The 2026 IBS Young Researcher Award has been presented to Ronald Rios-Santacruz, whose thesis defended in 2024 was supervised by the Dynamics and kinetics of molecular processes Group at IBS.
Ronald completed his MSc degree in physical chemistry at the University of Strasbourg from 2018-2020. In september 2020 he Joined the IBS where he did his Ph.D. studies in Biophysics with CEA funding, under the supervision of Drs. Martin Weik and Giorgio Schirò.
His doctoral research focused on the development and application of time-resolved serial crystallography approaches to investigate the structural dynamics of photosensitive proteins using synchrotron and X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facilities. The objective of his thesis work was to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying light-driven activation processes in biological systems by capturing transient intermediates and conformational changes at atomic resolution.
At DYNAMOP, where he is currently conducting a postdoctoral project that builds on his PhD research, Ronald plays a key role in the training and supervision of new students involved in time-resolved serial crystallography experiments and related activities. He aims to continue his research career in the field of structural protein dynamics, starting with a second postdoctoral appointment, most likely overseas.