OUR VISION
To be a reference laboratory in Spain for pediatric HIV research and the evaluation of new diagnostic techniques, fostering international health cooperation in countries that need it most.
OUR MISSION
Study the pediatric HIV epidemic worldwide and contribute to universalizing HIV diagnosis and treatment in resource-limited countries by promoting the introduction of more effective molecular techniques, the use of alternative samples (DBS), and new diagnostic methods based on nanotechnology through various research projects.
OUR GROUP
Name: África Holguín
Position: Head of the HIV Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory
Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS)
Ramón y Cajal University Hospital of Madrid - CIBERESP - RITIP
Background: Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.
What drives me: Working for a better world.
Strengths: Initiative, perseverance, work capacity, leadership.
My hobbies: My family, volunteering, learning, traveling.
Weird but true: Social media is not my thing.
My motto: "We already have the 'no.' The 'yes' is what we seek."
Links of interest: AFRICA HOLGUIN - Scholar
AFRICA HOLGUIN - ORCID
Name: Ana Valadés Alcaraz
Position: Predoctoral student.
Background: Bachelor's degree in Biology and Master's in Virology.
What drives me: A job that I enjoy and that allows me to help others at the same time.
Strengths: Passion, perfectionism, and patience.
My hobbies: Reading, dancing, and photography.
Weird but true: I love mathematics.
My motto: "There is always something to dream for, something to fight for."
Name: Paloma Troyano Hernáez
Position: Postdoctoral student.
Background: Medical specialist in Microbiology and Parasitology. Master's in Microbiology and Parasitology: research and development. Ph.D. in Microbiology.
What drives me: Learning to understand.
Strengths: Curiosity, perseverance, creativity, and enthusiasm.
My hobbies: Painting, writing, embroidery, and learning Japanese.
Weird but true: I often find myself thinking out loud.
My motto: "Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected."
Name: Roberto Reinosa Fernández.
Position: Bioinformatics collaborator.
What drives me: Learning everything I can to understand my surroundings and help others.
Strengths: I'm good at problem-solving.
My hobbies: Self-study.
Weird but true: I don't like even numbers.
My motto: "What if...?"
Name: Judit Ventosa Cubillo
Position: Research Assistant.
Background: Bachelor's degree in Biology. Master's degree in Virology.
What drives me: Overcoming myself every day by learning new things.
Strengths: Finishing what I start no matter how hard it is, perseverance, and dedication.
My hobbies: Watching series, listening to music, and baking.
Weird but true: I don't like going shopping.
My motto: "Always move forward"
Name: Carlos Medina Sánchez
Position: Master's student in Virology in training.
Background: Bachelor's degree in Health Biology.
What drives me: Fighting for the goals I set for myself.
Strengths: Ambition, responsibility, imagination, and teamwork.
My hobbies: Sports and traveling.
Weird but true: I really like art history, and that's why I wanted to be an architect before.
My motto: "We've faced worse situations"
Name: Verónica Ventosa Cubillo
Position: Research assistant.
Background: Bachelor's degree in Biology. Master's degree in Virology.
What drives me: the desire to learn and to help others.
Strengths: perfectionist, consistent, passionate.
My hobbies: reading, baking, Formula 1, listening to Taylor Swift, spending time with friends, and enjoying family moments.
Weirds but true: I have read 800-page books in English in a single day.
My motto: "To the stars who listen and the dreams that are answered".
FORMER LABORATORY MEMBERS
Ana Rodríguez Galet
Degree in Biology. Master's in Microbiology. Ph.D. in Microbiology.
Mario González
Molecular Biologist DEA. Master's in Terrorism Phenomenology. Graduate of CESEDEN.
Marina Rubio Garrido
Degree in Biology. Master's in Microbiology and Parasitology. Ph.D. in Microbiology.
Judit Méndez Izquierdo
Degree in Biology.
Carolina Beltrán Pavez
Biochemistry from USACH (Chile), Doctorate in Biotechnology.
Miguel Gutiérrez López
Degree in Biology.
Pedro Herrador
Research Technician.
Ana Sierra
Data Scientist
Teresa Llácer Delicado
Pharmacist. FIR Specialist in Industrial and Galenic Pharmacy.
Lucía Chacón
Researcher.
Patricia Álvarez Muñoz
Biologist. Doctor in Molecular Biology.
Patricia Rojas
Biologist. Doctor in Molecular Biology.
Sara Domínguez Rodríguez
Doctor in biology.
Patricia Rojas
Biologist. Doctor in Molecular Biology.
Sara Domínguez Rodríguez
Doctor in biology.
Ángel Martín
Research Technician.
Carolina Fernández McPhee
Biologist.
Esther Torrecilla
Doctor in biology.
Ángel Martín
Research Technician.
Carolina Fernández McPhee
Biologist.
Esther Torrecilla
Doctor in biology.
Gonzalo Yebra
Doctor in biology.
Miguel de Mulder
Doctorin biology.
Mª Concepción Burgos Ballester
Biologist.
Jaime Fernández
Biologist.
Oxana Castro
Biologist.
Leticia Martín Torres
Research Technician.
Eva Ramirez de Arellano
Doctor in biology.
A day in EpimolVIH
WE BELONG TO IRYCIS
The Ramón y Cajal Institute of Health Research (IRYCIS) represents a collaborative partnership among the Hospital, its Foundation, and the universities of Alcalá, Autonomous of Madrid, and Complutense. This synergy consolidates the efforts of researchers and resources into a unified center dedicated to achieving excellence in biomedical research.
Our shared goal is to harness the collective knowledge and expertise of healthcare professionals alongside the capabilities of both basic and clinical researchers. This collaboration aspires to foster biomedical research that is not only more ambitious and competitive but also of the highest quality. The ultimate aim is to significantly contribute to advancements in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, enhance overall quality of life, and drive innovation in the realm of healthcare.
