MSCA Fellow Dr. Juan Sanz Villafruela

Dr. Juan Sanz Villafruela was awarded a highly prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2026. Two years earlier, he spent several months at the laboratory of Prof. Dr. Johannes Karges through the Research School's PhD Exchange scholarship program. During this stay he investigated the biological activity of promising metal-based compounds and their potential application as photosensitizers in anticancer photodynamic therapy. Following the completion of his PhD in Spain, Dr. Sanz Villafruela will now return to Ruhr University Bochum to conduct research with the Karges Group at the Faculty of Medicine.

The PhD Exchange program was transformative in advancing my research capabilities, providing access to cutting-edge techniques and fostering international collaborations. These experiences were instrumental in shaping a successful MSCA proposal and positioning me to address pressing challenges in my field. Within the future project under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Johannes Karges, I will investigate how ultrasound pulses can be used to activate metal-based agents directly at the tumor site. This approach aims to make anticancer treatment much more precise by turning the drug “on” only where it is needed. In the long term, this strategy could lead to new cancer therapies that are more effective while greatly reducing side effects for patients.

Congratulations on your return to Ruhr University, dear Juan! We are more than happy to have you with us!