Prof. Katherine Villa

Katherine Villa obtained her Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. After three years working as senior scientist at the Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots in Prague (Czech Republic), she moved back to Spain, where she is currently group leader at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ).

Throughout her academic career, she has developed a unique multidisciplinary background by working at reputed national and international centers focused on chemistry, physics, energy, materials science, and bioengineering. With over ten years of experience in photocatalysis, she has made noteworthy contributions to the fields of solar fuels, energy and water purification.

Recently, she has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant 2022 for her groundbreaking project “PhotoSwim”, a BBVA Leonardo Grant in Basic Sciences, and la Caixa Junior Leader. Moreover, her research career has been recognized by various awards and distinctions, such as Premio Joven Investigador – Modality “Group Leader” by the Royal Spanish Society of Chemistry (RSEQ) and has been selected as academic member of the Young Academy of Spain. Dr. Villa Villa has been included in the platform of Scientists and Innovators by the Ministry of Science and Innovation in 2022 and also received the BIST-2021 Mother of Science Award.

Her research interests include photocatalysis, nanomaterials, renewable energy, micro/nanomotors, and environmental remediation.