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INCAR²Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología, Conocimiento e Innovación · ANID — Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo

RL2

Dr. Jaime Figueroa Valverde

Adjunct Researcher

Biography

Dr. Jaime Figueroa V. is a biologist with a Master’s degree and a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the Universidad Austral de Chile (UACH) in Valdivia. As part of his doctoral training, he completed his thesis research at the University of Hamburg with support from a DAAD scholarship. In 1990, he joined UACH as a faculty member and researcher, working in the field of molecular biology in fish. His early work focused on comparative endocrinology; later, based on his research findings, he shifted toward the study of the fish immune system and, by extension, fish pathogens. For more than 20 years, his research has focused primarily on Piscirickettsia salmonis. He has authored nearly 100 publications in leading scientific journals and, since beginning his work on P. salmonis, has made significant contributions to the understanding of this pathogen.

At the Fish Molecular Biology Laboratory of UACH in Valdivia, numerous research projects have been developed with funding from FONDECYT, Innova CORFO, and FIE, some of them in consortium with other universities and national research groups.

A member of INCAR since its inception, Dr. Figueroa has conducted research on several relevant pathogens such as P. salmonis, IPNv, and ISA, in both salmonids and native fish species, in collaboration with various national and international institutions. In addition, he is a member of two national and international scientific societies.

Dr. Figueroa is a Full Professor at UACH, an evaluator of postgraduate programs for the CNA, an evaluator of CONICYT postgraduate scholarships, and a reviewer of FIPA projects for Subpesca. In terms of human capital training, he has supervised approximately 565 undergraduate theses (as advisor and co-advisor) and 21 Master’s and PhD theses.

Degrees and Academic Qualifications

  • 1995. PhD in Sciences, specialization in Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, Germany (1988–1990), and Universidad Austral de Chile, Chile (1990–1995).
  • 1985. Master of Science, specialization in Molecular Biology, Universidad Austral de Chile, Chile (1980–1985).
  • 1980. Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Chile.

Selected Projects

  • FONDECYT EXPLORATION No. 13250135. “Development of PROTAC technology as a novel antiviral strategy against infectious pancreatic necrosis virus in salmonids”, 2025. Principal Investigator (2025–2028).
  • Development of a protein-based vaccine prototype against Renibacterium salmoninarum, the causative agent of Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD) in Salmo salar. FONDEF IDEA Project No. ID21|10066. 2022–2023. Alternate Director.
  • CORFO; Strategic Plan for Science and Innovation toward 2030: Science for Innovation 2030, South–Subantarctic Alliance, Ci2030, Code 18CEIN-93501. Universidad del Bío-Bío, Universidad de Talca, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Universidad de La Frontera, Universidad Austral de Chile, and Universidad de Magallanes as beneficiary institutions. UACH Representative in the Consortium. First stage, 2018.
  • FONDECYT 1130069. Characterization of genes related to invasiveness and intracellular survival of Piscirickettsia salmonis: An in vitro study of new virulence markers in Chilean isolates of the causative agent of SRS (2013–2016).
  • FIE Project (FIE 122929), University Consortium: Comprehensive study of the biological and molecular bases of the life cycle of Piscirickettsia salmonis within the context of an epidemiological approach to develop strategies for its control. Responsible institution: PUCV; associated universities: UACH and UNAB; additional partners: SERNAPESCA and INTESAL. Associate Researcher.
  • Second Project Call, Academic Innovation Fund, MECESUP-2 Program: Strengthening, Internationalization, and Innovation of the Doctoral Program in the area of Molecular Biosciences, aimed at expanding the diversity of strategic disciplines (2009–2011, MECESUP AUS 0704; project budget: CLP 973,322,400). Project Director.
  • CORFO-INNOVA 07CN13 B259: Serological, genomic, and proteomic characterization of Piscirickettsia salmonis subtypes present in national salmon farming: Biotechnological bases to ensure sustainable and competitive development of the salmon industry (2008–2010).