I have been awarded five consecutive six-year research periods by the National Commission for the Evaluation of Research Activity (CNEAI), with the most recent recognition in 2024. My research profile includes a h-index of 16 according to Scopus, with 39 peer-reviewed publications accumulating 578 citations. I have presented 57 contributions to international conferences, primarily as poster presentations. All my publications are featured in reputable journals, with no association with predatory outlets. Notably, the majority rank in the first quartile across disciplines such as Multidisciplinary Sciences, Neurosciences, Behavioral Sciences, Pharmacology & Pharmacy, Clinical Neurology, and Psychology. The main scientific objectives of my research line are to gain a better understanding of the impact of diet on both physiological and pathological aging, from the molecular level to behavioral aspects.

My research career, initiated with a PhD in 1997 (Extraordinary Doctoral Award), has been consistently supported by competitive funding from the Spanish Ministry of Science and the Generalitat de Catalunya. I have secured various grants, including pre-doctoral funding from the Generalitat (1997, UAB) and prestigious postdoctoral fellowships such as Fulbright (Boston University, US), Gaspar de Portolà (University of California, US), and Salvador de Madariaga (Monash University, Australia—canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic). I have served as a member of evaluation committees for R&D&I projects, including those of the Generalitat Valenciana (2015, 2021, and 2023) and the Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca (AGAUR) in 2017.

My contributions to the scientific process encompass formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, analyzing and interpreting results, and publishing findings. As an author, I have taken on diverse roles, including first author and, in supervised doctoral theses, last author. I have also presented research findings in journals and at international conferences and actively disseminated scientific knowledge through platforms such as UABDivulga and public media channels. I have developed expertise in various methodologies, including pharmacological, histological, surgical, and biochemical techniques. My specialization lies in designing and implementing behavioral paradigms to assess cognition and behavior, a skill honed during my postdoctoral tenure at Boston University. This proficiency includes evaluating learning, memory, attention, cognitive flexibility, motor functions, and emotional responses. Within my research team, I lead in guiding behavioral characterization projects and fostering collaboration. I am deeply committed to mentoring researchers, providing both practical laboratory training and academic guidance, ensuring they acquire the necessary skills and confidence to excel in their careers.

I have supervised four completed doctoral theses (2007, 2009, 2013, and 2019) within the UAB PhD Neuroscience program and am currently supervising another. Since 2011, I have annually directed master’s theses in Neurosciences at UAB. My teaching activities include both undergraduate and master’s courses focused on Psychobiology and Behavioral Neuroscience, bridging foundational knowledge with practical application to foster a comprehensive understanding of these fields. My dedication to encouraging scientific interest in young students is evident in my outreach efforts, including courses such as Neuroscience: Discovering the Brain for Secondary and High School Students (2017–2019) and serving as an evaluator for the AGAUR Premis Recerca Jove initiative (2019–2023). I have also delivered scientific talks in high schools to encourage tertiary education. Additionally, I have participated in initiatives like the Youth Mobile Festival Science +Tech Barcelona, the Saló de l’Ensenyament, Brain Awareness Week, and other outreach projects in primary and secondary schools. In 2016, I contributed to a funded scientific dissemination project (FCT-15-9841) through the UAB Observatory for the Diffusion of Science.

A significant focus of my outreach involves promoting healthy aging, which aligns closely with my current research line on aging and strategies to enhance cognitive function. I lead neuroscience-focused discussions and deliver conferences tailored for older adults, including those organized by University Extension Classrooms at UAB and UPF. These initiatives are integral to our mission of applying research findings to improve the quality of life and cognitive health in aging populations.

In terms of university management, I have held various roles at UAB, including Associate Dean of Students and Promotion and Secretary of the School of Psychology (2019–2021). Additionally, I have served as Director of the UAB Psychobiology Unit (2003–2004, 2016–2017), Secretary of the Psychobiology Department (2017–2019), and Coordinator of Exchange Programs (2003–2007), among other positions.