Our main aim is to investigate ecological processes modulating organism’s adaptive evolution. We focus on phenotypic traits related to behaviour and ecological interactions, being interested in exploring proximate mechanisms and ultimate functions, integrating levels of organization from genes to ecosystems. The study of species interactions and their geographical variation are central aspects of the group’s research lines. We work in the field and in the lab, as well as “in silico”, using as models a wide range of organisms and systems.

Desertification and land degradation as a particular case of Global Change in drylands: geoecological processes (biogeochemical cycles, soils, atmosphere, vegetation, water and erosion) in ecosystems and their interaction with socio-economic factors, as well as diagnostics and restoration measures of desertified and degraded areas.

Plant-plant interactions, plant-soil interactions, animal-animal interactions, animal, plant and microbial communities dynamics, organisms responses to global change, adaptation, nutrient cycles.

Photochemical processes and their applications in organic chemistry, photobiology, environment and femtochemistry 1) Photobiology. Photoinduced reactions of biomolecules (lipids, proteins and nucleic acids). Photochemistry in biomimetic microheterogeneous media. Molecular bases of photosensitization by drugs (phototoxicity, photoallergy, photogenotoxicity). Photoprotection. 2) Environment. Photocatalysis for environmental applications. Efficacy and safety of solar filters. Sunlight-mediated photoreactions. 3) Photochemistry. Photoinduced hydrogen, electron and energy transfer.

Transformation of chemical compounds with light and a catalyst.

One of the greatest challenges of the 21st century is the rationalization, optimization and reduction of the environmental impact of the use and production of energy. World demand is growing, supplies are declining, and environmental conservation is a global issue. The group addresses three major issues within energy recovery and management: i) its extraction from the surrounding environment for its direct conversion into electricity, ii) increased energy efficiency, and iii) active heat management.

Group dedicated to the preparation and study of nanostructured metallic systems, focusing on novel physical properties and potential applications in the fields of communications (ICT), energy and health. We have vast and long experience both in the manufacture of microstructures and nanostructures using physical vapor deposition and micro- and nanolithography techniques, as well as in the characterization and modeling of their properties at the nanoscale.

The group is a well consolidated and internationally recognized team. It has pioneered several breakthrough developments in the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) of semiconductors and related techniques. Being active along the last 25 years in the field of optoelectronics, our laboratories are equipped with state of the art characterization and nano-fabrication facilities and are continuously updated with research tools to be able to keep at the forefront of the rapid evolution of optoelectronics and laser technology.

Our group has more than 30 years of experience in the study of intracellular calcium dynamics, especially at the level of intracellular organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum or secretory vesicles. Currently, our group is focused on the model of the nematode C. elegans, and our main interests are: Cytosolic and mitochondrial calcium dynamics in C. elegans worms in vivo and its relationship with the aging process. Study of the effect of modulators of intracellular calcium signaling on longevity and health in C. elegans worms.