"Biotechnology as a catalyst for social development"
SPEAKERS
Dr. Yrjö Helariutta
University of Helsinki (Finland), University of Tartu (Estonia)
A world leader in plant genetics, renowned for transforming our understanding of vascular development in plants. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of phloem and cambium, utilizing Arabidopsis and tree species to decipher carbon storage and contribute to climate change-resilient crop breeding. With an exceptional record exceeding 28,000 citations, he has published in the world's most prestigious journals, including Science and Nature. His pioneering work unravels how vascular tissues coordinate the growth of plant organs.
Dr. Paulo López Meyer
Instituto Tecnológico José Mario Molina Pasquel y Henríquez, Mexico
A distinguished scientist and researcher specializing in Electrical and Computer Engineering, holding a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Clarkson University. His expertise spans both academic and industrial research, featuring a solid track record at global enterprises such as Intel Corporation. He is an expert in the development of Machine Learning and Deep Learning technologies, as well as Research and Development (R&D). Currently, he serves as an Adjunct Professor of Computer Science at the Instituto Tecnológico José Mario Molina Pasquel y Henríquez, Zapopan campus.
Dr. María J. Harrison
Boyce Thomson Institute. United States of America
A global authority on plant-fungal symbiosis, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizae. A professor at the Boyce Thompson Institute and Cornell University, her laboratory utilizes genomics and cell biology to decipher phosphate and carbon exchange in the roots of the model legume Medicago truncatula. Her discoveries regarding hormonal regulation and nutrient transport open new pathways to optimize phosphorus acquisition in agricultural crops. A member of the Royal Society and the US National Academy of Sciences, her body of work exceeds 28,000 citations
Dr. Carmen R. Beuzón
University of Málaga / IHSM La Mayora (UMA-CSIC), Spain
Professor of Genetics at the University of Málaga and a leading scientist at IHSM La Mayora (UMA-CSIC). Her line of research focuses on deciphering the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern the interaction between the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae and its host plants, analyzing both plant defenses and pathogen evasion strategies. With a robust international background, including research stays at Imperial College London, she has an established career in the biology of plant-microorganism interactions, backed by over 5,000 citations validating her scientific impact.
Dr. Hugo Alberto Barrera Saldaña
UANL, Vitagénesis SA de CV y Laboratorios Columbia SA de CV. México
A cornerstone of biomedicine and molecular biology in Mexico. Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Texas and postdoctoral experience in France, he coordinates the Medical Biotechnology Unit at the UANL. His work focuses on human growth factors, molecular epidemiology, and the commercialization of biotechnologies. He has been honored with the National Science Prize and the Luis Elizondo Award. A member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences and the Human Genome Organization, his scientific and institutional impact is supported by more than 5,500 citations.
Dr. Damar López Arredondo
Texas Tech University, United States of America
Professor at the Institute for Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance (IGCAST) at Texas Tech University. Her research integrates omics technologies and metabolic engineering to enhance environmental stress resistance in plants and microalgae, promoting sustainable production systems. Holding a Ph.D. in Plant Biotechnology from Cinvestav-Langebio, she is the co-founder of StelaGenomics Inc., a biotechnology company focused on reducing fertilizer and pesticide use. Her innovative work has been recognized by MIT as an "Innovator Under 35" and awarded the Cargill-CIMMYT Food Security and Sustainability Award.
Dr. Patricia Taillandier
Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse: Toulouse, Midi-Pyrénées, France — Laboratoire de Génie Chimique (LGC)
Full Professor at the Chemical Engineering Laboratory (LGC) of the Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse, France. Her research combines microbiology and chemical engineering to optimize fermentative bioprocesses applied to fermented beverages, food biocontrol, and biorefineries. She has directed biotechnology training at the institution and coordinated the National Enologist Diploma. With 94 international publications, she has supervised 45 doctoral theses and led more than 20 projects with industrial partners. Furthermore, she serves as an expert advisor to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) and the French agency Anses.
Dr. Claudio Fuentes Grunewald
Beacon Development Department, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia
Director of the Algae Program at the prestigious King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. With over 30 years of international experience in microalgae biotechnology, his expertise bridges frontier research with industrial development. He specializes in the design and operation of microalgae production plants and the extraction of high-value metabolites for aquaculture, cosmetics, and healthcare. Having served as a consultant in over ten countries, he has established himself as a key bridge between applied science and sustainable technological innovation on a global scale.
