Dr. Mª Teresa García is a Tenured Scientist in the Biocompatible Surfactants and Ionic Liquids group at the Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC). She obtained her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Barcelona in 1990. Her research in sustainable chemistry and nanotechnology focuses on the design, synthesis, and study of the physicochemical properties of surfactants and ionic liquids. She studies their environmental behavior and ecological impact, while developing non-toxic and biodegradable amphiphiles from renewable sources. Her work establishes relationships between molecular structure and ecotoxicity to create biodegradable and bioactive multifunctional materials.

She is currently developing bio-based surfactants and ionic liquids for the control of bacterial growth as alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. Her research has resulted in 98 peer-reviewed articles (>6,000 citations, h-index=41, Scopus), 8 book chapters, and participation in numerous projects (PI in 6 national projects). She has supervised 3 doctoral theses, 5 master’s theses, and 20 final degree projects, and has mentored numerous students and technical staff. For more than 15 years, she has been the Scientific Director of the Biodegradation and Ecotoxicity Platform at IQAC-CSIC, providing technical services and actively collaborating with the public and private sectors through research projects and contracts.