to cinema and music.
Beni Sieira
Born in Ribeira (1992), Beni moved to Santiago de Compostela in 2010 to study Chemistry at the University of Santiago de Compostela from 2010 to 2014, getting a Master in Advanced Analytical Techniques one year later. It was at this moment when he decided to start his PhD, mainly related to the use of HPLC/GC-(HR)MS in the IAQBUS (previous IIAA). In 2020, he worked in Applus Norcontrol as Quality Control member in the Chromatography area. Beni is now part of the team at our new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM).
Diego Suárez
Originally from Santiago de Compostela, Diego studied Computer Science in A Coruña, where he lived during that time.
He graduated in early 2020, achieving an honorable mention in his final degree project Tool For Assessing Damage To Spider Crab Sperm DNA Through Comet Cell Analysis.
He returned to his hometown right before the COVID pandemic began, and started teleworking as a software developer in logistics projects of the public health system of Galicia.
In September 2023, Diego joined Mestrelab, and he is now part of the team at our new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM).
Álvaro Taboada
Born in Ourense in 1991. After completing a degree in Physics in Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, he moved to Germany in 2016, where he earned a Ph.D. in Astrophysics at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. He continued as a postdoctoral researcher in Argentina, specializing in software development for simulations and data analysis. Alvaro is now part of the team at our new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM) since September 2023.
Paula Mora
Paula Mora obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in 2013 at the Complutense University of Madrid, with a specialization in Fundamental Chemistry. In 2016, she completed a Master of Science in Drug Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Birmingham (UK). In 2018, she was granted the opportunity to start her predoctoral studies in the Total Synthesis of Natural Products in the group led by Prof. Ángel Rodríguez de Lera and Prof. Rosana Álvarez at the University of Vigo. Currently, she is now part of the team at our new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM).
Dr. Vera Martos
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, followed by a PhD at the Catalan Institute of Chemical Research (ICIQ), specializing in chemical biology. My research involved designing and synthesizing cellular vectors and protein ligands with a focus on the guanidine functional group. Subsequently, I relocated to Berlin, Germany, where I undertook a postdoctoral role at the Leibniz Institute for Molecular Pharmacology, working on medicinal chemistry projects and using Mnova on a daily basis.
After my research career, I transitioned into the role of an innovation and technology transfer manager at the Max-Delbrück Centrum for Molecular Medicine while concurrently pursuing a master’s degree in scientific management. In my most recent position before joining the Mestrelab Research Center (CIM) in October 2023, I was responsible for guiding and supporting innovative biomedical projects from the University Hospital Charité in Berlin, with the aim to take these projects from lab-bench to bedside. In my free time I enjoy my hobbies of ornithology, sports and playing the recorder.
Julián Lomba
Julián was born in A Guarda in 1995. He studied physics in the University of Santiago de Compostela, where he specialized in particle physics. In 2018, he started a Ph.D. in the same topic, acting as an experimental physicist for the LHCb experiment at CERN. In parallel to work, he participated in multiple projects related to videogame development. In 2023, he finished his Ph.D. Julián is now part of the team at our new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM) since November 2023.
Mazen Hassani
From competing in robotics to leading tech teams, my journey has been a blend of technology and innovation. As a global finalist in robotics, I’ve combined my love for tech and teamwork. Previously, I had the honour of serving as the head of development at Harbour.Space, where I played a crucial role in steering innovative projects. Now, I continue to contribute my skills to shape the future of technology. Additionally, I serve as CTO at an early-stage startup, leveraging my social skills to build strong connections. My passion lies in system architecture, and robotics, with a solid foundation in Electronics Engineering. Let’s work together to shape the future of innovation! I am now part of the team at the new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM) since November 2023.
LETI PÉREZ MAYÁN
Leticia was born in Meaño (Spain) and moved to Santiago de Compostela to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry (2015). In 2017, she completed a Master of Innovation in Food Safety and Technology and joined the Chom-Chem group (IAQBUS) to start her PhD under the supervision of Prof. Isaac Rodríguez, with a FPU contract from the Spanish Ministry of Education and Culture. She obtained her PhD, related to the determination of pesticides in environmental samples using HPLC/SFC/GC-(HR)MS, in 2022. One year later, she completed a Master in Secondary and Bachelor Education Teaching, with the science specialization. Leticia is now part of the team at our new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM).
Karen Vilela Goñez
Karen, born in 1991, graduated in Chemistry at the University of Santiago de Compostela, achieving an honorable mention in her final degree project. After completing a master’s degree in organic chemistry, she obtained a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the same university, specializing in organic synthesis and NMR spectroscopy under the supervision of Prof. Javier Sardina.
After completing her Ph.D. degree, Karen worked as a technical project manager in Prof.
Sardina’s research group, where she developed R&D projects aimed at the application of high-field and benchtop NMR to consumer products in the food, cosmetic, and fashion industries.
Karen joined Mestrelab in 2024 and she is now part of the team at our new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM) In her leisure time, she enjoys classical cinema and cooking desserts. Furthermore, she loves fashion and ballet.
Óscar Crego
Dr. Óscar, born in A Coruña in 1992, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Industrial Mathematics, specializing in Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation, both from the University of Santiago de Compostela. His journey as a research and development scientist began at ITMATI in 2015, concurrently with the completion of his Master’s degree. Since January 2024, he is part of the team at the new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM). In 2022, he successfully earned his Ph.D. through research on fluid-structure interaction problems applied to floating bodies. His work delved into the study of waves generated by moving floating bodies, drawing inspiration from the serene beauty of ducks swimming in a pond.
CARLOS NOGUEIRA
Carlos, born in 1998, graduated from the University of Santiago de Compostela with a Chemistry degree. After finishing his studies, he took a master’s degree in chemical research and industrial chemistry at the same university, achieving an honorable mention in the master’s thesis.
Under the supervision of Prof. Javier Sardina, he had the opportunity to be formed in NMR spectroscopy, working on the development of R&D projects aimed at the application of NMR to consumer products from various industrial sectors.
Carlos is part of the team of our new Mestrelab Research Center (CIM).
CARMEN TRIGO
Carmen has completed her degree in Computer Engineering at the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, successfully defending her Final Degree Project. Her enthusiasm for this field started when she was a teenager, when she got involved in robotics and programming, actively participating in several competitions and projects. After completing an internship, Carmen has joined the Mestrelab Research Centre (CIM) team.
ALEXANDRE RODRÍGUEZ
Alexandre graduated in Physics from the University of Santiago de Compostela in 2022. He then pursued an Interuniversity Master’s in Industrial Mathematics, which led him to the field of numerical simulation. After an internship exploring the potential of quantum computing for NMR spectrum simulation, he joined the Mestrelab Research Center (CIM).
Olalla Liz
I was born in Vigo and studied Biotechnology at the University of Santiago de Compostela (2018-2022), specializing in the agri-food branch and acquiring great interest in the field of bioinformatics and data analysis. After finishing my degree, I moved to the city of A Coruña to work in the R&D department of Hijos de Rivera for two and a half years. At the same time, I started the MSc in Bioinformatics for Health Sciences, at the University of A Coruña (UDC). Since July 2025, I am part of the Mestrelab Research Center (CIM).
