Modeling for Theoretical Catalysis Group

Modeling for Theoretical Catalysis Group


The Modeling for Theoretical Catalysis Group conducts research into surface chemistry/physics and fundamentals of catalytic reactions at metal surfaces, metal oxide surfaces, and supported oxide and metal catalysts.

Main specialization

Molecular Design of Heterogeneous Catalysts

Molecular Design of Heterogeneous Catalysts


The GDMCH performs scientific research for the development of nanomaterials and processes of environmental and energetic interest. The production of basic chemicals or primary energy compounds, eg light olefins, hydrocarbons of up to 10 carbon atoms or hydrogen gas, is approached applying the concepts of surface chemistry and in particular C1 chemistry. It is intended the use of biomass-derived products as primary reagents. Treatment of contaminated waters is addressed by the specific design and development of more efficient and specially adapted solid catalysts.

Main specialization

Translational research in
rare diseases with vascular
involvement: from the lab
to the patients

Translational research in rare diseases with vascular involvement: from the lab to the patients


Our laboratory studies the gene expression, structure and function of the TGF-beta receptors endoglin and ALK1, in normal physiology and in the context f human pathology, with special emphasis in HHT. Both receptors are able to bind specifically the ligand BMP9, a member of the TGF-beta superfamily. Mutations in endoglin or ALK1 genes give raise to HHT1 or HHT2, respectively, which are associated with frequent epistaxis, gastrointestinal hemorrhages, cutaneous telangiectasis and arteriovenous malformations in lung, liver and brain.

Main specialization

Molecular Biology of Gram-positive Bacteria

Molecular Biology of Gram-positive Bacteria


In recent years the team currently directed by Drs Paloma López and Gloria del Solar has focused its research on the molecular characterisation of processes of potential biotechnological interest based on the use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), given that these bacteria contribute to the preparation of fermented foodstuffs by way of their distincive metabolic pathways. LAB also have potential as probiotic microorganisms and / or synthesisers of prebiotic compounds with beneficial effects for human and animal health.

Main specialization

Bacterial Gene Expression and Gene Transfer

Bacterial Gene Expression and Gene Transfer


Our work is focused on global regulation of gene expression and on plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer, two processes that play a key role in the adaptation of bacteria to specific niches of their eukaryotic hosts. We work with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis, two human commensal bacteria that can become pathogenic under certain circumstances (opportunistic bacteria). Both Gram-positive bacteria can cause serious infections in individuals with a weak immune system and are a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.

Main specialization

Protein engineering against antimicrobial resistance

Protein engineering against antimicrobial resistance


The increase in resistance of pathogenic bacteria to traditional antibiotics may lead in the near future to a post-antibiotic scenario in which the incidence of infectious diseases in society will lead to an increase in patient hospitalisation time, with a clear economic impact and, more seriously, to a higher mortality rate that some studies predict will even be comparable to that caused by cancer.

Main specialization

Surface Nanostructuring for Space and Terrestrial Communications

Surface Nanostructuring for Space and Terrestrial Communications


Research Line: Materials for Emerging Technologies Study of materials and surfaces for high-power RF in Space missions, in cooperation with the European Space Agency and Industry. The research comprises silicene nanostructures and coatings characterized by STM and synchrotron light and the analysis by roughness nanoengineering. In addition, highly scaled n-FET devices are being developed through a "Beyond CMOS" approximation, based on the heterogeneous integration of epitaxial III-V/high-k nanostructures on Si substrates.

Main specialization

Functional and supramolecular materials

Functional and supramolecular materials


The group is made up of 2 Ad Honorem Research Professors, 2 Scientific Researchers, 2 Senior Scientists, a Margarita Salas postDoc, and 2 PostDOC, in addition to 5 PhD students. Our main research interest lies in the synthesis of new materials for sustainability, following a structure-based property driven approach. The group is composed of researchers with recognized expertise in fields such as synthesis of materials, heterogeneous catalysis, crystallography, gas sorption, optoelectronics, and simulation.

Main specialization

Nanostructured Hybrid, Biohybrid and Porous Materials

Nanostructured Hybrid, Biohybrid and Porous Materials


The Group founded by Prof. E. Ruiz-Hitzky 40 years ago has evolved and counts with researchers with diverse experience in chemical synthesis and structural & textural characterization of inorganic, organic and organo-inorganic materials, aiming to develop advanced functional materials for a sustainable world (https://wp.icmm.csic.es/phbhmg/).

Main specialization

Surface Engineering and Advanced Coatings Group

Surface Engineering and Advanced Coatings Group


Expertise in technologies for production of nanostructured materials in Thin Film form, for applications in electronics, photonics, solar energy and tribology. From the film size and analysis techniques, the group is involved in nanoscience.

Main specialization