Prof. Angel Medina-Vaya obtained his PhD in Microbiology from the University of Valencia (Spain) in 2007. He then joined the Applied MycologyGroup at Cranfield University in January 2009, where he has been leading the group since 2020. Angel's research focuses on the impact of environmental stress on the functioning of fungi, particularly mycotoxigenic species. His work investigates the mechanisms of ecophysiological tolerance and the molecular basis of secondary metabolite production in food, with a special emphasis on mycotoxins and other industrially relevant metabolites. For over 25 years, Angel has conducted research in the areas of ecophysiology, molecular ecology, and the modelling of mycotoxigenic fungi growth and toxin production. Angel has participated in several projects aimed at improving the storage and quality of small grain cereals and groundnuts. He has published over 140 peer-reviewed journal papers and 16 book chapters. In September 2020, he was awarded the British Mycological Society's Berkeley Award for his contributions to mycology as an early academic.
Currently, Angel is the Director of the Environment and Agrifood Theme at Cranfield University. He will also assume the role of Director of the Magan Centre of Applied Mycology in August 2024.