Studies and academic degrees:
Fernando Giraldez is professor of Developmental Biology at CEXS-UPF. Born in Buenos Aires from Spanish parents, returned to Spain at the age of eight to live in Santander and Madrid, where he finished high school at the Instituto Ramiro de Maeztu. Studied Medicine at the Universidad de Valladolid where he did his PhD under the supervision of Carlos Belmonte, to continue his post-doctoral training at the University of Cambridge (UK) between 1979 and 1983. Back in Spain he continued in teaching and research, first as a Lecturer in 1982 and then as Full Professor in 1989. Fernando was twice appointed Director and Chairman of the Department and spent a three-year mandate as Vicerector of Research.
Research interests:
Main areas of research are Neuroscience and Developmental Biology, work focusing on the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development and function of sensory organs. Current projects study the properties of ear progenitors, and the initial steps in the generation of auditory neurons and sensory cells. Cell-communication and intrinsic factors governing cell fate decisions are studied combining genetic, molecular and embryological techniques. The work is mainly oriented to improve basic knowledge, but it has direct implications on stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. Research is supported by the Spanish MICINN. Published more than seventy papers and reviews in international books and journals, over 2000 citations, he is within the top-ten Spanish developmental biologists according to h-index ranking. Invited for talks and seminars in universities and research institutes as well as in scientific meetings and symposia. Expert and panel member for ANEP and ANECA (Spain), FCT (Portugal), MEC and CSIC. Advisor and referee for Welcome Foundation, National Science Foundation (USA), BBSRC (UK), FONCYT (Argentina) and other funding agencies, aswell as referee for several international journals. Belongs to national and international scientific societies and was founder member of the Spanish Society of Developmental Biology (SEBD), and of the Spanish Biophysical Society (SBE). Fernando is also regularly involved in activities directed to promote Science to the public, including talks at schools and events for the community.
Teaching:
Fernando Giraldez has a long experience in graduate and post-graduate education. He developed courses on General Physiology, Medical Physiology, Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, and new master studies. He has been guest speaker in advanced courses in various universities, member of PhD committees, acted as external examiner for several European universities, and as opponent in Umea University.
Other Interests
Besides Science, intellectual interests are related to art and the basis of the aesthetic perception. Fernando is a regular reader of history and literature, fond of opera, flamenco, and Spanish-American musical tradition. Fernando likes cooking, he is a runner and still manages to play basketball with remarkable decor.