Ylenia Jabalera Ruz, a researcher at the Synthetic Biology Laboratory of CIC bioGUNE, holds a degree in Biochemistry (2016) and master's degrees in Biotechnology (2017) and Edafology (2021) from the University of Granada. In 2021, she earned her doctorate in Fundamental and Systems Biology, specializing in magnetic nanosystems applied to nanomedicine and nanotechnology.
Since 2021, she has worked at CIC nanoGUNE and later at CIC bioGUNE, contributing to the development of synthetic CRISPR-Cas nucleases for genome editing. In 2025, she received LaCaixa Junior Leader Fellowship and Ikerbasque research grants, and currently holds the position of Emerging Scientist.
Her research lines focus on transposon biology and genomic engineering, designing evolutionary-based genetic editing tools using RNA-guided transposons. The team aims to develop universal strategies for precise gene insertion, combining molecular biology, molecular evolution, and protein design.
Jabalera Ruz explains that the ultimate goal of her research is to correct mutations responsible for genetic diseases, particularly those lacking treatment or too complex for current tools. This technology would enable the precise insertion of long DNA segments and even entire genes, paving the way for more universal therapies against rare diseases and cancer.
Her main scientific role model is Marie Curie, whose steadfastness, rigor, and commitment to science have been a source of inspiration. She believes her quote, "We cease to fear what we have learned to understand," perfectly encapsulates the scientific spirit of curiosity and the desire to comprehend.
Looking ahead, Jabalera Ruz hopes that advances in gene editing will enable the treatment of genetic diseases currently without cures, and the development of personalized, accessible, and universal therapies that improve the quality of life for millions.
To those wishing to enter the world of research, she advises cultivating and enjoying curiosity, emphasizing that while research is a challenging path, it is highly rewarding and can have a real impact on people's lives.
