KEYNOTE LECTURE
RESILIENCE AND PERFORMANCE: UNLOCKING HUMAN POTENTIAL
Hugh Montgomery
University College LondonDr. Hugh Montgomery is a Professor of Intensive Care Medicine at University College London (UCL) and Director of the Centre for Human Health and Performance. A clinician, scientist, and prolific researcher, he continues to work in an ICU in North London and has published nearly 600 scientific papers. He discovered the first “gene for human fitness” and has led pioneering research on cardiac growth, muscle atrophy, and the physiological response to exercise and hypoxia. He was the research lead for the Caudwell Xtreme Everest 2007 Expedition, investigating human adaptation to extreme altitudes, and co-reported the first genes linked to evolutionary selection in high-altitude populations. His work has contributed to understanding how the heart, muscles, and metabolism adapt to stress—both in extreme environments and in intensive care. A passionate endurance athlete, he is also an ultramarathon runner, experienced mountaineer (Alps, Andes, Himalayas), and, in an unusual feat, holds the World Record for Underwater Piano Playing.
WORKSHOP
Explore the grants from the Spanish Association Against Cancer
Marina Salmón
Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC)Dr. Marina Salmón Méndez is a Senior Project Manager at the Scientific Foundation of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), where she has been working since December 2022. She holds a PhD in Molecular Biosciences with a specialization in Oncology from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Her academic background also includes a Master’s Degree in Pharmacological Research and a Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology. Prior to her current role, Dr. Salmón conducted her doctoral research at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), focusing on molecular oncology. She has also held research positions at institutions such as IDIVAL, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and Universidad de Oviedo. Her scientific contributions encompass several publications in high-impact journals, addressing topics like KRAS signaling pathways, targeted therapies and mechanisms of resistance in lung cancer. In her current position at AECC, Dr. Salmón is responsible for managing competitive research funding programs and coordinating the evaluation process.
WORKSHOP
Tu doctorado, una puerta abierta al Departamento Médico en el Sector Biotecnológico y Sanitario
Miguel Vela
Talento EPHOS – Director of the Alumni DepartmentMiguel Vela López is the Director of the Alumni Department at Talento EPHOS, a postgraduate school specializing in master’s programs for the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and biotechnological industries. With over 30 years of experience in Human Resources, he has held leadership roles in talent management, strategic consulting, and professional development at both national and international levels. At Talento EPHOS, he fosters networking among alumni, helping them build professional relationships and advance their careers. His participation in CNIC PhDay 2025 would provide valuable insights through a career development workshop, guiding early-career researchers in exploring opportunities beyond academia—a highly relevant topic for PhD students. To maintain transparency, the workshop will not serve as an advertising space, and materials will be reviewed beforehand. In addition to their academic contributions, Talento EPHOS has previously supported CNIC PhDay financially, and we believe they would be willing to do so again. Their economic contribution last year was essential in expanding the event’s reach, and any level of support this year would help alleviate costs, ensuring the continued success of the event.
WORKSHOP
Manejo del estrés y el bienestar emocional durante el doctorado
Iván Chamizo
Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)Iván Chamizo Sánchez is a General Health Psychologist and the Director of the Clinic at the Center for Applied Psychology of the Autonomous University of Madrid (CPA-UAM). He graduated in Psychology from the Universidad de Salamanca (USAL) and obtained his accreditation from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM). Additionally, he engages in teaching and research focused on the field of mental health, including the implementation of an anxiety management workshop at our center. He is an expert in intervention with both adult and child-adolescent populations, aiming to support individuals in their therapeutic process with the highest level of commitment and effectiveness. His approach is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and guided by the Functional Analysis of Behavior framework.
WORKSHOP
Ejercicio Físicocomo necesidad biológica: Dosis mínima eficaz y adherente para una longevidad saludable
Felipe Isidro
Interrnational Institute of Physical Exercise and Health Sciences – IICEFSFelipe Isidro is a professor and expert in physical exercise, health, and fitness. He holds a degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences from the University of Barcelona, along with a Master’s in Educational Center Management. He is the CEO of Physical Exercise & Health Consulting and a member of various scientific groups, including the Spanish Society of Cardiology and the Spanish Society for the Study of Obesity (SEEDO). With extensive experience in exercise physiology and rehabilitation, he has authored numerous books, including clinical guidelines for prescribing exercise in people with obesity. He has been a professor in multiple universities and institutions, leading courses on exercise science, rehabilitation, and sports performance. Additionally, he is a regular contributor to media outlets, spreading awareness about physical activity and health. His work bridges scientific research with practical applications to improve public health through exercise.
WORKSHOP
Scientific illustration: Communicating science through visuals
Julia Bauzá
Skid Visual ScienceJulia holds a PhD in Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry from Utrecht University. After her academic career, she founded Skid Visual Science, a space where science and design complement each other. She currently works as a freelance scientist specializing in design and visualization, combining data analysis with the creation of visual narratives: for her, once the figures are defined, the publication almost writes itself. Her goal is to communicate science with rigor, clarity, and appeal, both in the academic field and in science outreach.
WORKSHOP
Enhancing scientific training through visual learning
Marta Nácar
Journal of Visualized ExperimentMarta Nácar is Senior Customer Success Manager for Southern Europe and LATAM at JoVE, where she leads strategic collaborations with academic and research institutions to enhance science education through audiovisual content. With a PhD in Biomedicine and a solid background in neuroscience research—both in Spain and the US—Marta transitioned into science communication and project management, driven by a strong commitment to make science more accessible and engaging. She has worked on clinical research in rare diseases, designed outreach initiatives, and contributed as a writer and illustrator for science platforms. Her interdisciplinary profile bridges research, education, and communication, with a particular interest in visual storytelling, emotional engagement and inclusive narratives that bring science closer to diverse audiences.
WORKSHOP
Institutional speech
Marina Pollán
Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIDr. Marina Pollán graduated in Medicine from the University of Salamanca in 1984. From there she moved to Madrid to follow her formation as Médico Interno Residente (MIR) in Epidemiology and Public Health and to study a Master’s Degree in this field. She started to work in the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) in 1990, and she defended her doctoral thesis in breast cancer in 2000 with a PhD Extraordinary Award. Dr. Marina Pollán has been a Research Professor at the National Center of Epidemiology (CNE-ISCIII) since 2016 and has served as the Scientific Director of the Biomedical Research Consortium in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP) since 2017. She was the Director of the National CNE between 2019 and 2022, coordinating its efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, and currently serves as the ISCIII. As a researcher, she has authored over 300 scientific articles (H-index=52) and has extensive teaching experience in topics related to cancer epidemiology and epidemiological methodology.
CLOSING LECTURE
Exercise as a therapeutic tool in oncology
Lucía Gil
Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC)Dr. Lucía Gil Herrero is the Head of the Exercise Oncology Unit at the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) in Madrid. She holds a Ph.D. in Exercise and Cancer from the Faculty of Medicine at the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM). With eight years of experience working with cancer patients, she specializes in the role of physical activity throughout different stages of the disease. Her research has taken her to leading institutions in Australia and Canada, where she completed research stays focused on exercise oncology. Lucía has published several scientific articles highlighting the importance of physical activity in cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery. Her work combines scientific evidence with practical implementation, helping to improve the quality of life of oncology patients through tailored exercise programs.
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