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We are a company dedicated to the research and development of advanced biological technologies to solve problems in different sectors, such as agriculture, health and technology.
COPAL Scientific was born from the initiative of its founder, Mercedes Iriarte, who has worked in several technological research and development companies and has extensive training and professional experience.
Mercedes has a PhD in Chemistry Science, and she is Master’s in Science and Chemical Technology, speciality in Physical Chemistry.
Our founder also has extensive experience in Raman and SERS (Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy), UV-Visible and Infrared spectroscopy. These techniques are the bases for the study and research in sensors, biopolymers and kinetics.
In particular, COPAL Scientific has been contracted by the CSIC (Spanish National Research Council) for the European K-HealthInAir Project. The project focuses on the development of a sensor for the detection of aflatoxins in the air. In addition, COPAL Scientific is a collaborating company with the University of Alcalá de Henares (UAH) for the forensic characterization by physicochemical techniques of various types of materials and maintains an open collaboration with the EBD-CSIC (Doñana Biological Station-CSIC).
Currently, she works on the development of bioproducts for ecological remediation. In particular, it has developed a natural polymer to combat “sica”, a disease that causes the death of holm oaks and cork oaks in the Spanish pastures.
The success in her applied research has led her to found in 2022 her own biotechnology research company, COPAL Scientific, focused on the research and development of advanced technologies for the detection of contaminants, development of antimicrobial natural biopolymers and the forensic characterization by physicochemical techniques of various types of materials.
Mercedes Iriarte’s professional career begins: She began specializing in the area of physical chemistry, teaching since then at the UNED (National University of Distance Education), in subjects such as Instrumental Techniques, Chemical Reaction, Physical Chemistry I: Atomic and Molecular Structure (Principles of Quantum Mechanics) and Physical Chemistry II: Spectroscopy and Molecular Statistics, among others. He developed the doctoral thesis on Raman vibration spectroscopy, for the characterization of materials and atomic-molecular monitoring of reactions. Currently, he continues to collaborate with the UNED in the Master in Chemical Science and Technology, in the subject of Biospectroscopy. She has worked on several occasions as a researcher for various projects with the University of Alcalá de Henares, with whom she continues to collaborate, and with the University of Salamanca. She was working at the IO-SCIC, at the Institute of Optics “Daza de Valdés”, where he developed a solid SERS (Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering) sensor for the detection of contaminating molecules in ultra-low concentration.
Mercedes Irirarte assumes the creation and direction of the Department of Chemistry and Nanotechnology of SDLE, working on bioproduct projects for ecological remediation, sensorization of biomolecules, controlled release polymers of active ingredients, and a project for the detection of contaminants in water port companies that has been selected for financing in the pre-commercial call for PORTS 4.0 of the Ministry of Public Works.
First research in natural biopolymer with antimicrobial activity. Laboratory successful testing in Petry plaque in Real Jardín Botánico (CSIC) with Saprolegnia, Phytophtora and Aphanomyces astaci for LAMIA product.
Research in optimize the efficiency of physicochemical properties of LAMIA in water. First essays controlling Saprolegnia succesfully in Spanish farm fish with salmon eggs. Experimental successful test with crawfish indoor affected by Aphanomyces astaci.
COPAL Scientific is established: Its founder, Mercedes Iriarte, a scientific researcher with extensive training and professional experience. COPAL Scientific is a company that researches and develops advanced biological technologies to solve problems in different sectors, such as agriculture, health and technology. It is especially involved in the detection of contaminants in water, both biological and non-biological, and in the development of biopolymers for the control of emerging microbiological diseases.
Second season successful testing of LAMIA in operational environment in Spanish salmon farm fish. Essays with adult trout affected by saprolegniosis.
Current research projects: COPAL Scientific has been contracted by the CSIC for the European K-HealthInAir Project, which focuses on the development of a sensor for the detection of aflatoxins in the air. This project is active. In addition, it is a collaborating company with the University of Alcalá de Henares for forensic characterization by physicochemical techniques of various types of materials, and regularly collaborates with the EBD-CSIC (Doñana Biological Space) and the RJB-CSIC (Real Jardín Botanical), to develop a joint project to understand the antimicrobial resistance factors of microorganism species in the Doñana lagoons.
PCT (Patent
Cooperation Treaty) register of LAMIA. Next operational environment repeating
test for controlling Saprolegnia in salmon eggs will be performed in winter
2024 (third season testing) in salmon farm fish.
To develop unique, ethical and effective solutions to complex problems, through the use of innovative technologies.
We strive to improve the quality of life of people and the environment by developing products and services that are safe, effective and sustainable.
We are a research company committed to science and innovation.
These values are the fundamental principles that guide our behavior and our organizational culture. For COPAL Scientific, they are the basis of decision-making and the way we relate to our clients, employees and collaborators.
Innovation is a fundamental value for our company, as it allows us to create unique and effective solutions for complex problems.
We are characterized by having a strong commitment to social responsibility and, therefore, we guide our business towards the development of products and services that improve the quality of life of people and the environment, as well as the commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Collaboration is an important value for us and, therefore, we work closely with other companies, universities and research institutions to develop new technologies and products.
At COPAL Scientific we continually strive for excellence in everything we do. To achieve this, we put special effort into hiring the best talent, implementing rigorous quality control processes and committing to continuous improvement.
Innovation is a fundamental value for our company, as it allows us to create unique and effective solutions for complex problems.
We are characterized by having a strong commitment to social responsibility and, therefore, we guide our business towards the development of products and services that improve the quality of life of people and the environment, as well as the commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Collaboration is an important value for us and, therefore, we work closely with other companies, universities and research institutions to develop new technologies and products.
At COPAL Scientific we continually strive for excellence in everything we do. To achieve this, we put special effort into hiring the best talent, implementing rigorous quality control processes and committing to continuous improvement.
Chief Operating Officer
José Miguel is an accomplished aeronautical engineer with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Technology from the University of New York and a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. He has held several key positions in Airbus, including Head of Production in Seville, Spain and General Manager of MRO in Mobile, Alabama, USA. José Miguel has also been awarded a merit badge in Aeronautical R.D. and has worked as a Flight Test Engineer.
José Miguel’s career in aeronautical engineering began with his studies at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, where he earned his degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He then went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Technology from the University of New York. After completing his education, José Miguel joined Airbus, where he held several key positions, including Head of Production in Seville, Spain and General Manager of MRO in Mobile, Alabama, USA. He has also been awarded a merit badge in Aeronautical R.D. and has worked as a Flight Test Engineer.
José Miguel’s contributions to the field of aeronautical engineering have been significant, and his work has helped shape the industry in many ways. His expertise in technological company strategies and production is a priceless value for COPAL Scientific.
Chief Operating Officer
Javier is a lawyer with more than 25 years of experience in the professional practice of Technology Law and Intellectual and Industrial Property as chief auditor in compliance audits and professor at the Instituto de Empresa and ICAM.
As an expert in regulatory and forensic risk management of the digital environment, he has a different way of understanding support and accompaniment to clients, always aiming to find solutions that add value by optimizing their business and their time.
His professional career allowed him to dedicate himself to what he enjoys most, supporting new projects, new ideas and their launch to the market.
He has an extraordinary ease of getting involved in each project and a high capacity to work as a team member, always contributing with his strategic vision and knowledge in favor of future economic and social development.
Chief Operating Officer
For 12 years, she has worked at the National University of Distance Education (UNED) in Madrid, as a teacher-tutor in different Chemistry Degree subjects, such as Physical Chemistry I: Atomic Molecular Structure (Principles of Quantum Mechanics), Physicochemical Instrumental Techniques o Physical Chemistry II: Spectroscopy and molecular statistics, among others. There, she was co-director of the course “Chemistry to Teach” within the platform of the University of Continuous Training Courses and continues to collaborate on the subject of Biospectroscopy within the Master of Chemical Science and Technology.
She has carried out studies on the absorption of polluting molecules in the environment, in collaboration with the Environmental Biology and Toxicology Group of the UNED Faculty of Sciences, using UV spectroscopy of 4-methylbenzyliden camphor (4-MBC) and 2 -Hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzophenone (BP-3) in biological saline culture.
She has worked as a scientific researcher for the University of Alcalá de Henares and carried out the analysis of pigments and substrates using Raman micro-spectroscopy in the project “Contextual study of the paleolithic graphic manifestations of the Los Casares cave” (reference number: SBPLY/18/180801/000080).
Mercedes Iriarte has carried out numerous research projects at the Higher Scientific Research Council (CSIC), where she has also managed to synthesize metal nanoparticles for their application in molecular detection and has developed different types of nano-sensors for the detection of organic pollutants at low concentrations. persistent (POP), as well as a liquid nano-sensor for the detection of potentially carcinogenic solvents.
