Amparo Querol, a distinguished researcher at the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC) and vice-rector for Research, Postgraduate Studies, and Lifelong Learning at the International Menéndez Pelayo University (UIMP), has received a nomination for the BIOVAL 2026 Awards. Her candidacy is in the Female Leadership category, with the award ceremony scheduled for the 9th Nit Biotec on October 15th, 2026, at Biohub VLC.
Querol is an internationally recognized figure for her work in developing yeasts as starter cultures to enhance industrial processes and for their genetic improvement. She is currently leading a new research line and has pioneered the application of digital twins for optimizing industrial processes. Her extensive scientific career has led her to serve on various national and international scientific committees, including roles within organizations like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). She has also collaborated with the Spanish Government on food science and technology, particularly during Spain's presidency of the Council of the European Union, and acted as a scientific advisor to the CSIC president in the Valencian Community.
Her professional career has been characterized by a strong commitment to research, advanced training, and collaboration between public research institutions and the university sector. Furthermore, she has significantly contributed to knowledge transfer within the agri-food industry. The BIOVAL awards' Female Leadership category aims to recognize professional women, researchers, executives, entrepreneurs, or project leaders who stand out for their career, leadership capabilities, and contributions to the biotechnology sector.
BIOVAL particularly values aspects such as leadership influence within the biotech ecosystem, the promotion of innovative projects, fostering female talent and equal opportunities, and engagement in outreach, mentoring, or visibility initiatives for female role models. The objective is to inspire and encourage women to pursue leadership positions in the sector.
Alongside Amparo Querol, other nominees in this category include Leonor Cerdà from the La Fe Health Research Institute, and Mª Jesús Vicent from the Príncipe Felipe Research Center. The awards, organized by the Association of Companies and Entities Constituting the Bio Cluster of the Valencian Community (BIOVAL), are celebrating their ninth edition this year with the aim of promoting and enhancing the work carried out in the Valencian biotechnology sector, which encompasses disciplines such as health, biomedicine, agribiotechnology, and industrial biotechnology, among others.
Amparo Querol holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Valencia and is a Research Professor at CSIC. Her research focuses on food microbiology and yeast biotechnology, seeking more efficient and sustainable fermentation processes for the food industry. She previously served as director of IATA-CSIC and institutional vice-delegate of CSIC in the Valencian Community, and currently leads the Severo Ochoa excellence project.
