Please tell us about your research.

My research is focused on African swine fever (ASFV), a viral disease that affects different members of the Suidae family, especially pigs and wild boars. The disease has been endemic in Africa since 1921, when pigs were brought from Europe to England’s colonies. The virus jumped from the European pigs to warthogs (wild African pigs) and eventually to domestic African pigs.

There is no vaccine or treatment for this disease and the incidence of a positive case has widespread socio-economic consequences. The virus jumped twice to Europe; first during 1950-1960 in Portugal and Spain, from where it then spread to the rest of Europe, Russia, and Latin America. This outbreak lasted 30 years at an enormous expense to affected countries. In 2007, the virus reappeared in Russia and has since spread to other parts of Europe through wild boars. In 2018, the virus appeared in China, a major producer of pigs. The consequences were devastating. Today, African swine fever is a global pandemic, with the virus moving around Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean region. The main aim of my research is to understand the immunological mechanisms of protection against the disease to develop an effective vaccine.

How many research themes do you have?

My research is characterized by a synthesis of three broad disciplines. First, virology uses molecular biology techniques to explain the virus’s mechanisms. Second, immunology investigates protection mechanisms. Ultimately, this disease affects pigs; therefore, concerns about animal production need to be considered. Thus, veterinary medicine is indispensable in broadening perspectives. For my dissertation, I have been focused on the immunological side of things. We implement new techniques, such as single cell RNAseq, which allow us to study each individual gene as it is activated. It is amazing be able to incorporate these new tools in our research.

Why do you find your research topic interesting?

Although African swine fever was isolated in 1921, today the virus continues to appear in places around the world. There is no vaccine or treatment for the disease. Furthermore, knowledge of the factors involved in protection and immunity are very unclear. This makes it rewarding to contribute new immunological data in pursuit of a vaccine. Creating some new information on this topic will be beneficial not only to the scientific community, but also from a socio-economic point of view. Many countries are waiting for the vaccine.

How did you get started in your research and how did you come to focus on your current research?

I first studied veterinary medicine and then completed my master’s degree in virology. Having a background in both disciplines was a perfect match for working on a viral disease that affects pigs. Working with this virus is a great opportunity and I am pleased to be able to do this work. In the beginning of my PhD study, it was a bit challenging. But in this last phase of developing my thesis, I have focused on immunological responses related to African swine fever vaccination, which has been exciting.

Have you had any difficulties in putting together the results of your research into a research paper or book?

In my research, I think that the most difficult part is the experiments. I usually do some in vivo studies with pigs. In this type of experiment, you do not always obtain the results that you are looking for. During the last few years, I have gotten some very nice results from some of my experiments. When you obtain these, you feel excited about sharing them with the community and it makes the writing part easier.

Can you share with us an episode about any influential people, things, and places you have encountered whilst doing your research?

During my PhD program, a postdoc researcher named Jordi Arguilaguet Marquès joined our group. He is an immunologist, and with him I discovered how amazing immunology could be. He taught me so much in a very patient manner. During those moments when I felt most insecure about my PhD, talking with him helped me recover my hope for our work.

Which books or people have influenced you?

A book that inspired me recently was Staying with the Trouble: Making Kin in the Chthulucene written by Donna J. Haraway, a feminist thinker. This book makes us reflect upon how we can live in this era of ecological devastation, the Anthropocene, reorganizing our relations with nature. She gave me the opportunity to think about new ways to live together with other species. Also, the book challenged me think about how to change the way we are doing science: we need an open mind when we are looking for answers. We need to be on this damaged earth, but we can try to live in new, more sympoietic ways.

What is your ideal image of a researcher?

I do not have an ideal image of a researcher. Since I started my master’s degree study, I realized that there are many types of researchers. I think that one of the key characteristics of a researcher is to continue learning and feeling curious about new things.

What would you say to people who want to become researchers?

Being a researcher in the natural sciences allows you to continue to learn new things, improve yourself, and share your knowledge with other people. This last one is a key point because science is made to be shared. Science is like a relay race. You cannot play alone; you receive knowledge and give knowledge to advance the study. It is also hard work; you can feel very frustrated sometimes when things do not go as expected.

What ambitions do you have for the future?

First, I will finish my PhD and then think about my near future. My plans are to look for a two- to three-year postdoc position outside of my country (Spain). A research career in Spain is a bit hard because it is difficult to get a stable position. I would like to find a job in a university so that I can conduct laboratory research and teach. I would like to continue working in animal health, focusing on diseases related to animals and viruses.

(July 2022)