Professor Francisco Antonio Macías is a distinguished researcher in Organic Chemistry, specializing in Allelopathic Studies. He earned his degree in Chemistry from the University of Seville (1978) and a Ph.D. from the University of Cádiz (1984). Currently a Full Professor, he has held key leadership roles, including Director of International Relations, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, and Director of the Biomolecules Institute (INBIO). His pioneering work in Allelopathy focuses on chemical interactions in ecosystems, leading the renowned “Allelopathy Group of Cádiz,” the first of its kind in Spain and Europe.

His team has identified and tested the bioactivity of over 3,500 allelochemicals across various chemical families, including terpenoids, flavonoids, and benzoxazinoids. Notably, they discovered four new terpenoid families and developed innovative methods to analyze bio-stimulants in parasitic plants. Their groundbreaking research on grasses has chemically demonstrated the Allelopathic Phenomenon. Additionally, his team devised the “honeypot strategy” using nanoencapsulated analogs to induce suicidal germination in parasitic plants. Professor Macías advocates for learning from nature to develop natural herbicides and insecticides. His scientific contributions include over 340 publications, 16 patents, and 84 supervised graduate students. His highly cited papers on natural alternatives for weed control and drug discovery have influenced agriculture and pharmacology.

A globally recognized scientist, he has delivered over 375 invited lectures worldwide. His achievements include the Rhône-Poulenc Rorer Award (1999), the prestigious Molisch Award (2011), and recognition among the top 2% of scientists globally by Stanford University (2021). He has also played a crucial role in the International Allelopathy Society (IAS) and the Phytochemical Society of Europe (PSE), where he currently serves as President.