Barja Pérez, Juan Luis

Juan L. Barja is Emeritus Professor of Microbiology at the University of Barcelona (USC). Until 2023, he coordinated the Aquatic Animal Pathology Research Group (GIPA). Some of his main research interests include: the characterisation of bacterial and viral pathogens in fish and marine molluscs; the development of strategies for the prevention and control of fish and shellfish diseases; the bioaccumulation of enteric viruses in molluscs; and the application of genomics and proteomics to pathogen studies.

He is the author of 200 articles, 30 book chapters, and the inventor of seven patents for aquaculture use. He has participated in over 80 national, European, and regional research projects and agreements, and maintains ongoing consultancy and service collaborations with companies in the aquaculture sector. He has supervised 15 doctoral theses and has been invited to give over 40 talks at scientific meetings and 30 courses on aquaculture pathology at various universities and research centres. He serves as an advisor to several international journals on Microbiology and Aquaculture, has been a member of expert committees evaluating national and international programmes, and has participated in the Scientific and/or Organising Committees of Aquaculture and Microbiology meetings.