Jesús Alonso Sánchez

Since 2006, Jesús Alonso Sánchez has held the position of Senior Scientist at the ICTAN-CSIC and, as of 2024, is affiliated with the INURA at the University of Extremadura. An expert in plant biology, his expertise spans areas such as vegetable refrigeration, postharvest conservation, and phytopathology, conducting research within the UNESCO codes 330913, 330922, 330991, and 241719. He graduated from the Complutense University of Madrid in 1987 and earned his doctorate in 1993, awarded “Apto cum laude” for his thesis on cherry cell wall and freezing.

His career trajectory includes roles such as Senior Researcher in the Ramón y Cajal Programme, Director at the Valle del Jerte Cooperative Group, and various fellowships at the Institute of Refrigeration (CSIC) and the University of Surrey. He has held science-professional positions with political responsibility in R&D in Extremadura, such as Director General and Secretary General of Science, Technology, Innovation, and University (2007-2011; 2015-2023).

Alonso has been involved in 15 R&D projects, leading seven with a focus on the genetic improvement of picotas, proteomics, and postharvest technologies. He has also contributed to eight projects, primarily in the area of postharvest of stone and pome fruits.

In his industrial research endeavors, Alonso secured €747,631 in funding, addressing postharvest and food preservation challenges, particularly in fruits such as cherries and apples. His projects range from evaluating antioxidants and dehydration techniques to optimizing coatings and biological control methods.

He has authored 36 scientific publications and science dissemination articles, with notable articles in “Postharvest Biology and Technology” and “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.” He has also contributed chapters to the “Handbook of Fruits and Fruit Processing.”

Highlighted statistics:

• Citations: 725
• h-index: 14
• i10-index: 15