SupervisoryTeam

Supervisor Photo

Miguel Beruete

Supervisor Details

Email: miguel.beruete@unavarra.es

Organization Type: University

Organization Name: Universidad Pública de Navarra

Short Biography: My research career is focused on photonics, driven by disruptive concepts, with a primary focus on metamaterials. Along my career, I have highly cited papers in the fields of plasmonics and metamaterials, such as extraordinary transmission metamaterials, invisibility cloaks, and radiative cooling devices, accumulating over 8000 citations with an h-index of 49 (Google Scholar). I have been included in the Stanford University’s list of the top 2% most-cited researchers since the first edition (2020-2024). My extensive body of work includes more than 160 international journal papers, participation in 50 research projects (leading 17), and holding 3 patents. Presently, I lead 2 EU, 3 national, and 2 regional projects, including innovative projects focused on Photonic Metaconcrete for sustainable radiative cooling applications. Additionally, I also engage in outreach activities and serve on committees. My accomplishments have garnered awards and recognition in influential publications, including the Nanophotonics Research Award for Innovative Sustainability in 2024 and the UPNA Best Scientific Career Award in 2023. I am Full Professor in UPNA, where I lead the TERALAB group at UPNA and head the Multispectral Biosensing Group at Navarrabiomed.

Co-Supervisor Photo

Edurne Erkizia

Co-Supervisor Details

Email: edurne.erkizia@tecnalia.com

Organization Type: Non-academic institution

Organization Name: TECNALIA

Short Biography: After finishing her bachelor´s degree in chemistry in the University of the Basque Country Dr. Erkizia carried out her PhD in inorganic chemistry in the University of Nevada, Reno (USA). Following her post- doc years in the University of the Basque Country she joined Labein (now Tecnalia) in 2003. Since then, she has been researching cement-based materials and their properties and working in the synthesis of (nano)materials as additions to improve the properties of cement-based materials and/or to give new functionalities. She has 23 publications (h-index 12), a patent application for a self-healing cementitious material and two more in synthesis of two different nanomaterials for addition to cement materials to improve their properties. She has also supervised 3 PhD thesis, and she has attended many conferences giving many oral presentations. Furthermore, she has taken part in many different research projects at international as well as national level.

Added Value: The co-supervision by Dr. Edurne Erkizia from TECNALIA, Spain's largest center for applied research and technological development, presents a unique and invaluable opportunity for the PhD grantee. TECNALIA is a renowned institution, a European reference, and a key member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance. Dr. Erkizia’s expertise centers on enhancing cement properties, incorporating novel functionalities, and optimizing production processes. His work aims to create more sustainable materials by considering economic, environmental, and performance factors. Working with an expert in cement-based materials and sustainability not only will expand the grantee's professional network but also open doors to practical applications, offering insights into real-world industry challenges. As a result, the grantee will gain a competitive edge in their career prospects, whether in academia or the industry, acquiring a well-rounded skill set to address complex challenges.

Other Co-Supervisor Photo

Juan J. Gaitero

Other Co-Supervisor

Email: juanjose.gaitero@tecnalia.com

Organization Type: Non-academic institution

Organization Name: Fundación Tecnalia Research and Innovation

Short Biography: Dr. Gaitero (Degree in Physics in 2002 and Ph.D. in Materials Engineering 2008) has 20 years of experience in scientific and applied research in the field of construction materials and nanotechnology. He joined Tecnalia (former Labein) in 2002, initially as PhD candidate, then as researcher and project manager and, since 2017, as senior researcher and leader of the Green Concrete Research group formed by 17 researchers. Along this time, he has taken part in numerous regional, national and international research projects funded by both private companies and public institutions. Currently he is the coordinator of an EU funded project (NATURSEA-PV: 101084348) and Tecnalia’s Principal Investigator in 2 more (NRG-STORAGE: 870114; and MIRACLE: 964450). As results of his research work Dr. Gaitero has authored 31 publications (h-index 15). He is also the coinventor of 3 patents and he has supervised 2 PhD. Theses.

Added Value: Dr. Gaitero from TECNALIA, Spain's largest center for applied research and technological development, presents a unique and invaluable opportunity for the PhD grantee. TECNALIA is a renowned institution, a European reference, and a key member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance. Dr. Gaitero’s expertise centers on enhancing cement properties, incorporating novel functionalities, and optimizing production processes. His work aims to create multifunctional and advanced cement cement-based materials for construction and renewable energy applications. Working with an expert in such materials not only will expand the grantee's professional network but also open the doors to practical applications, and knowledge protection and transfer to industry. As a result, the grantee will gain a competitive edge in their career prospects, whether in academia or the industry, acquiring a well-rounded skill set to address complex challenges.

ResearchGroup

Description: For over two decades, the Antenna Group has been at the forefront of applied electromagnetism, with expertise spanning antennas, metamaterials, THz applications, and nanophotonics. Recently, they have broadened their focus to include radiative cooling, for applications in the field of energy. At present, the group comprises six permanent professors, a Ramon y Cajal researcher, four post- doctoral researchers, and fourteen PhD candidates. They collaborate with prestigious institutions worldwide, such as U. Birmingham, Novosibirsk State U., U. Newcastle, Nazarbayev University, U. Siegen, U. College London. Regarding energy research, the Antenna Group collaborates closely with CFM-CSIC, TU-Darmstadt, KU Leuven, TECNALIA, Polito, and Microlight3D in the frame of the EU FET-OPEN project MIRACLE, dedicated to Photonic Metaconcrete for radiative cooling applications. The group also works with CENER for THz solar cell inspection and AIN for radiative cooling metasurface design using AI techniques.

ResearchLine

Description: Photonic Metaconcrete, a groundbreaking and disruptive concept pioneered by the partners in this proposal, strives to transform concrete, the world's most widely used construction material, into the ultimate smart material through the innovative application of photonic concepts. The proposed research aims to push the boundaries of what Photonic Metaconcrete can achieve across various fields, beyond its initial application in radiative cooling. It will explore other topics such as thermal management through thermal metamaterials, electricity generation using the photothermoelectric effect, illumination using fluorescent materials, etc. The research will involve metamaterial design, characterization, prototype development, and architectural integration, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration. This interdisciplinary approach will redefine the horizons of Photonic Metaconcrete while focusing on sustainability.

Others

Description: The proposed research project, Smart Photonic Metaconcrete, aligns with the MSCA Green Charter's principles for sustainability and environmental responsibility. Photonic Metaconcrete provides a sustainable solution for the construction industry by significantly reducing energy consumption, particularly in buildings. This aligns with the goal of reducing CO2 emissions and supports the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Throughout project management, we will prioritize rational and efficient resource consumption, eco- responsible procurement, and sustainable project events. We aim to minimize our carbon footprint by promoting low-emission mobility and teleconferencing. Our commitment to renewable energy usage and raising environmental awareness among the research team reflects our dedication to eco-friendly research practices. We will actively share best practices to advance responsible research and sustainability. Furthermore, should we require the use of AI techniques to optimize our structures, we will adhere to strict ethical guidelines for research. Our commitment to responsible and ethical data use, particularly in AI-driven aspects of the project, ensures that we maintain the highest standards of integrity and sustainability in our research efforts

CareerDevelopment

Objectives

  • Future postdoc employment at the University
  • Increased employability in the non-academic sector
  • International mobility
  • Building collaborative networks
  • Trainings to enhance career opportunities
  • Application of postdoctoral grants (MSCA, Juan de la Cierva, etc.)
  • Application for projects and funding (Horizon Europe, national plans, etc.)
  • Involvement in teaching, supervision, or mentoring

Expected Outputs

  • PhD defense
  • Application of grants (MSCA, Juan de la Cierva, etc.)
  • Publication of articles
  • Patenting
  • Developing new products, solutions, or services
  • Attendance to international conferences

Training Skills

  • Project Management
  • Grant Writing
  • Communication to the civil society and public engagement
  • Open Science
  • Teaching
  • Policy making, such as Green Deal and sustainable practices
  • Intellectual Property
  • Research Valorization
  • Spanish
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