Gema Santamaría Núñez 

Gema Santamaría Núñez is a seasoned molecular biologist and team leader in the Cellular Biology R&D department at PharmaMar with over two decades of experience in biomedical research and drug discovery. Her academic foundation includes dual BSc degrees in Biochemistry and Biological Sciences from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. She earned her PhD in Molecular Biology from UAM, where she investigated the role of mitochondrial function in cancer and apoptosis.
Since 2006, she has been a Senior Researcher at PharmaMar S.A., where she has contributed significantly to the company’s R&D efforts in cellular high-throughput screening and drug development. Her research spans mechanistic studies and translational drug discovery that has provided critical mechanistic insights into lurbinectedin’s mode of action contributing to its clinical development and regulatory submission and culminating in the FDA approval of lurbinectedin (Zepzelca®) for small cell lung cancer in 2020. Her patented innovations include antitumoral compounds and novel combination regimens pairing lurbinectedin with immune-checkpoint inhibitors.In 2024, she was appointed Team Leader of the Screening Group within the Cellular Biology Department, reflecting her leadership and scientific expertise. Prior to joining PharmaMar, she held a research position at Genómica S.A.U., further broadening her experience in molecular diagnostics and innovation. With a strong background in translational research she continues to advance therapeutic discoveries at the intersection of molecular biology and oncology.

Carlos Unamunzaga

Co-founder of Fitoplancton Marino, S.L. in 2002. and CEO (2004-2023). Actual President of the EABA (European Algae Biomass Association).
Master’s Degree in Marine Sciences at the University of Cadiz, Spain (2000) and a Master Degree in Internationalization of SME’s by the EOI Business School (2004).
Expert in Nutrition, Novel Foods and Regulatory affairs for microalgae. Management of preclinical and clinical trials for algae ingredients, health claims substantiation, Intelectual Property management and overall Health Science related activities. Holds 3 International patents.

Franck Hennequart

Franck Hennequart is an Engineer, graduated in the Marine Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory of the University of Caen (Normandy, France), specialised in the valorisation of marine resources. Franck initiated his career in France with several aquaculture research and lecturing contracts; he worked then for 3 years in British Columbia in Canada as R&D project assistant for a Provincial organisation promoting partnership between Industry and Research groups for technological transfer in aquaculture. Back in Europe, Franck worked as a consultant for the seaweed industry and has been then appointed Project Coordinator in the Molecular Glycobiotechnology Group of the Dept. of Biochemistry at National University of Ireland Galway. In parallel, he participated to the creation and the setup of OGT, an Irish company developing novel seaweed extracts. After 5 years in his academic position, Franck has then joined OGT full time as Technical Director. His role in OGT was to assist technical and new product development as well as support any client towards technical applications. Due to the acquisition of OGT by the Spanish company Tradecorp International from the Sapec Group in June 2014 (Now Rovensa Next), Franck became global seaweed project manager for the whole group.
Since 2016, Franck took a new challenge co-creating the start-up ALGAIA, specialised in producing texturizing and bioactive ingredients from French seaweed and providing consultancy, analyses and bioactivity tests for the valorisation of algae in many sectors of activities. He is the Managin Director in Algaia’s research centre based on St Lô in Normandie.
Franck is also share-holder of a French consulting company called SEANEO specialised in management of aquaculture, artificial reefs and Marine Protected Areas.