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• A. César Gonzlez-Garca
• Adrin Castan Esteban
• Alba Fernndez-Barral
• Alba Covelo Paz
• Alberto Pelez Torres
• Alejandro Cardesin Moinelo
• Ana Ulla Miguel
• Andrea Rodrguez Antn
• Begoa Nicols Ávila
• Carlos Viscasillas Vzquez
• Celsa Pardo Araujo
• Cintia Cabada Malvar
• Cristina Rodrguez Lpez
• Daniel Galn Diéguez
• Daniel Rey Garca
• Eduardo Alonso Pintado
• Eduardo Ojero Pascual
• Elia do Souto Espieira
• Emma Fernndez Alvar
• Esther Pérez Fernndez
• Fernando Aguado Agelet
• Gabriel Rodrguez Moris
• Gonzalo Parente Bermúdez
• Graciela Sanjurjo Ferrn
• Isabel Rebollido Vzquez
• Ivn Fernndez Pérez
• Jorge Gmez Crespo
• Jorge Otero Santos
• José Ángel Docobo Durntez
• Josefina F. Ling
• Kiara Hervella Seoane
• Lorenzo Cazon Boado
• Luca Piccotti
• Manuel Andrade Valinho
• Manuel Ángel Pérez Torres
• Manuel Vzquez Abeledo
• Mara Carmen Villanueva Pérez
• Mara Begoa Vila Costas
• Marta Gonzlez Garca
• Marta Torreiro Martnez
• Martn Manuel Gmez Mguez
• Martio Balboa Costa
• Mateo Fernndez Torreiro
• Mauro Gonzlez-Otero
• Minia Manteiga Outeiro
• Orlando Antonio Naranjo Villarroel
• Pablo Lpez Ramos
• Pedro Pablo Campo Daz
• Ramn Rodrguez Cardoso
• Rosa Mara Domnguez Tenreiro
• Ruth Carballo Fidalgo
• Santiago Giraldo Gonzlez
• Sonia Anton
• Teresa Matamoro Zatarain
• Vctor Costa Boronat
• Vctor Tilve Rúa
• Victoria Muoz-Iglesias
• Xabier Pérez Couto

Born in Valladolid, 1973, holds a degree in Physical Sciences from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (1995) and a PhD in Astrophysics from RijksUniversiteit Groningen (Netherlands, 2003). Serves as a Senior Scientist at Instituto de Ciencias del Patrimonio (INCIPIT–CSIC), where the main research line focuses on Cultural Astronomy, a field implemented and led within the institute.

Was President of the European Society for Astronomy in Culture (SEAC, 2017–2023) and currently acts as Vice-President of the SEAC community within the European Association of Archaeologists (SEAC-EAA). Is a member of the Executive Committee of the International Society for Archaeoastronomy and Astronomy in Culture (ISAAC) and of Commission C5, Cultural Astronomy, of the IAU. Has supervised four PhD theses on Cultural Astronomy and is currently supervising two more.

Research explores how the sky was perceived and used by past societies across Europe, the Mediterranean and the Americas. Fieldwork has been conducted in various countries in these regions, studying sites ranging from megalithic monuments to major Hittite, Andean and Nabataean temples, as well as the Roman understanding of time and space and medieval churches. Noted for developing and applying innovative techniques for data analysis in this field, opening up new avenues for interpretation. A passionate communicator, has contributed to conferences, events and seminars, delivered lectures, organised exhibitions and authored articles and books.

A doctoral student at Observatoire de Genève (Switzerland), researching the formation and evolution of high-redshift galaxies using the James Webb Space Telescope.

Her scientific career began in Madrid, where she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and undertook an internship at CSIC, working on loop quantum gravity. She later moved to Germany to pursue a Master’s in Physics at Universität Heidelberg.

Her Master’s thesis focused on asteroseismology of red giants at Landessternwarte Heidelberg. She also worked as a research assistant at the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS) and as a teaching assistant at Universität Heidelberg.

She subsequently moved to Switzerland, where she is now completing her PhD at Observatoire de Genève. In addition to her research, she contributes to teaching at Université de Genève and engages in science outreach at the observatory. She is also the creator of the YouTube channel “Astroalba”, where she shares up-to-date topics in astrophysics.

After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Sciences at �鶹����, studied a Master’s in Astrophysics at Universidad de La Laguna, specialising in observational and instrumental astrophysics, and conducted his Master’s thesis on exoplanet validation.

He is currently pursuing a PhD in Physics and Space Sciences at Instituto de Astrofsica de Andaluca under an FPI-Severo Ochoa contract. His research focuses on uncovering the origin and evolution of Neptune-like and sub-Neptune planets, combining their discovery with the characterisation of their atmospheres using instruments such as MuSCAT2 and CARMENES.<

In addition to his research work, has been collaborating for over a decade with Fundacin CEO Ciencia e Cultura, taking part in science outreach initiatives and projects aimed at bringing science closer to students of all ages. At present, strives to balance research with ongoing science communication activities.

A planetary scientist and aerospace engineer specialising in the scientific operations of Solar System missions for the European Space Agency. Serves as the coordinator of the Spanish and Portuguese planetary community as President of the Iberian node of the EuroPlanet Society, supporting and promoting collaboration among planetary researchers and institutions across the Iberian Peninsula.

Has over 20 years of experience in European Space Agency Solar System missions. Currently focuses on Mars exploration as the scientific ground segment manager for Mars Express, coordinating with ExoMars and other international projects.

Holds a PhD in Space Sciences and has built an interdisciplinary research career with more than 200 contributions to scientific journals and international conferences, specialising in terrestrial planet atmospheres and scientific operations, coordinating international research teams, data processing, instrumentation, and mission operations.
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She holds a degree in Physical Sciences, specializing in Astrophysics, from the University of La Laguna (ULL) in 1988. She defended her doctoral thesis, also at ULL, in 1993, after having carried out research work leading to it at the Nordlysobservatoriet in Norway and at the Laboratory for Space Astrophysics and Fundamental Physics (LAEFF) in Madrid.

She received various fellowships and postdoctoral contracts at ESRIN (ESA, Italy), the Niels Bohr Institute (Copenhagen), and the Instituto de Astrofsica de Canarias (IAC), before joining the Department of Applied Physics at the �鶹���� (�鶹����) in 1997. There, she has served as Associate Professor and, since 2022, she has been Full Professor at �鶹���� in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Her research lines include late stages of stellar evolution, exoplanets, astrobiology, and cultural astronomy, among others. She is a researcher in the GEOMA group at the Marine Research Center (CIM), and also collaborates with the Galician Group for the Gaia satellite (GGG) of ESA, preparing satellite data archives and supporting their scientific exploitation.

She is a member of several scientific societies, such as the Spanish Astronomical Society (SEA), the Royal Spanish Society of Physics (RSEF), the International Astronomical Union (IAU), and the European Astronomical Society (EAS), among others.

She is also a member of the board of the Ceo, Ciencia e Cultura Foundation (FC3), which manages the Forcarei Astronomical Observatory (OAF). She is the author or co-author of several books and has extensive experience in public science outreach.
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Holds a PhD in Astrophysics from Universidad de La Laguna and is a specialist in Cultural Astronomy. Completed her doctoral thesis at Instituto de Astrofsica de Canarias (IAC) on astronomy in Roman urbanism. Currently works as a postdoctoral researcher at Instituto de Ciencias del Patrimonio (INCIPIT-CSIC) with a postdoctoral fellowship funded by Axencia Galega de Innovacin (GAIN). In recent years, has continued to advance research on the archaeoastronomy of the Roman world in both Eastern and Western contexts, expanding her work to other periods and cultural and geographical areas in the Near East and North Africa.

Since 2018, has studied the role of astronomy in societies that have inhabited Western Sahara over the centuries, through the study of prehistoric funerary and ritual landscapes and the recovery of oral memory about the sky among the Sahrawi people still living in refugee camps in Tinduf (Algeria).

Has carried out research in Jordan and Saudi Arabia on cultural astronomy in the main capitals of the Nabataean Kingdom (Petra and Hegra) and in key religious centres of the ancient kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan. Currently serves as a member of the equality committee at INCIPIT-CSIC and is actively involved in science outreach initiatives both in Spain and abroad.

Born in Carballo (A Corua), 12 September 1992. Academic background includes a Bachelor’s in Physics and a Master’s in Industrial Mathematics at Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), which led to starting a research career at the Department of Applied Mathematics at USC in early 2017. Later that year, moved to Barcelona to undertake a PhD in Celestial Mechanics — the study of the motion of celestial bodies such as stars, planets, satellites, and asteroids.

In April 2022, defended a thesis on transport phenomena in the Earth–Moon system, earning a PhD in Mathematics and Computer Science from Universitat de Barcelona. Returned to Galicia in 2022 as a full-time interim substitute lecturer in the Department of Applied Mathematics at USC, until securing a position in May 2024 as Assistant Lecturer in the same department, in the area of Astronomy and Astrophysics, a post currently held.

Main research interests focus on the dynamic study of small bodies to understand how certain groups of asteroids behave, how lunar meteorites can reach Earth, and where stellar dust clouds may be found. These behaviours are linked to invariant objects in the mathematical models used to describe real systems; their analysis and numerical computation are fundamental pillars of the research. Moreover, understanding the dynamics of these invariant structures — the dynamical skeleton of the system — allows their use in the design of space missions, such as placing space telescopes near well-known Lagrangian points.

Born in Vigo, works as a researcher at the Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy at Vilniaus Universitetas (Lithuania) and as an associate researcher at the Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, part of the Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (INAF) in Italy. Research focuses on the structure and evolution of the Galaxy through the analysis of stellar chemical abundances.

Before starting his doctorate, completed research stays at the Centro de Astro-Ingeniera (AIUC) in Chile and at the Centro Europeo de Astronoma Espacial (ESAC) of the European Space Agency (ESA) in Madrid. Obtained a PhD in Astrophysics at Vilniaus Universitetas under the supervision of Professor Gražina Tautvaišienė, with a thesis on the chemical abundances of elements produced by neutron-capture processes, as a key to understanding the chemical evolution of the Milky Way.

As a lecturer, teaches Stellar Structure and Evolution on the Master’s in Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics at the Faculty of Physics at Vilniaus Universitetas; as an observational astronomer, regularly participates in observing campaigns at Molėtai Astronomical Observatory in Lithuania.

Has actively participated in large-scale spectroscopic projects such as the Gaia-ESO Survey (GES), and is currently part of the WHT Enhanced Area Velocity Explorer (WEAVE) project, a next-generation spectrograph operating on the William Herschel Telescope (WHT) at the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos, La Palma. Also collaborates on projects currently under development, such as the Wide-Field Spectroscopic Telescope (WST) and the High-Resolution Multi-Object Spectrograph (HRMOS), planned for the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Paranal, Chile.

Is a member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), where he serves as vice-National Outreach Coordinator (vice-NOC). Also forms part of the Executive Council of the European Association for Astronomy Education (EAAE), is on the board of the Asociacin de Cientficos Espaoles en los Pases Blticos (ACEBaltic), and is Industry and Science Policy Officer at the Europlanet Northern Europe Regional Hub, among other roles.

Holds a degree in Mathematics, where she met Professor José Ángel Docobo, who encouraged her to pursue her passion for astrophysics, an interest nurtured since childhood. With his support, undertook research internships at the University of Cambridge, studying planetary systems — an experience that was crucial in consolidating her scientific vocation.

Later moved to Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) to pursue a Master’s in Dynamical Systems while working as a data analyst in the private sector.

During her time at UPC, met Professor Mercè Romero, who encouraged her to continue in the field of astrophysics. Together they investigated the warp of the galactic disc using Gaia satellite data, applying mathematical methods to real astrophysical problems.

After three years in the private sector and completing the Master’s, was awarded a “Mara de Maeztu” fellowship to undertake a PhD at Instituto de Ciencias del Espacio (ICE-CSIC).

Currently develops her thesis under the supervision of Professors Nanda Rea and Vanessa Graber. Her research focuses on applying artificial intelligence algorithms to study the neutron star population in the Milky Way, using Simulation-based inference algorithms to estimate the magnetic field and birth period of these stars without assuming simplified likelihoods.

A biologist trained at Universidad de Mlaga (2018), where her undergraduate thesis focused on the evolution of floral genes. Specialised in Functional Biology and Biotechnology with a Master’s at Universidad de Alcal (2019), researching the genetic response of maize to Sesamia nonagrioides attack, in collaboration with Misin Biolgica de Galicia (CSIC).

Between 2019 and 2021, worked in the food quality sector, gaining experience in international standards and certifications (ISO 14001, IFS). In 2022, completed a training fellowship in the quality control department of a pharmaceutical company, and in 2023 completed the Higher Vocational Training in Laboratory Analysis and Quality Control. Joined Universidad de Vigo the same year, collaborating on projects about marine tardigrades in the Department of Applied Physics and Centro de Investigacin Maria (CIM), focusing on sampling, isolation, identification and in vitro culture.

Currently combines research with science outreach in astronomy and astrobiology, working for Fundacin Ceo, Ciencia e Cultura (FC3) in collaboration with Universidad de Vigo. Since 2023, has participated in nine national and international conferences, presenting three oral communications and six posters, including at the 16th International Symposium on Tardigrada, European Astrobiology Network Association (EANA) meetings, the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), and meetings of the Sociedad Espaola de Astronoma (SEA) and Ciencias Planetarias y Exploracin del Sistema Solar (CPESS).

Research focuses on culturing marine tardigrades as an astrobiological model to study life in extraterrestrial ocean environments, specifically exploring their response to extreme conditions such as exposure to varying magnetic fields.

A Galician researcher specialising in stellar astrophysics. Holds a degree in Physics and moved to the Canary Islands in 2021 to pursue a Master’s in Astrophysics at Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). For the Master’s thesis, conducted research on eclipsing binary systems titled Physical parameters of the low-mass eclipsing binary system ASAS J052919-1617.3, analysing the physical properties of a low-mass binary using photometric and spectroscopic data.

Currently undertaking a PhD at Instituto de Astrofsica de Canarias (IAC) within the Physical Properties and Evolution of Massive Stars group. Research focuses on stellar rotation and its effects on the physical properties and evolution of massive stars. Is part of the WEAVE collaboration, a large-scale spectroscopic project.

Since 2023, lectures at ULL, teaching on the Bachelor’s in Physics and the Master’s in Astrophysics, and co-supervises undergraduate theses and internships at IAC. Outside teaching, collaborates with Observatorio Astronmico de Forcarei and is involved in establishing an association of Galician astrophysicists.
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Eduardo Alonso Eduardo is currently a PhD student at the Centro de Astrobiologa (INTA-CSIC) in Madrid, Spain. His research focuses on understanding what the earliest polymers on prebiotic Earth might have been, and how to detect them elsewhere in the solar system. Polymers are essential for life, and amino acids—specifically the monomers of proteins—have been found in meteorite material, asteroids, and prebiotic chemistry experiments. Therefore, the presence of amino acid polymers in locations that may have hosted prebiotic chemistry, such as Mars, Europa, or Enceladus, is conceivable.

Theoretical physicist, graduated from Universidad de Valladolid in 1978. Between 1980 and 1988, he worked as a support astronomer at the Calar Alto Observatory, operated by the Max Planck Institut für Astronomie in Heidelberg, Germany. In 1988, he joined the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) in Villanueva de la Caada, as part of the scientific operations team for the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) space observatory, operated jointly by ESA, NASA (USA), and PPARC (UK). In 1996, he briefly worked on ESA’s Infrared Space Observatory (ISO). From 1987 to 2022, he was a member of the scientific operations team for ESA’s XMM-Newton, an orbiting observatory dedicated to studying the universe in X-rays. His work in these missions focused primarily on the design, development, operation, and maintenance of systems and software for processing data collected by the onboard instruments. He has also contributed to various educational initiatives aimed at promoting astronomy and astrophysics, including his involvement in ESA’s CESAR (Cooperation through Education in Science and Astronomy Research) project. Since 2022, he has been retired.

Born in Ourense in 1993, Elia began her Physics degree at Universidad de Salamanca (USAL) in 2011, completing it at Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC). After earning a Master’s degree in Astrophysics, Particle Physics and Cosmology from Universitat de Barcelona (UB), she started her PhD at the Institut de Fsica d'Altes Energies (IFAE) and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB).

During her doctoral research, she worked on the development of new gamma-ray detectors, the search for high-energy transient phenomena, and dark matter within the MAGIC collaboration.

She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at CIEMAT and a member of the MAGIC, LST, and CTAO collaborations. Her work focuses on enhancing the capabilities of gamma-ray telescopes as ultra-fast optical instruments and continuing the search for transient phenomena.

Holds a PhD in Physical Sciences from Universidade de Santiago de Compostela and began a research career in Theoretical Physics, focusing on quantum field theories and their relation to problems involving the topology of two-dimensional surfaces and knots.

Later worked in quantum computing and subsequently collaborated with �鶹���� in the field of astrophysics, particularly on stellar evolution and the study of hot subdwarfs.

As a secondary school teacher, shows a strong interest in the teaching of physics and mathematics, collaborating in various educational innovation projects aimed at developing students’ scientific skills and critical thinking.

Born on 2 November 2000 in O Temple, Cambre, A Corua, began a degree in Physics at Universidade de Santiago de Compostela in 2018, driven by a passion for Mathematics, Astronomy and Physics from an early age. Four years later, in 2022, graduated and in the same year began a Master’s in Physics at the same university, specialising in the theoretical frameworks of General Relativity and Quantum Physics.

After completing the Master’s in mid-2023, commenced a PhD in Astronomy at Technische Universität Dresden (Dresden, Saxony, Germany), funded by a Marie-Skłodowska Curie fellowship named “MWGaiaDN”, awarded to 12 researchers as part of a collective programme expected to conclude in 2026–2027. This programme includes multiple scientific meetings across Europe, fostering connections among researchers working in different areas of modern Astronomy.

The doctoral research mainly focuses on analysing and determining how models within the framework of General Relativity, used in modern astrometric missions such as Gaia, affect the astrometric parameters (positions and velocities of observed celestial bodies) derived from processed observations. Evaluates the relevance of various relativistic effects on observations according to the required levels of precision in astrometric catalogues, and determines whether these will be necessary for future missions capable of reaching such precisions.

More broadly, interests cover various areas of Astronomy, Physics and Mathematics, with particular emphasis on developing and applying relativistic models to different fields of Astronomy and fundamental Physics questions.

Completed a PhD in 2020 at Universidad Autnoma de Madrid. After a three-year stay at the Space Telescope Science Institute (Baltimore), returned to Madrid with a Juan de la Cierva fellowship at Centro de Astrobiologa. Currently works as a postdoctoral researcher at the European Space Agency.

Research interests focus on planetary systems, specifically minor bodies (asteroids, comets, moons, etc.) and how their presence can influence the formation and evolution of planets and, ultimately, planetary habitability.

After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Physics at Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, went on to study a Master’s and PhD in Astrophysics at Universidad de La Laguna and Instituto de Astrofsica de Canarias, respectively, specialising in high-energy astrophysics and gamma rays within the MAGIC Cherenkov telescopes collaboration. His predoctoral research focused on the multi-frequency variability of blazars — active galactic nuclei with relativistic jets pointing towards Earth — known for their emission up to gamma-ray energies.

After defending his thesis, began his first postdoctoral period at Instituto de Astrofsica de Andaluca (Granada), continuing this research line as part of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) collaboration — the world’s future most powerful very high-energy gamma-ray telescope — and the LST collaboration, responsible for operating the LST-1 telescope, the first CTAO telescope, currently operational on La Palma (Canary Islands). There, he acts as coordinator of the extragalactic physics group. During this time, also participated in the IXPE collaboration, the namesake NASA satellite mission observing polarised emission at high energies in the X-ray band, and in NASA’s COSI mission, aimed at detecting polarised gamma-ray emission, scheduled for launch in 2027.

Currently works as a postdoctoral researcher at the Padova section of Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) in Italy and serves as principal investigator of an INFN international project focused on the multi-frequency variability of very high-energy gamma-ray emitting blazars.

Emeritus Professor of Astronomy at Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC) with an active contract, has taught Astronomy at undergraduate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral levels for 35 academic years. Previously, for eight additional years, taught at Universidad de Zaragoza, where in 1978 he defended his doctoral thesis under the supervision of the Vigo-born professor Rafael Cid.

As Director of the Observatorio Astronmico Ramn Mara Aller at USC, has successfully revitalised the centre over recent decades by incorporating key instrumentation such as the 0.62 m R-C telescope and speckle interferometry cameras for observing binaries with large telescopes, among other equipment, while training scientific staff and leading numerous research projects that enabled personnel to conduct work at observatories in the Americas, Asia and Europe. Today, the Observatory is a well-equipped centre for both teaching and research.

Has proposed and supervised 14 doctoral theses in the fields of multiple stellar systems, variable mass scenarios, extrasolar planets and the history of science. Is author and co-author of more than 500 scientific contributions and was, by election, President of the Commission on Double and Multiple Stars of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) from 2009 to 2012. Since 1993, has been editor of the Information Circular of this Commission (currently G1) and acts as referee for leading international astronomy journals.

Thanks to his original and versatile method, over 700 orbits of visual double stars have been calculated.

Has promoted countless educational and outreach activities, not only through the Observatory but also via specific programmes that have brought Astronomy throughout Galicia and along the Camino de Santiago routes. Thanks to his dedication and management, the iconic Laln Observatory, birthplace of astronomical research in Galicia, has been back in operation since 2011.

Currently serves as Scientific Director of Laln Starlight.

Born in Madrid and holds a degree in Mathematics, specialising in Astronomy, Mechanics and Geodesy, from Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Obtained a PhD in Mathematical Sciences at Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC). Served as Associate Professor, accredited as Full Professor, in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics within the Department of Applied Mathematics, and was also a researcher and science communicator at the Observatorio Astronmico Ramn Mara Aller, both part of USC. Additionally, held the position of Secretary of the Governing Team of the Faculty of Mathematics at the same university. She is now retired.

Her research focused on Double and Multiple Stellar Systems. She participated in numerous astronomical observing campaigns at various international observatories, obtaining relative positions of these stars using micrometric techniques and speckle interferometry. Published numerous scientific papers related to measurements and orbital calculations of double stars.

Served as a member of the Organising Committee of the former Commission 26 “Double and Multiple Stars” of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), and is a member of the current Commission G1 (Binary and Multiple Star Systems) IAU, for which she was co-editor of its Information Circular for over 30 years. Organised and participated in various national and international conferences, symposia and meetings.

She is a scientific advisor to the Société Astronomique de France, which awarded her the “Edmond Girard” prize, and serves on the scientific editorial board of the journal Étoiles Doubles. Was part of the core of the Women and Astronomy Commission of the Sociedad Espaola de Astronoma. Currently acts as curator of the exhibition “AstrnomAs”, an updated online version of the earlier show “Con A de Astrnomas”, created for the International Year of Astronomy 2009.

Born in A Gudia (Ourense), Kiara completed her Physics degree at Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, followed by a Master’s in Astrophysics at Universidad de La Laguna, where she specialized in observation and instrumentation. For her master’s thesis, she conducted research on active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback and its impact on galaxy formation and evolution.

She is currently a PhD student in the Departament d'Astronoma i Astrofsica at Universitat de València, working within the Computational Astrophysics Group under the supervision of Manel Perucho i Pla and Susana Planelles. Her doctoral research focuses on studying the propagation and impact of low-power relativistic jets emitted by active galactic nuclei (AGN jet feedback), using magnetohydrodynamic simulations.

A physicist specialising in Astroparticle Physics, with a career spanning more than two decades and focused on the study of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs). Graduated in Physics from Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, first specialising in Optoelectronics and later in Particle Physics, and completed a PhD modelling muons in extensive air showers under Enrique Zas.Joined the Pierre Auger Observatory — the world’s leading experiment for UHECRs — early in his career and has remained actively involved ever since.

Postdoctoral research was conducted at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany and at the University of Chicago, where he worked with the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics (KICP), collaborating closely with Nobel Laureate Jim Cronin and Angela Olinto. Took a leading role in studying cosmic ray anisotropies and contributed to the design of future observatories.

In 2009, joined LIP in Portugal, focusing on muon physics and air shower phenomenology, while launching new research lines including muon tomography applications. Became Principal Investigator in 2015, leading several projects and initiating a symposium series on “Data Science in (Astro)Particle Physics and the Bridge to Industry” to build bridges between fundamental research and technological innovation.

Since 2020, has served as Scientific Coordinator of the Pierre Auger Observatory, overseeing the entire scientific programme, including work on energy spectrum, mass composition, sky anisotropies, and hadronic interactions in extensive air showers.

In 2021, joined IGFAE at Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, leading projects on UHECR physics and promoting new science communication initiatives, including immersive outreach experiences using Virtual Reality technologies.

After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Astrophysics at the Faculty of Physics of Università di Roma “La Sapienza” and starting a Master’s in Astronomy and Astrophysics at the same university, he moved to Galicia in 2015 as an Erasmus student. He completed his Master’s thesis entitled “Past, Present and Future of Astronomy in Italy” at Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), under the supervision of Professor José Ángel Docobo, Professor of Astronomy.

This thesis was defended on 19 December 2016 at the Department of Physics of Università di Roma “La Sapienza” and, in a shorter version and in Spanish, at the Facultade de Fsica of USC on 19 July 2016.

On 14 May 2021, he defended his PhD thesis, also supervised by Professor Docobo. He was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship “Ayudas Margarita Salas para la formacin de jvenes doctores”, spending two years at the Facultad de Ciencias of Universidad de Zaragoza and a third year back at USC. Since 13 July 2024, he has held a position as Associate Researcher at the Observatorio Astronmico Ramn Mara Aller of USC.

He has participated in various observing campaigns (Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory and Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur – Calern). His research focuses on multiple related areas under the umbrella of double and multiple stars, the main research field of the Santiago de Compostela Observatory since Padre Aller introduced this field of study in Spain.

He also works on exoplanets and exosatellites and actively takes part in the extensive outreach activities organised by the USC Observatory, such as school and college visits and trips to various educational centres across Galicia.

Born in A Pobra do Caramial in 1975, serves as a Senior Scientist at Instituto de Astrofsica de Canarias (IAC). Graduated in Physics from Universidad de La Laguna in 1998 and obtained a PhD from University College Cork (Ireland) in 2004. Before joining IAC as a Ramn y Cajal researcher, developed his postdoctoral career at SRON (Netherlands Institute for Space Research) and at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (Cambridge, USA).

Research focuses on understanding the physics of stellar remnants — black holes, neutron stars and white dwarfs — as well as accretion processes in compact binaries. Contributions include the discovery and characterisation of multi-wavelength counterparts of transient X-ray binaries, obtaining reliable measurements of the masses of their compact objects, and developing studies aimed at discovering binaries hosting black holes.

Born in Vigo on December 19, 1945, Manuel Vzquez Abeledo is a renowned astrophysicist who has devoted his life to solar research and science outreach. He joined the Instituto de Astrofsica de Canarias (IAC) in 1970, where he developed a distinguished research career until his retirement in 2015. He earned his PhD in Physical Sciences from Universidad de La Laguna in 1977, after completing scientific stays in research centers in Germany and Austria.

Between 1986 and 1991, he served as research coordinator at the IAC, and since 1991, he has been a full member of the Real Academia Canaria de Ciencias. He has supervised eight doctoral theses, led ten research projects, and published 180 papers in international journals and conferences. His research excellence is officially recognized with six research evaluation periods.

A passionate science communicator, he has delivered over 200 lectures across various forums and educational levels. His outreach work is also reflected in a prolific bibliography, with more than ten books published on topics such as the Sun, climate change, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the history of meteorology in the Canary Islands. Three of his books were published in English by Springer.

Manuel Vzquez Abeledo is considered a key figure in solar astrophysics and science outreach in Spain, especially in the Canary Islands, where his legacy continues to inspire new generations of scientists.

Begoa Vila Begoa earned her PhD in Astrophysics from the University of Manchester (Jodrell Bank, UK), after completing her studies in Physics and Astronomy in Santiago de Compostela and Tenerife. She worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Cardiff University (UK) before moving into the private space sector in Canada. Her research focused on the analysis of spiral galaxy rotation curves, galactic nuclear activity, and stellar abundances.

She is currently a lead systems engineer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (USA), where she is responsible for two of the instruments on the James Webb Space Telescope, including the guiding instrument. She has been involved with Webb since 2006. Begoa is also working on the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, coordinating its cryogenic testing and guiding instrument. This telescope is scheduled to launch into space in late 2026.

She has received several honors throughout her career, which she feels deeply grateful for. Beyond her professional work, Begoa enjoys participating in space and science outreach events. She loves reading, meditating, music, yoga, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Born in Vigo, Marta studied Mathematics at Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Her career has focused on applying mathematical methods to scientific problems in the field of astronomy.

She began her research at the Instituto de Astrofsica de Andaluca (IAA-CSIC), where she completed her PhD modeling the thermophysical behavior of cometary nuclei. During her postdoctoral work, she developed models for chemical diffusion in Titan’s atmosphere and the propagation of electrical discharges (streamers).

Later, she specialized in statistical data analysis, studying the spatial and kinematic structure of stellar clusters, and even worked as a data scientist in the private sector. In 2019, she joined IPAG in Grenoble, where she continued her research using statistical analysis and clustering tools to study star formation and the structure of newly formed stellar clusters.

Since 2021, she has been a lecturer at VIO, where she has strengthened her teaching experience across various undergraduate and master’s programs. She is currently exploring the potential of topological data analysis to provide a more complete and consistent view of star formation.

Studied Mathematics at Universidade de Santiago de Compostela and then completed a Master’s in Astrophysics at Universidad de La Laguna, driven by a lifelong passion for astronomy.

Born in Lugar de Ribademar, Outes, A Corua. Attended primary school at CEIP Serra de Outes and secondary school at IES Poeta An, both in the municipality of Outes, and then completed the Baccalaureate at IES Campo de San Alberto, in the municipality of Noia. Continued academic training at Universidad de La Laguna (Canary Islands), completing both a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and a Master’s in Astrophysics. Awarded an FPI Severo Ochoa fellowship and is currently pursuing a PhD at Instituto de Astrofsica de Canarias, in the Solar Physics research line, now in the final year of the doctoral thesis.

In addition to the main research line, has also participated in studies on seismology and volcanology of the Canary Islands at IPNA-CSIC, and in research on submarine hydrothermal sources in the Aegean Sea in collaboration with the Department of Physics at National Kapodistrian University of Athens. Furthermore, has helped organise scientific conferences, taught Plasma Physics at Universidad de La Laguna, and co-supervised an undergraduate thesis. Considers himself a physics researcher with a passion for mathematics and a strong vocation for teaching.

Holds a degree in Physics from Universidad de La Laguna (1986). Completed her doctoral thesis at Instituto de Astrofsica de Canarias (IAC) with a Resident Astrophysicist contract. Was awarded an FPI postdoctoral fellowship abroad at Istituto di Astrofsica Spaziale (IAS, Frascati, Italy), working on late-stage stellar evolution. Later worked as a Space Astrophysics Specialist at INTA (LAEFF, Madrid). In 1994, moved to �鶹���� as Associate Professor (TU) and since 2018 has been Full Professor at Universidade da Corua (UDC). Was a Fulbright Visiting Professor in 2017 at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University. In 2019, was appointed a full member of the Real Academia Galega de Ciencias, becoming the first woman in the Physical, Mathematical and Computer Sciences section. Since January 2025, has been President of the Sociedad Espaola de Astronoma and coordinator of the AYA sub-area at AEI.

In recent years, has worked on projects applying artificial intelligence techniques to extract information from astronomical databases and on developing algorithms for preparing and exploiting data archives from ESA’s Gaia satellite.

Ramn is an astrophysics researcher specializing in galaxy formation and evolution, born in Vigo in 1997. He earned his Physics degree at Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, completing his final year at the Jagiellonian University of Krakw, where he began to focus on Astrophysics and Cosmology. For his undergraduate thesis, he studied the dynamics of dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxies that orbit the Milky Way. He then pursued a Master’s in Astrophysics at Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), where his thesis focused on the formation of pre-planetary nebulae using ALMA interferometric data and a radiative transfer model.

Since 2022, he has been working on his PhD at UCM through an industrial doctoral fellowship in collaboration with the company GMV. His research centers on analyzing the properties of dwarf satellite galaxies orbiting Milky Way-type central galaxies using cosmological zoom-in simulations. His work explores topics such as the quenching of star formation, the ΛCDM model challenge of satellite planes in the Local Group, and the formation of stellar streams caused by tidal forces during satellite accretion.

This research also contributes to the scientific preparation for ESA’s upcoming ARRAKIHS space mission, as well as the development of the future MOSAIC instrument for the ELT. Through his industrial collaboration, he is also involved in the design and prototyping of the MOSAIC multi-object spectrograph for the ELT.

Manuel Andrade Manuel holds a degree in Physics (specializing in Particle Physics) and a PhD in Mathematics—with distinction—from Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC).

He is currently the coordinator of the Astronomy and Astrophysics area within the Department of Applied Mathematics at USC, where he has been teaching and conducting research since 2003. He is also a member of the IAU and SEA, and an affiliated researcher at CITMAga. In addition, he serves as a reviewer for several of the most prestigious astronomy journals indexed in the JCR.

His research, published in numerous papers and presented at international conferences, focuses on astrometry and celestial mechanics. In observational astronomy, he led image acquisition and reduction efforts in various speckle interferometry campaigns of binary stars carried out by the Astronomy and Astrophysics research group at USC (OARMA). On the theoretical side, he worked on the analytical integration of Hamiltonian systems, developing a canonical multiparametric perturbation method based on Lie transformations, applicable to perturbed body problems.

In recent years, his interests have centered on the orbital dynamics of multiple stellar and planetary systems, particularly in the precise calculation of orbits and masses, and the analysis of their stability. His latest research line—initiated after determining the atmospheric trajectory and heliocentric orbit of the Traspena meteorite (the first recovered in Galicia)—focuses on the dynamics of meteoroids and asteroids and the calculation of potential Earth-impact trajectories.

His long-standing commitment to science outreach and the fight against light pollution dates back to the founding of the Sociedad Astronmica de A Estrada, of which he was a promoter and founding member.

Born in Vigo in 1948, Vctor Costas is a key figure in the recent history of Spanish astrophysics. His academic journey began with a scholarship from the Real Sociedad Matemtica Espaola after participating in the first Mathematics Olympiad. He studied Physical Sciences in Sevilla and earned his PhD in Microbiology from Universidad de Granada, where he soon joined a pioneering group of young astronomers conducting observations at the remote Observatorio del Mohn del Trigo (OMT) in Sierra Nevada.

Building on that experience, Costas became one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Instituto de Astrofsica de Andaluca (IAA, CSIC), contributing both to scientific work and to the physical development of the Observatorio de Sierra Nevada (OSN). Since 1982, he has played an active role in the design, installation, and automation of telescopes and instruments at the OSN.

Throughout his career, he has led numerous international projects, including the consortium for the spectrograph on ESA’s ISO space mission, and has held key positions in European scientific organizations. He served on ESA’s Astronomy Working Group, the Space Sciences Committee of the ESF, and the Scientific Advisory Committee of GRANTECAN.

In addition to his extensive scientific contributions, he has played a vital role in training new generations and in building essential infrastructure for astronomy in Spain. His legacy, in his own words, is the result of a collective and visionary adventure that transformed astronomical observation in the country.

A scholar of light pollution since 2009, his work measuring sky brightness led him to work for seven years at the Observatorio Astrofsico de Javalambre. He currently works as a Vocational Training teacher and tutor at UNED de Pontevedra; however, he continues to study, train and disseminate knowledge about the causes and consequences of light pollution, collaborating with the Calidade do Ceo Nocturno collective, the Red Espaola de Estudios sobre Contaminacin Lumnica, and various research groups.

After completing a degree in Chemical Sciences at Universidad de La Corua (UDC) in 2007, obtained a three-year training fellowship from the Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA). During this period, began a doctoral thesis in Geology between the Centro de Astrobiologa (CAB-CSIC-INTA) and Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), which was awarded cum laude in 2014. The thesis focused on the study of cryomagmatic processes on icy moons, especially Jupiter’s moon Europa.

In 2015, moved to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL-Caltech) in California, USA, after receiving a two-year postdoctoral fellowship from the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP). Research during this time centred on crust–atmosphere exchange processes on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon.

In 2017, returned to CAB, continuing research on cryomagmatic processes and starting new lines of work more focused on Mars. In this area, collaborated on studies related to potential past habitability and on the development and calibration of instruments for future missions, such as the Raman spectrometer for ExoMars.

In 2024, joined the Laboratoire de Planétologie et Géosciences (LPG) in Nantes, France, supported by an individual European Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship. The aim is to develop new near-infrared (NIR) and Raman spectroscopic databases under surface conditions representative of airless ocean worlds such as Europa, Enceladus and Ceres. These data will support information obtained from the JWST and from the JUICE and Europa Clipper missions, both already en route to the Jupiter system.