JOSÉ ÁNGEL
MORALES GARCÍA

Academic Background and Research Career Dr. José A. Morales holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM). His doctoral thesis, conducted in collaboration with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), was awarded the Extraordinary Doctorate Award in Biomedicine. His research focused on identifying novel cellular targets with neurogenic and neuroprotective properties, aimed at developing new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. As part of his research training, he worked at the University of Würzburg (Germany) within the European COST Action program, and at the University of Tübingen through a prestigious Marie Curie Fellowship. He subsequently held postdoctoral research positions at the Institute of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC) and the Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED, Instituto de Salud Carlos III). During this period, he contributed to several projects investigating the role of compounds such as GSK-3 and PDE7 inhibitors in anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective processes, particularly for potential therapeutic use in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as neurogenic drug development. Currently, his research focuses on the role of certain tryptamines in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease and on the preclinical evaluation of novel neuroprotective and neurogenic agents in animal models of brain injury. As Principal Investigator of the UCM research group “Experimental Models of Nervous System Disorders”, he leads the development of preclinical models for neurological diseases such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis. His work has led to significant scientific advancements, including the identification of new therapeutic agents, and one of these compounds is currently progressing toward clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Morales has authored 63 peer-reviewed scientific publications and holds several patents in the field of neuropharmacology. Teaching and Academic Supervision Dr. Morales is an Associate Professor in the Department of Histology at the School of Medicine (UCM). He also teaches in several postgraduate and specialized academic programs: - Master’s Degree in Pharmacological Research (UAM) - Master’s Degree in Molecular Biomedicine (UAM) - Expert Diploma in Public Communication, Science Outreach, and Scientific Advising (UAM) He has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate theses (BSc, MSc) across UCM, UAM, and UAH, as well as students in advanced laboratory technician training programs. Scientific Evaluation and International Engagement Dr. Morales serves as an expert evaluator for several national and European agencies, including: - European Research Executive Agency (European Commission) - European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (European Commission) - Spanish Service for the Internationalization of Education (SEPIE) His involvement in these panels supports the assessment of research, innovation, and academic mobility initiatives at both European and national levels. Science Communication and Public Engagement In addition to his academic and research responsibilities, Dr. Morales is actively involved in science outreach. He collaborates regularly with media outlets such as El Confidencial, NIUS, BBC, RNE, and COPE, as well as with science communication platforms like The Conversation and Maldita Ciencia. He has also organized and participated in major outreach initiatives such as the Science Week and the International Brain Awareness Week, contributing to public understanding of neuroscience and biomedical research.