Assoc Prof Dr. Juan Antonio Gonzalez Vera, chemistry, Best Researcher Award

Dr. Juan Antonio González Vera boasts a diverse and accomplished career in academia and research. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Granada (2022-present), where he also held roles as Professor Hired Doctor Indefinite (2021-2022), Assistant Professor Doctor (2018-2021), Interim Substitute Professor (2017-2018), and Contract Researcher (2017). Before joining the University of Granada, he was a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron in Montpellier, France (2015-2016). He also held postdoctoral positions at the Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, CSIC (2012-2014), and the University Complutense of Madrid (2009-2011). His international experience includes a significant stint as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the USA (2006-2008), where he advanced his expertise in Chemical Biology and Organic Synthesis.

Dr. Juan Antonio González Vera’s research is at the forefront of Chemical Biology, focusing on several key areas:

• Biosensors: Developing advanced fluorescent peptide and lanthanide-based biosensors for studying kinase activity and protein-protein interactions. His innovative biosensors are used extensively for in vitro kinase activity studies.
• Organic Synthesis: Creating novel fluorescent probes and solvatochromic fluorophores, such as Quinolimides, for applications in biological imaging and diagnostics.
• Physical Chemistry: Utilizing cutting-edge microscopy techniques like Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) and Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (PLIM) to explore complex biological systems.
• Luminescent Probes and Sensors: Designing lanthanide antennas and other luminescent probes for intracellular imaging and the detection of biological molecules, contributing to advancements in areas such as cancer diagnosis and the study of amyloid fibrillization.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engaging in extensive collaboration with technological companies and academic institutions globally, driving forward innovative research and practical applications of biosensors and luminescent materials.