Speakers

Donald Hilvert, ETH, Zurich

Donald Hilvert obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1983 from Columbia University. Following postdoctoral work at Rockefeller University, he started his academic career on the faculty of the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California.

Since October 1997, he has been a Professor in the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry at the ETH Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland). Professor Hilvert’s research program utilizes the tools of chemical biology to study and engineer proteins, including designer enzymes and molecular containers.

These efforts have been recognized by a number of awards, including the Pfizer Award in Enzyme Chemistry, the Protein Society Emil Thomas Kaiser Award, the Ronald Breslow Award for Achievement in Biomimetic Chemistry, and the Abeles and Jencks Award for the Chemistry of Biological Processes. He is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a Foreign Member of the Lombardia Accademia of Science and Letters. He received an honorary doctorate from Uppsala University.

Manuel Ferrer. Institute of Catalysis and Petrochemistry of CSIC

Manuel Ferrer graduated in Chemical Sciences from the University of Granada in 1994 and obtained his PhD by the UAM at the Institute of Catalysis and Petrochemistry, CSIC (ICP-CSIC) in 1999.

After a postdoctoral stay at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (Germany), he returned to ICP-CSIC, where he is now Professor and Head of the Systems Biotechnology Group (https://www.sysbio.csic.es/; H-index: 68, >13,900 citations). His career has evolved from the study of individual lipases and selective biocatalysis to genome- and metagenome-driven enzyme discovery, large-scale functional annotation, and rational enzyme design.

He pioneered the integration of multi-omics and computational approaches to link microbial metabolism, enzyme function, and biocatalytic potential, which, together with Prof. Guallar (BSC), led to the creation of novel artificial enzymes such as multi-active-site “PluriZymes”.

His research combines environmental, biotechnological, and biomedical perspectives to address global challenges through systems-level understanding and engineering of enzymes, microbes, and microbiomes.

Enrique Marcos. Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB), CSIC

Enrique Marcos completed his PhD in Computational Chemistry at the Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC) under the supervision of Ramon Crehuet on molecular modeling of enzyme reactivity, dynamics, and thermostability. He subsequently performed a postdoc on computational protein design in David Baker's group (2024 Nobel prize in Chemistry). During this time, he developed new methods for the de novo design of protein folds suitable for ligand-binding functions and hosting enzymatic active sites. He returned to Barcelona to join the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) and eventually established himself in 2020 as a group leader at the Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona (IBMB). His group combines computational design with biochemistry, biophysics and structural biology techniques to create and validate novel artificial proteins for biotechnological and medical applications, with special emphasis on the de novo design of beta-sheet proteins mediating protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions and the construction of new-to-nature immunoglobulin formats.

Marina Guillem. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Dr. Marina Guillén Montalbán holds a degree in Chemical Engineering and a PhD in Biotechnology from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), where she currently serves as a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering.

Her expertise lies in biocatalysis and bioprocess engineering, with a focus on developing sustainable technologies based on biocatalytic systems for the production of high-value compounds and the enzymatic valorization of CO₂.

She also worked in the private sector participating in a wide range of applied biotechnology projects in collaboration with industrial partners. This experience enriched her perspective and enhanced her ability to align scientific research with industrial needs. She has played a leading role in numerous national and European research initiatives, including several projects funded under Horizon Europe, H2020 and FP7, addressing key challenges in enzyme innovation, bioprocess engineering, green chemistry, and the circular bioeconomy.

Her close collaboration with companies from sectors such as pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, food, and cosmetics has facilitated the successful transfer of knowledge and technology between academia and industry. Dr. Guillén is also the author of numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications in high-impact journals, reflecting her active contribution to advancing the field of industrial biotechnology.

Rocío Vila, Universidad de Murcia

Dr. Rocio Villa, born in 1995 in Cieza (Spain), obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Murcia in 2017, followed by a PhD. in Chemistry from the same institution in 2021. In 2019, she carried out a research stay at the Institut Européen des Membranes in Montpellier (France). Between 2022 and 2023, she completed nearly two years of postdoctoral training at the Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands), working in the Biocatalysis Research Group led by Dr. Caroline Paul. In September 2023, she returned to the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Murcia (Spain) as Assistant Professor of

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Dr. Villa is a research member of the Sustainable Chemistry research group led by Prof. Lozano at the University of Murcia, and her research focuses on enzyme technology in ionic liquids, supercritical fluids for the development of green and sustainable chemical processes, trying to contribute to a more sustainable future. The results have been published in high-impact journal in the field of sustainable chemistry and biocatalysis, such as Green Chemistry, Angewandte Chemie, with five of her papers featured on journal covers. Since January 2025, Dr. Villa has served as Principal

Investigator of a national project on the sustainable despolymerization of polyurethane. She received the PhD Award in Sustainable Chemistry (Cátedra Química Sostenible) and, since 2024, has been a member of the Green Chemistry Division (GEQV) of the Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry (RSEQ).

Jose Miguel Palomo. Institute of Catalysis and Petroleochemistry of CSIC

Jose M. Palomo was born in Coin, Malaga (1976). He received his bachelor degree in Chemistry in 1999 from the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (UAM) as a Spanish government fellow. After graduation, he joined the Institute of Catalysis (ICP, CSIC) in Madrid to complete his doctoral studies. He received his Ph.D. degree (summa cum laude) in 2003 (UAM). His Ph.D. thesis developed novel highly efficient immobilized biocatalysts for asymmetric transformations and strategies to understanding the biochemical features of lipases. As an EMBO postdoctoral fellow, Jose pursued training in solid-phase peptide synthesis and semisynthetic protein preparation with Herbert Waldmann at the Chemical Biology Department of Max Planck Institute in Dortmund from 2004 to 2006. In 2006, he began his appointment as Associate Research Scientist at Biocatalysis Department in ICP-CSIC. From 2009-2022 he was A3 CSIC-Tenured Scientist (Associate Professor) in ICP-CSIC. In 2023, he was appointment to A2 CSIC Research Scientist (Senior Associate Professor) ICP-CSIC. Head and founder of the group of Chemical Biology and Biocatalysis in ICP-CSIC in 2012 (chembio.csic.es).

Jose has published more than 190 articles in high-impact journals (>90% in Q1) in fields of Applied Science, Nanomaterials, Biotechnology, Green Chemistry, Chemistry. Actually he has an H index of 55, Index i10: 153 with > 15000 times cited. It is in the 2% of CSIC scientists most cited in Biotechnology and in chemistry in 2023. 34 publications with more than 100 times cited, 15 publications with more than 200 times cited. 15 book chapters, 2 book edited.

4 patents. Finalist in the OEPM AWARDS FOR THE BEST INVENTION 2023. In the absolute category to the best patent (June 2023).

Participation in >40 projects and contracts (CSIC, Spanish, Aragon or C. Madrid Governments, Foundation Ramon Areces, SAMSUNG, ISANATUR, ALFASHIP, DECAMED, EU Horizon, etc.). 

Pablo Iván Nikel. Technical University of Denmark

Pablo I. Nikel’s work lies at the intersection of biocatalysis, synthetic biology, and environmental microbiology. After earning his Ph.D. in Biotechnology and Molecular Biology in Buenos Aires, where he engineered bacteria for the production of biopolymers and biofuels, he continued his scientific journey through international fellowships in the United States and Europe. Supported by the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, his postdoctoral research at the National Center for Biotechnology in Madrid introduced him to Pseudomonas putida—a bacterium that became central to his scientific vision. Today, as Full Professor at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Pablo leads the Systems Environmental Microbiology Group at DTU Biosustain (www.sem-cfb.com).

His team explores how to rewrite microbial biochemistry through synthetic metabolism, enabling the production of novel molecules and fine chemicals beyond the reach of traditional chemistry. His research aims to unlock new-to-nature compounds that drive climate-neutral biomanufacturing and advance the circular bioeconomy.

His contributions have been recognized with the Novo Nordisk Foundation Distinguished Innovator Award, the Ascending Investigator Award, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Award, and his election to the American Academy of Microbiology. In addition to his academic role, Pablo serves as Editor-in-Chief of Current Opinion in Biotechnology and sits on the editorial boards of five other journals. He is also the founder of three companies, including BioHalo, a DTU spin-out pioneering sustainable fluorochemical production.

Sponsors

PROGRaMME

24th September

Registration, Opening and Plenary Lecture 

08h30    Registration

09h45    Opening: Vicent Moliner / Katarzyna Świderek (Chairs of V JEBs) and María Jose Hernáiz (President of Spanish Biotechnology Society)

10h00    Plenary Lecture – Donald Hilvert. ETH, Zurich

10h45    Coffee break

Session 1: New approaches to discovery, engineering, and evolution of biocatalysts

11h00          Keynote 1 – Manuel Ferrer. Institute of Catalysis and Petrochemistry

11h30          Oral presentation 1

11h50          Oral presentation 2

12h10          Oral presentation 3

Session 2: Computational Biocatalysis

12h30          Keynote 2 - Enrique Marcos Benteo. Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona

13h00          Oral presentation 4

13h20          Oral presentation 5

13h40          Oral presentation 6

14h00           Lunch

Session 3: Enzyme Immobilization and Process Intensification

16h00           Keynote 3 – Marina Guillem. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

16h30           Oral presentation 7

16h50           Oral presentation 8

17h10           Oral presentation 9

17h30           Poster Session

20h30           Dinner

25th September

Session 4: Process intensification and catalysis in non-conventional media

09h00          Keynote 4 – Rocío Vila, Universidad de Murcia

09h30           Oral presentation 10

09h50           Oral presentation 11

10h10           Oral presentation 12

10h30           Coffee break

Session 5: Innovative enzymatic transformations and multi-enzyme systems

11h00            Keynote 5 – Jose Miguel Palomo. Institute of Catalysis

11h30            Oral presentation 13

11h50            Oral presentation 14

12h10            Oral presentation 15

Closing Lecture and Remarks

12h30   Closing Lecture – Pablo Iván Nikel. Technical University of Denmark

13h15   Closing Remarks and Farewell

conference venue

Hotel EL Palasiet 

Palasiet Wellness Clinic & Thalasso has 78 very cozy rooms with spacious terraces that invite rest, serenity… and your peace of mind. From most of the rooms, you can admire and be dazzled by the magnificent views of the sea and the bay of Benicàssim, surrounded by lush vegetation.

Palasiet Thalasso Clinic & Hotel was founded in 1970. Over the past fifty years, Palasiet has become one of the most prestigious establishments in the world of health tourism, with over 150,000 guests seeking the healing power of seawater in a unique setting facing the Mediterranean. Palasiet is now one of the most highly regarded health centers in Europe.

Palasiet Wellness Clinic & Thalasso has been recognized worldwide for its excellence in comprehensive health care, with countless mentions in the press and almost a hundred international awards. These achievements are a testament to Palasiet's commitment to excellence and its position as a leader in the health and wellness industry.

Palasiet Wellness Clinic & Thalasso, among the world’s top three medi-spas at the prestigious Luxury Spa Edit Awards Palasiet Wellness Clinic & Thalasso has been recognised as one of the world’s top three medi-spas at the Luxury Spa Edit Awards 2025, in the Best Global Medi-Spa category. This award places Palasiet among the world elite of wellness clinics and is an important validation of its holistic approach to longevity, thalassotherapy, preventive medicine and wellbeing. Palasiet shares this recognition with internationally renowned clinics such as RAKxa (Thailand) and Clinique La Prairie (Switzerland), consolidating its position as one of the world’s leading medical wellness centres.

Contact:
Website: https://palasiet.com/
Phone: +34 964 300 250
E-mail: info@palasiet.com

Adress:
Calle Pontazgo, 11, 12560 Benicàssim

Scientific Committee

Katarzyna Świderek. Universitat Jaume I. Castellón

Vicent Moliner, Universitat Jaume I. Castellón

Javier Rocha-Martín. Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Madrid

Fernando López-Gallego. CIC biomaGUNE. Donostia-San Sebastián

Vicente Gotor-Fernández. Universidad de Oviedo. Oviedo

Maria J. Hernáiz. Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Madrid

REGISTRATION

• The conference registration fee for all participants is 220 €
• Registrations after 26 June 2026, if possible, will be 250€
• Abstract submission deadline: April 30, 2026

Participants whose abstracts are not selected for oral presentation will have the opportunity to contribute through a poster presentation. The deadline for abstract submission is April 30, 2026, and registration will remain open until June 26, 2026.

 
(Please note that all submitted abstracts must be accompanied by a completed registration. Each participant may submit only one contribution, using the proposed template and file format (abstract template), indicating the thematic area of their communication during registration.)

Abstract Template

Registration form

Acommodation

Hotel EL Palasiet (Conference venue)

Palasiet Wellness Clinic & Thalasso has 78 very cozy rooms with spacious terraces that invite rest, serenity… and your peace of mind. From most of the rooms, you can admire and be dazzled by the magnificent views of the sea and the bay of Benicàssim, surrounded by lush vegetation.

Contact:
Website: https://palasiet.com/
Phone: +34 964 300 250
E-mail: info@palasiet.com

Address: Calle Pontazgo, 11, 12560 Benicàssim

Hotel Voramar

Hotel Voramar, a space open 365 days a year on Benicàssim beach. A place where you can experience the charm of a location with a unique color, perfect temperature, and privileged surroundings. Between the sea and the mountains, we invite you to awaken your senses.

Contact:
Website: https://voramar.net/
Phone: +34 964 300 150
E-mail: reservas@voramar.net

Address: Paseo Marítimo Pilar Coloma, 12560 Benicàssim

Distance from the venue:  200 m (3 min walking)

Hotel Vista Alegre

Hotel Vista Alegre is an establishment located just a few meters from Voramar beach, in the town of Benicàssim, in the province of Castellón. It is housed in a five-story building surrounded by beautiful garden areas, and its facilities feature a pool area that includes a children's pool, another for adults, and also a solarium area with loungers and umbrellas. The establishment has a total of 68 rooms, decorated in a classic style with wooden furniture, where warm colors stand out.

Contact:
Website: https://hotelvistalegre.com/
Phone: +34 964 300 400
E-mail:  reservas@hotelvistalegre.com

Address: Avda. Barcelona 71, 12560 Benicàssim

Distance from the venue:  850 m (12 min walking)

Hotel Masía Bellver

Hotel Masía Bellver is inspired by the Mediterranean and designed to offer a complete experience. With an elegant, modern, and Mediterranean design, we offer you the best accommodation option, just a few minutes' walk from the rest of our services.

Contact:
Website: https://hotelmasiabellver.es/
Phone: +34 647424096
E-mail:  hotelmasiabellver@masiabellver.es

Address: C/Urb. Las Playetas, 100, Urbanización Les Playetes 12594, Oropesa del Mar

Distance from the venue:  1,1 km (15 min walking)

Hotel Tramontana

Hotel Tramontana was founded over 50 years ago with the aim of offering a welcoming stay to tourists visiting Benicàssim and changing the perception of a hotel as merely a place to sleep.

Contact:
Website: https://hoteltramontana.com/
Phone: +34 964 300 300
E-mail:  info@hoteltramontana.com

Address: La Corte, 77 Paseo Marítimo Ferrandis Salvador, 6,  12560 Benicàssim

Distance from the venue:  2,1 km (29 min walking)

Albades Hotel & Spa

In Hotel Albades (adults only), we believe that luxury and responsibility can—and should—coexist. Our vision of sustainability and social commitment focuses on creating a positive impact on both the environment and our community.

Contact:
Website: https://www.hotelalbades.com/en/home-2/
Phone: +34 964 09 10 70
E-mail:  info@hotelalbades.com

Address: C/Concejal Juan Bonet Tárrega, 1, 12560 Benicàssim

Distance from the venue:  1,5 km (21 min walking)

Hotel Intelier Orange

Let yourself be seduced by the magic of the Mediterranean and step into the world of Eurosol beach, just 250 meters from the hotel. It’s also close to the main points of interest and was renovated in 2020.

Contact:Website: https://www.intelier.com
Phone: +34 964 39 44 00
E-mail:  orange@intelier.com

Address: Avenida Gimeno Tomás, 9 (Benicàssim), 12560 Benicàssim

Distance from the venue:  3,9 km (53 min walking)

Hotel Trinimar

The four-star Hotel Servigroup Trinimar is located right on the beachfront of Benicàssim, in a peaceful and privileged setting with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and the promenade. It faces Heliópolis beach, the longest in Benicàssim, stretching 3 km, with golden sand, crystal-clear water, and very close to the town center. Also nearby is the natural park Desierto de las Palmas, which offers many leisure opportunities.

Contact:

Website: https://www.servigroup.com/es/hotel-trinimar-benicasim/
Phone: +34 96 430 08 50
E-mail:  trinimar@servigroup.es

Address: Avda. Ferrandis Salvador, 184, 12560 Benicàssim

Distance from the venue:  4,8 km (1h walking)