70+ researchers. One shared vision.
Our strength lies in our people. LaDIS brings together scientists from multiple disciplines — all working towards connected, meaningful innovation.
Luis Miguel Nieto Calzada
Unit Director
Full Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Valladolid, Luis Miguel specializes in mathematical physics and quantum mechanics. With over 150 publications, he has led numerous research projects and international collaborations. He served as Vice-Rector for Research (2010–2014) and enjoys early music and gardening in his spare time.
José Carlos Rodríguez-Cabello
Scientific Director
Full Professor of Condensed Matter Physics and head of BIOFORGE Lab at the University of Valladolid. An expert in protein-based biomaterials, he has authored 250+ papers and holds 15 patents. His research focuses on self-organizing systems and materials for regenerative medicine and nanotechnology. He is CEO and co-founder of two biotech startups.
Carlos Toledano
Tenured Professor of Optics at the University of Valladolid, Carlos specializes in atmospheric optics and radiometry. He has contributed to major European projects like ACTRIS and international campaigns, including those in the Polar regions. Since 2006, he has coordinated the RIMA-AERONET network. Author of over 100 scientific papers, he represents Spain in the Atmosphere Working Group of the International Arctic Science Committee.
David Mateos Villán
Tenured Professor at the University of Valladolid, David holds a PhD in Physics and researches solar radiation, aerosol-cloud interactions, and pollution events. He specializes in photometer calibration and remote sensing techniques, including sun-sky-lunar photometry. His work includes aerosol monitoring in Polar environments.
Diego Sáez Gómez
A theoretical physicist and Tenured Professor at the University of Valladolid, Diego's research spans gravitation, cosmology, and gravitational wave simulations. He has held positions and fellowships across Europe, South Africa, and the Americas. With over 70 publications and several awards, he contributes to international collaborations like the Einstein Telescope project.
Fernando Buitrago
Observational astronomer focused on the formation of massive galaxies and low surface brightness (LSB) observations. Fernando coordinates the Diffuse Light team in the Euclid space mission and explores AI applications in astrophysics. He also serves as deputy coordinator of the “Astronomy & Culture” commission of the Spanish Astronomical Society.
Guillermo López-Reyes
Tenured Professor of Applied Physics and leader of the ERICA group at the University of Valladolid. Guillermo develops spectroscopic sensors for planetary missions, including NASA’s Mars 2020, ESA’s ExoMars, and JAXA’s MMX. With 75+ publications and several patents, his research spans planetary science, sustainable transport, and aeronautics.
José Antonio Manrique
Professor in Applied Physics, José Antonio contributes to Mars missions (ExoMars, Mars 2020) through spectroscopic instrumentation. His work bridges science and engineering, with interests in optics, AI models, and data analysis. He's a member of the science team for two Mars exploration missions, Exomars and Mars 2020. This last mission currently operating on Mars, in which he was responsible for the development of one of the rover's components
Matilde Alonso Rodrigo
Full Professor in Chemical Sciences and member of the BIOFORGE group, Matilde has over 30 years of experience in designing recombinant polymers for biomedical use. With 119 publications and 8 patents, she co-founded two tech startups and has played a key role in international research networks and Marie Curie programs.
Mercedes Santos García
Tenured Professor in Organic Chemistry at the University of Valladolid, Mercedes develops elastin-like polymers for regenerative medicine within the BIOFORGE group. She has authored over 50 publications, holds five patents, and co-founded the biotech company TPNBT. She also directs the "Reyes Católicos" Graduate Residence at UVa.
Roberto Román Díez
Tenured Professor at the University of Valladolid and member of GOA-UVa, Roberto specializes in retrieving aerosol and cloud properties using all-sky cameras, sun photometers, and ceilometers. He has led publications in top journals and focuses on radiative transfer modeling and instrumentation configuration.
Victoria E. Cachorro
Emeritus Professor at the University of Valladolid, Victoria has led research in atmospheric optics, focusing on solar radiation, aerosol properties, and radiative transfer. Co-founder of the Atmospheric Optics Group (GOA), she established Spain’s RIMA-AERONET network and has been instrumental in developing calibration laboratories now part of ACTRIS. She has served on multiple international scientific committees and advisory boards.
