Maria Paz Zafra Martín (Group Leader)

My research experience is nurtured by interdisciplinary training. I did a BSc in Biochemistry (2008) and a MSc in Immunology (2011), both at Complutense University (Madrid, Spain). Then first at  CIB-Margaritas Salas (at Dr. Jose M Rojo's Lab) and after in Dr. Victoria Del Pozo's group at IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz  (Madrid, Spain), I deeply studied immune regulators in autoimmune diseases (ICOS) and asthma (SOCS3). After defending my thesis in 2014, I did a short postdoctoral training with Dr. Luisa Botella (2014-2015, CIB-Margarita Salas), where I first worked in the cancer field. Then, my postdoctoral training (2015-2021), developed at Weill Cornell Medicine at Dr. Lukas E Dow lab (New York, USA), taught me to gene edit to build accurate mouse models to precisely recapitulate recurrent cancer mutations. 

In 2021, I was granted with a Junior Leader Postdoctoral Fellowship La Caixa which has given me the opportunity to continue my research career in Spain at ibs.GRANADA. Since 2022, I hold a  Ramon y Cajal contract (tenure track) at Granada University (UGR).

Beyond science, I I enjoy mountain hiking (Granada has amazing peaks less than one hour away!) and spending time with friends while having "tapas". 

Giselle Xavier Reis (PhD Student)

After earning my degree in Biomedicine from the Anhanguera Faculty (Brasilia, Brazil) in 2011, I developed an interdisciplinary career spanning biomedical research, clinical practice, bioethics, scientific communication and entrepreneurship.

During my  undergraduate studies, I trained in clinical hematology and molecular biosciences while conducting research at the University of Brasília, where I gained expertise in molecular biology, proteomics, protein biochemistry and cancer research. Later on, I completed a Specialization in Bioethics through UNESCO and a Master's degree in Molecular Pathology at the University of Brasília.

In 2022, I joined the PhD Programme in Biomedicine at the University of Granada and granted at the same time with a iPFIS contract, to pursue a PhD exploring the effect of complex combination therapies including CAR-T cells and targeted-inhibitors in metastatic pancreatic cancer in the context of preexisting chemoresistance. 

Outside the laboratory, I enjoy exploring nature through hiking, motorcycle touring and snorkelling, often combining these activities with a passion for historical and cultural tourism. I also interested in literature, science communication, the study of human behaviour, and enjoy reflecting on the complex interactions between science, ethics and modern society.

Alba Hidalgo Ramírez (PhD Student)

I finished the degree in Biochemistry in 2022 at the University of Granada. I decided to undertake a Master’s degree in Translational Research and Personalized Medicine, where I focused on tumor biology and translational approaches. This experience allowed me to move into the field of cancer research and sparked my interest in the tumor microenvironment and therapy resistance mechanisms. During the last year of my undergraduate studies and throughout my Master’s, I was awarded with two research initiation fellowships (University of Granada, Vice-Rectorate for Research and Knowledge Transfer) which further strengthened my passion for scientific research, with a growing interest in cancer studies.

In 2023, I joined the PhD Programme in Biomedicine at the University of Granada to pursue a PhD uncovering new intratumoral populations driven by distinct KRAS mutations to reveal new therapeutic vulnerabilities in chemoresistant pancreatic cancer. At the end of 2025, I was awarded the Ramon Areces predoctoral fellowship. I will soon undertake a three-month research stay at Aarhus University, where I will work on pancreatic cancer and oxidative stress and metabolic pathways.

Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends, discovering new places, and good food. I also like reading books, traveling and I take every opportunity to explore new cultures, meet new people, and enjoy new experiences.