Mar Villamiel | Biology and Life Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Dr Mar Villamiel, CIAL, CSIC-UAM, Spain

Dr. Mar Villamiel is the Director of CIAL (Institute of Food Science Research, CSIC-UAM) in Spain and leads the PREBIOIN research group focused on carbohydrate functionality and food bioactivity. With a PhD in Pharmacy from Complutense University of Madrid, she specializes in food technology, bioactive carbohydrates, and sustainable food preservation. Her innovative research centers on extracting and characterizing pectin and other functional ingredients from agri-food by-products. Dr. Villamiel has coordinated over 70 research projects and contracts, published 173 JCR articles (h-index: 46 WoS), co-authored 20 book chapters, and holds 7 patents. Her work has earned her national and international recognition, including being named among the Top 2% of Scientists worldwide by Stanford University. Passionate about science communication, she has presented at over 150 conferences and supervised more than 50 academic theses and internships globally. Her commitment to sustainability and technological advancement defines her as a leading force in food science research.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Mar Villamiel completed her undergraduate degree in Pharmacy at Complutense University of Madrid in 1991 and earned her PhD in Pharmacy from the same institution in 1995. Her doctoral studies laid the groundwork for a highly interdisciplinary research career, incorporating analytical chemistry, food technology, and functional foods. Postdoctoral work in the Netherlands and professional exchanges in the UK expanded her knowledge in sustainable food preservation and the development of bioactive food compounds. Her deep educational foundation has supported her leadership in developing advanced methodologies in food science. Through ongoing academic collaborations and international stays, she continues to enhance her expertise and contribute to global education, mentoring students and researchers across Europe, Latin America, and beyond. Her academic path reflects a consistent trajectory of excellence, innovation, and dedication to research in food bioactivity and sustainable processing technologies. 🎓🔍📘🌍

Experience

Dr. Villamiel has over two decades of experience in food science research, beginning her career as a Tenured Scientist at CSIC (2000–2009). She later served as Deputy Director (2017–2019) and is currently the Director of CIAL since March 2021. She leads the PREBIOIN group, which explores carbohydrate functionality, pectin extraction, and sustainable food technologies. She has led 8 international projects, 34 industry contracts, and 72 total projects, often as Principal Investigator. She has published widely, mentored numerous PhDs (including international awardees), and edited prestigious scientific journals. Her collaborations span across institutions in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. She actively participates in EU regulatory panels and scientific committees and has received 10 research awards. Her interdisciplinary approach and leadership have made significant impacts in agri-food revalorization, food preservation, and nutritional functionality.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Mar Villamiel’s outstanding contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including 10 research awards and inclusion in the Stanford–Elsevier World’s Top 2% Scientists list in 2024. She has received five positive evaluations for six-year research periods, attesting to the sustained quality and impact of her work. Her research achievements include 7 patents (2 international), 173 JCR-indexed publications, and leadership of multi-million-euro research projects. She has served as an editor for major scientific journals and been an invited speaker at 17 international conferences. Her innovative methodologies in pectin extraction and bioactive compound analysis have been recognized with top conference awards, including First Prize at the Food Chemistry Conference (2023). She represents CSIC on platforms like the Biobased Industries Consortium and Food for Life. Her awards reflect her global influence, scientific leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable food research.

Research Focus

Dr. Villamiel’s research focuses on the chemistry and functionality of carbohydrates, particularly pectins derived from agri-food by-products. She pioneers green extraction technologies such as ultrasound and subcritical water methods to obtain high-value bioactive compounds. Her work contributes significantly to sustainable food systems, enabling revalorization of food waste and enhancing nutritional profiles of food products. She leads multiple international collaborations and has developed in vitro digestion models to study carbohydrate behavior in the human gut. Her research addresses pressing challenges in food preservation, functional ingredient development, and biorefinery approaches for the food industry. With 173 publications, a high h-index (47 Scopus), and leadership in EU and Latin American projects, she is at the forefront of innovation in food science. Her contributions support public health, environmental sustainability, and industrial competitiveness through novel bioactive food solutions.

Publication Top Notes

Flours from popped grains: Physicochemical, thermal, rheological, and techno-functional properties

Use of natural low‐methoxyl pectin from sunflower by‐products for the formulation of low‐sucrose strawberry jams

Integral use of pectin-rich by-products in a biorefinery context: A holistic approach

Apple pomaces derived from mono-varietal Asturian ciders production are potential source of pectins with appealing functional properties

Application of sunflower pectin gels with low glycemic index in the coating of fresh strawberries stored in modified atmospheres

Behaviour of citrus pectin and modified citrus pectin in an azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS)-induced rat colorectal carcinogenesis model

Salwa Bouabdallah | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr salwa Bouabdallah, Faculty of science of bizerta, Tunisia

Dr. Salwa Bouabdallah is a distinguished researcher in Biological Sciences, earning her Ph.D. with distinction from the University of Carthage, Tunisia. With postdoctoral experience in Romania, she teaches biochemistry, neurophysiology, and biostatistics across several universities. Her innovative research focuses on behavioral neurophysiology and the therapeutic potential of natural compounds, including the health effects of Tribulus terrestris and its relevance to Alzheimer’s disease. Recognized with awards like the First Prize at the International Congress on Bioactive Molecules, Dr. Bouabdallah is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and mentoring future researchers. 🌱📚🔬🏆

University Degrees

Dr. Salwa Bouabdallah has a distinguished academic background in biological sciences. She earned her Ph.D. with distinction in Biological Sciences from the University of Carthage, Tunisia (2013-2016). Prior to that, she obtained a Master’s Degree in Research in Molecular and Cellular Plant Physiology from the University of Tunis El Manar (2010-2012) and another Master’s Degree in Life Sciences from the Virtual University of Tunis (2004-2009). Her educational journey began with a Higher Technician Diploma in Public Health (1991-1993) and a Baccalaureate Diploma in Mathematics and Science (1990). Her extensive qualifications highlight her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. 🎓🌱🔬

Professional Experience

Dr. Salwa Bouabdallah has held numerous prestigious research and teaching positions from 2017 to 2024, including postdoctoral researcher roles at the Faculty of Science of Bizerta and Hospital HC-N. She has been an adjunct lecturer, teaching biochemistry, neurophysiology, and biostatistics, while also developing teaching materials and supervising Master’s and PhD students in Biology. With a strong background in public health, Dr. Bouabdallah worked as a Senior Technician in Medical Imaging from 1995 to 2008, training students in MRI applications. Her commitment to education is further highlighted by her participation in scientific events and training on digital pedagogy. 🎓🧬🩺📚

Awards and Honors

Dr. Salwa Bouabdallah has received significant recognition for her contributions to the field of biological sciences. In 2014, she was awarded the First Prize at the 1st International Congress on Bioactive Molecules, Functional Foods, and Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases held in Hammamet, showcasing her outstanding research impact. Additionally, she was honored as a Eugen UNESCO Fellowship Laureate for her postdoctoral work from 2022 to 2023, further emphasizing her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. These accolades highlight her dedication and excellence in research, making her a prominent figure in her field. 🏆🌱📚🌍

Technical and Professional Skills

Dr. Salwa Bouabdallah has extensive expertise in behavioral neurophysiology, employing zebrafish models for various tests, including Y-maze, Novel Tank Test, and T-maze assessments. Her research focuses on identifying theranostic biomarkers for innovative and personalized therapies and utilizing molecular docking modeling to explore interactions between physiological receptors and bioactive natural substances. She is skilled in in vitro cell culture and cytotoxic testing, measuring oxidative stress biomarkers, and extracting DNA and RNA from various tissues. Additionally, Dr. Bouabdallah is proficient in characterizing and valorizing bioactive molecules from Tunisian flora using advanced techniques like HPLC and GC-MS. 🧬🌿🔬📊🌱

Research Focus

Dr. Salwa Bouabdallah’s research focuses on the intersection of natural compounds and their therapeutic potential, particularly in neuropharmacology and cancer treatment. She explores the bioactive properties of plants like Tribulus terrestris, examining their effects on neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and their anticancer activities. Her work includes behavioral neurophysiology testing in zebrafish, molecular docking studies, and the identification of theranostic biomarkers for personalized therapies. Additionally, Dr. Bouabdallah investigates the chemical profiles and health benefits of natural products, contributing significantly to the fields of molecular plant physiology, public health, and phytochemistry. 🌿🔬📚🧬💊