Keywords: Experimental and instrumental development. Advanced scientific Instrumentation. Atmospheric turbulence. High-spatial resolution. Adaptive optics. Integral Field Spectroscopy. Formation and evolution of galaxies. Kinematics and dynamics of galaxies. AGN.

Throughout my career, I have made significant contributions to astrophysics by integrating scientific and technical expertise in 3D instrumentation, focusing on two complementary techniques: integral field spectroscopy (IFS) and atmospheric turbulence profiling for high-spatial-resolution ground-based observations.

As part of a pioneering team on IFS, my PhD thesis (1993–1997, IAC/ULL) demonstrated the applicability of fiber-based IFS in astronomy, particularly for studying the circumnuclear regions of nearby active galaxies. Building on this, I expanded my research to explore areas where IFS provides distinct advantages, such as gravitational lenses, galaxy interactions, QSO host galaxies, and Herbig-Haro objects. In the early 2000s, I was one of the proponents of the EURO3D network, a European Commission-funded research training initiative that significantly advanced IFS research and facilitated its widespread adoption in both ground-based and space telescopes.

From 1998 to 2002, I worked as a support astronomer at the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos, spending two years with the IAC and three with the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes (British Council). During this time, I expanded my expertise to high-spatial-resolution techniques, essential for optimizing the capabilities of large-diameter telescopes. In 2003, I joined the IAC’s Sky Quality and High Spatial Resolution teams, where I contributed to the development of turbulence profilers and created software and data extraction methods for atmospheric studies. Using the SCIDAR technique, I contributed to obtaining 3D atmospheric turbulence data at the Canary Islands observatories, which are crucial for designing adaptive optics systems.

I have published approximately 100 peer-reviewed articles, contributing new insights, ideas, and hypotheses that have advanced the understanding of galaxy formation and evolution, as well as the statistical behavior of atmospheric turbulence and other atmospheric parameters. Additionally, I have served as a referee for leading journals such as MNRAS, A&A, and Optics Express, and participated in evaluation panels for organizations including ANEP, SGPI, Chile’s Fondecyt, and the American National Science Foundation.

Beyond my research contributions, I have been actively involved in leadership, mentoring, and collaborative initiatives. I served as Head of the IAC’s Instrumentation Division (2014–2018), where I led a multidisciplinary team of approximately 80 engineers and technicians. In this role, I focused on fostering innovation, managing technical projects, and supporting the development of advanced astronomical instrumentation.

My research and leadership activities also extend to fostering collaborations that bridge science, technology, and society. As a member of the oversight committee for the Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC) and the Spanish Comisión Nacional de Astronomía, I have contributed to shaping national strategies and driving technological advancements in astronomy. Since April 2024, I have been coordinating the Spanish Research Infrastructure Network in Astronomy (RIA), further supporting the development and fostering synergies among research infrastructures across Spain.

I am deeply committed to education and mentoring. I have guided more than 25 undergraduate and master’s students, providing hands-on experience and fostering their scientific and technical growth. I have also supervised four PhD theses, focusing on galaxy formation and evolution, with the most recently completed in 2022. Many of my former students have pursued successful careers in academia, industry, or education. Additionally, I actively participate in outreach talks aimed at promoting STEM guidelines, encouraging broader engagement with science and technology.

I have actively contributed to the development of research teams and methodologies that drive research, technology, and innovation in astronomy. My involvement in the development of instruments such as HARMONI has fostered international and cross-disciplinary collaborations, including applications of atmospheric optics for astronomy and optical communications. I believe these efforts contribute not only to scientific innovation but also to the advancement of research and technology for our society.