WGCEES-2026

Dr. Roberto Parra Saldivar is a globally recognized leader in environmental biotechnology who architects high-impact research programs that translate fundamental science into sustainable, real-world solutions. As Professor and Chair of Sustainable Mycoremediation at Cranfield University, he spearheads innovations using fungal technologies to drive a circular bioeconomy, anchored in his expertise in bioprocess engineering and creating "waste-to-wealth" platforms. A prolific and successful principal investigator, Dr. Parra has secured over €4.5 million in research funding throughout his career and is currently in the process of securing £3.4 million in competitive UK funding from national sources. a diverse portfolio of international bodies, national governments, and industry giants including UKRI, Horizon Europe, the US Army, CYTED, CONACyT, Shell, and Heineken. His ability to build powerful academic-industrial consortiums consistently delivers research with tangible economic impact. He is a highly cited researcher with a significant scholarly footprint, including over 330 publications, more than 14,950 citations (h-index 65), and 18 patents. His career is distinguished by directing international ecosystems, including serving as Chair at Tecnologico de Monterrey and leading the LIDA research network. A dedicated mentor, he has supervised over 40 PhD and Master's students and more than 20 postdoctoral researchers, fostering the next generation of scientific innovators. With visiting professorships at MIT and Harvard, Dr. Parra excels at building global networks that advance both profound discovery and commercial application.