Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ana V Villar | Biomedicine | Excellence in Innovation Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ana V. Villar holds a strong academic foundation in biochemistry, beginning with her B.Sc. in Biochemistry from the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. She further enriched her expertise through an international M.Sc. exchange program at Utrecht University, The Netherlands, gaining valuable global research exposure. She then pursued advanced research training and earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of the Basque Country, Spain, where she developed a solid specialization that continues to shape her academic and scientific contributions.

Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ana V. Villar has extensive academic and research experience in the field of biochemistry and cardiovascular research. She began her career with postdoctoral research at the Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Lübeck, Germany, where she focused on molecular mechanisms of heart failure and cardiovascular diseases. Building on this foundation, she advanced into academic positions, contributing both as a researcher and lecturer in biochemistry and related biomedical sciences. Currently, she serves as an Associate Professor, where she leads independent research projects, mentors graduate students, and actively collaborates with international institutions. Her experience reflects a strong integration of teaching, research, and scientific leadership.

Research Interests

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ana V. Villar’s research interests are primarily centered on cardiovascular biochemistry and molecular medicine. Her work focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying heart failure, particularly the role of signal transduction pathways, myocardial remodeling, and fibrosis. She is also interested in identifying biochemical markers and therapeutic targets that can improve the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, her research extends to the development of novel strategies for cardioprotection, exploring biochemical interventions that may prevent or mitigate disease progression. Through her studies, she aims to bridge basic biochemical research with clinical applications in cardiology.

Publications

Short telomeres in alveolar type II cells associate with lung fibrosis in post COVID-19 patients with cancer.

Correlative 3D cryo X-ray imaging reveals intracellular location and effect of designed antifibrotic protein–nanomaterial hybrids

Engineering multifunctional metal/protein hybrid nanomaterials as tools for therapeutic intervention and high-sensitivity detection

Epigenetic alterations of TGFβ and its main canonical signaling mediators in the context of cardiac fibrosis

Biological membranes in EV biogenesis, stability, uptake, and cargo transfer: an ISEV position paper arising from the ISEV membranes and EVs workshop

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ana V. Villar is highly suitable for the Research for Excellence in Innovation Award. Her innovative contributions to fibrosis therapy and diagnostic methodologies have the potential to transform cardiovascular medicine and other fibrotic diseases. Based on her strong record of innovation, leadership, and societal engagement, she stands out as an outstanding candidate for this award.