University of Granada Researcher Receives Prestigious Nutrition Award
Francisco J. Amaro Gahete, a professor in the Department of Physiology at the University of Granada (UGR) Faculty of Medicine and a researcher at the Joint University Sports and Health Institute (iMUDS), has been awarded the Young Investigator Award by the international scientific journal Nutrients. The award recognizes excellence and potential in young researchers in the fields of nutrition, metabolism and health.
Research Focus: Integrating Nutrition and Exercise
Amaro’s research investigates how nutrition and physical exercise can be used as preventative and therapeutic tools against chronic diseases such as obesity and cancer. His approach integrates molecular, clinical, and translational perspectives. University of Granada News
A Career Dedicated to Scientific Inquiry
Amaro earned degrees in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences and Medicine from the University of Granada, and a doctorate in Biomedicine with honors. He has previously received awards including the PhD Academy Award for the best international thesis in Sports Medicine and the extraordinary doctorate award. Granada Hoy
Mentorship and the Importance of Asking Questions
Amaro credits mentors such as doctors Manuel Castillo, Ángel Gutiérrez, and Jonatan Ruiz for instilling in him a scientific approach that prioritizes meaningful questions, perseverance, and a collaborative spirit. He emphasizes that scientific excellence should be coupled with generosity and teamwork.
The Role of Teaching in Scientific Development
Amaro views teaching as an integral part of his professional identity, beginning with tutoring classmates in adolescence. He believes that explaining concepts clarifies one’s own understanding and that students’ questions are valuable in maintaining accountability and contributing to the education of future clinicians.
Navigating Challenges in Early Career Research
When asked about the challenges of being a young scientist, Amaro highlighted the importance of resilience in the face of rejection, noting that setbacks are common in securing projects, scholarships, and publications. He stressed the need to analyze negative feedback constructively and persevere.
A Passion for Science and Clinical Impact
Amaro expressed a continued passion for scientific inquiry, stating that he would choose the path of science again without hesitation. He finds fulfillment in the process of learning and asking new questions, and in the potential to improve lives through research. He specifically cited the positive impact of exercise and nutrition programs on patients undergoing colon cancer surgery, reducing hospital stays and complications.
Integrating Nutrition and Exercise into Healthcare
Amaro advocates for the integration of nutrition and exercise not as complements to traditional medical treatments, but as structural components of care. He believes these interventions modulate inflammation, metabolism, and body composition, but acknowledges a need for greater integration within the healthcare system and increased multidisciplinary collaboration.
Looking Ahead
While acknowledging the excitement of receiving awards, Amaro emphasized the importance of collaborative projects, student growth, and the support of family and colleagues. He expressed hope for a future where exercise is recognized as medicine and routinely prescribed as part of clinical practice. He also noted the need for greater structural continuity and reduced bureaucracy to support scientific advancement at the University of Granada and nationally.
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