CEICS, Campus of International excellence southern catalonia Coordinated by URV · Rovira i Virgili University

Francisco Andrade has a chemistry degree and a PhD in Analytical Chemistry (2001) from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He also holds a Master degree in Environmental Analysis and Assessment from Imperial College, University of London. During this time he performed research work in the field of chemical analysis, working mostly in atomic and molecular spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and flow injection analysis. In 2003 he took a postdoctoral position at the Laboratory for Spectroscopy, Indiana University (IU), working under the supervision of Prof. Gary Hieftje. Two years later he was promoted to Faculty member of the chemistry department of IU, where he stayed until 2007. During this time he acquired expertise in building and operation of analytical instruments, particularly mass spectrometry, optical spectroscopy and plasma source devices. He specialized in the development of novel ionization sources for organic mass spectrometry, atmospheric pressure plasmas and laser-based diagnostic techniques.

In 2007 he joined Unilever Corporation as disruptive Innovation Team Leader, moving the headquarters of the company, in the United Kingdom. Two years later was promoted to Open Innovation Director, in the same firm. During this time, Francisco acquire knowledge and expertise in the development of methodologies for the detection and generation of new business opportunities. He worked with the venture teams as well as some of the world´s most important firms in innovation, building a strong global partnership network.

In 2010 he returned to the academic life through the Ramón y Cajal program. He took a position at Universitat Rovira i Virgili, where he currently develop his academic activity in the Chemometrics, Qualimetrics and Nanosensors Group. Having received start funding from European Union (Marie Curie CIG program), he directs research work on the development of novel sensing platforms and wearable devices.

Francisco Andrade has 30 papers in top ranked international journals, more than 20 presentations in international meetings during the last few years (many of them as invited speaker). In 1997 he was selected as a Chevening Scholarship (awarded by the British Council), and in 2006 was distinguished as Young Outstanding Analytical Scientist (YOAS) by the JAAS (RSC). During his whole academic career Francisco has taught at the University, at the undergraduate and post-graduate level.