Our Research Team
Driven by curiosity, united by purpose
At the Mata-Garrido Lab, our strength lies in our people. We are a diverse and collaborative team of scientists, clinicians, and computational biologists united by a shared goal: to understand cancer at its roots and translate discoveries into better outcomes for patients.
Our members bring expertise in cell biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular medicine; but also creativity, compassion, and a deep commitment to impact. We believe that great science grows from teamwork, open discussion, and the joy of discovery.
We work closely with national and international collaborators, clinicians, and patient communities to ensure that our research remains connected to the human stories behind every sample and dataset. Together, we are building not just knowledge, but hope for the future of cancer care.
The Team
Small in size, strong in spirit
Jorge Mata Garrido, PhD
Head of the laboratory
I grew up in Cervillego de la Cruz, a small town in Valladolid (Spain) with fewer than 100 inhabitants. I graduated in Biology from the University of Salamanca and completed a Master’s in Cancer Biology and Clinical Oncology at the Cancer Research Center in Salamanca. I obtained my PhD from the University of Cantabria and later worked as a researcher at prestigious institutions such as the Institut Necker-Enfants Malades and the Institut Pasteur in Paris, specializing in the role of epigenetics in cell fate and gastrointestinal cancer. Since January 2026, I have been the head of Cellular plasticity and precision oncology in gastrointestinal cancer laboratory. In my free time, I enjoy reading, videogames, and motorcycles.
Christophe Desterke, PhD
Researcher
I obtained my engineering degree in Biology from the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (CNAM), Paris. I then completed a PhD in Molecular Biology with a specialization in Cancerology at Paris‑Saclay University. In 2008, I was awarded the French National Prize in Hematology. From 2010 to now, I worked as a Research Engineer in Bioinformatics at the Faculty of Medicine, Paris‑Saclay University.
I am an expert in the analysis of multi‑omics data, including transcriptomics, single‑cell transcriptomics, and epigenomics, with a strong focus on clinical integration in cancer and leukemia research. I have extensive expertise in R programming and have designed several packages for omics investigations, which are available on my GitHub page: www.github.com/cdesterke.
Irene Paredero Pérez, MD, PhD
Specialist in Digestive Tumours
Graduated from the University of Murcia, I completed my specialist training at the Doctor Peset University Hospital in Valencia, where I currently carry out my clinical and research work. My focus lies in the treatment of digestive tumors and geriatric oncology, which is the main core of my research. I obtained my PhD from the University of Valencia in this field, and I actively participate in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, as well as in academic activities organized by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology.
Pablo Sanz Bellón, MD, PhD
Specialist in Radiodiagnostics
Graduate in Medicine from the University of Zaragoza, Specialist in Radiodiagnostics, PhD from the University of Oviedo in Artificial Intelligence Applied to Medical Imaging, and Senior Consultant in the Vascular and Interventional Radiology Department at the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital.
Rebeca Chulvi Veiga, MD
Specialist in Digestive Tumours
Graduated in Medicine and Surgery in 2008 from the University of Valencia. Specialized in Medical Oncology at the Dr. Peset University Hospital in Valencia between 2009 and 2013. Currently specializing in the treatment of digestive tumors in collaboration with multidisciplinary committees for complex clinical decision-making and the development of individualized therapeutic strategies. Committed to clinical research and inter-institutional collaboration, with an interest in promoting joint projects and generating evidence that contributes to improving care for patients with digestive cancer.
Join Our Research Team! We are looking for enthusiastic, curious, and committed scientists ready to push the boundaries of biomedical research. If you have passion, creativity, and the drive to make discoveries that matter, we want you in our laboratory. Apply now and grow with us!