Dr. Luis Felipe Quiroz is Lecturer in Agricultural Sciences and Technology at the University of Galway and a Principal Investigator affiliated with the Ryan Institute. He also serves as Director of the MSc in AgriFood Sustainability and Technology within the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences.

Dr. Quiroz holds a Molecular Biotechnology Engineering degree and a PhD in Molecular Biotechnology from the University of Chile. Dr. Quiroz has five years of postdoctoral experience in plant molecular breeding at both the University of Chile and the University of Galway.

His research applies molecular and synthetic biology strategies, including genetic and metabolic engineering, CRISPR-based technologies, gene editing, and crop molecular breeding, to improve non-model plants for sustainable agriculture. He has extensive experience in plant biotechnoloy, plant transformation systems, plant tissue culture, molecular biology and genetic improvement, contributing to innovations that support crop resilience and agri-food sustainability.

In addition to his academic career, Dr. Quiroz co-founded a biotechnology startup in Chile in 2018. From 2018 to 2022, he served as CEO and led the research and development unit, focusing on translating scientific knowledge into practical applications. His entrepreneurial background has shaped his scientific vision, driving a strong commitment to bridging the gap between fundamental research, applied innovation, and market needs. As a result, his work reflects a deep dedication to sustainability-oriented solutions, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of entrepreneurship into postgraduate education and agri-food research.

Molecular and synthetic biology for crop improvement
Utilising molecular and synthetic biology tools, including genetic circuit design, genetic engineering, and omics approaches, to develop new crop varieties with enhanced resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses and improved nutritional profiles.

Engineering reproductive and sex-determination traits in plants
Investigating and manipulating the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate sex determination and reproductive development in model and crop species. This research focuses on enabling more efficient breeding systems through in vivo haploid induction, sex-specific trait control using synthetic gene circuits, and yield optimisation via targeted gene regulation.

Advancing plant transformation and genome engineering technologies
Designing and optimising innovative strategies for plant transformation and genome editing, including tissue culture-independent methods, CRISPR-based platforms, and in vivo gene delivery systems. The aim is to expand the genetic engineering toolbox for both model and non-model plant species by overcoming current technical barriers.

Since 2024, Dr. Quiroz has served as Director of the MSc in AgriFood Sustainability and Technology (MScAST programme). In addition, he contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in the areas of plant science, biotechnology, entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture. His teaching interests include:

• Molecular biology and genetic engineering

• CRISPR and genome editing technologies

• Plant biotechnology

• Crop improvement and breeding strategies

• Sustainability in agri-food systems

• Science and technology-driven entrepreneurship