Presas Basalo, Francisco Xosé

Graduated in Biology from the University of Salamanca. Francisco holds a Master’s Degree in Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management from Wageningen University & Research, with a double specialisation in marine governance and aquaculture. In addition, he also holds a Master’s Degree in Economic Development and Innovation from the University of Santiago de Compostela. His academic background, developed across institutions in Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, reflects an international and interdisciplinary perspective combining scientific-technical expertise with political, economic, and management approaches.

In the field of management, he has professional experience at the University of Santiago de Compostela and Wageningen University & Research (WUR). At WUR, he worked as editor of the WUR Impact Portfolio, coordinated science-art residencies, and contributed to the organisation of conferences and centenary commemorative events. He was co-founder of the Climate-KIC initiative inLoops Tech, focused on the development of sustainable aquaculture systems, winning the Best Business Plan category and being nominated for the Wageningen Young Heroes Award 2018.

In the scientific-technical domain, Francisco contributed to the COVID-19 pandemic response in the Australian state of New South Wales as a medical laboratory technician, focusing on molecular analysis of virus variants and large-scale sample processing. He also worked in Australia as a senior aquaculture technician in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), participating in production, health management, and the implementation of applied research projects for the production, recovery, and conservation of Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii).

He has authored scientific publications in the fields of aquaponics, management, and science communication. He has also participated as a speaker, organiser, and reviewer at European research and innovation conferences.