Prof. Félix M. Goñi, a Pioneer in Membrane Biophysics, retires
After more than four decades of groundbreaking research, mentorship, and scientific leadership, Professor Goñi is stepping down from his active role in academia, marking the end of an illustrious career that has left an indelible mark on the field of membrane biophysics.
Born in San Sebastián in 1951, Prof. Goñi began his academic journey in medicine at the University of Navarra, where he discovered his passion for biochemistry and biophysics. His scientific path led him to postdoctoral work in London under the mentorship of Dennis Chapman, and eventually to the University of the Basque Country (EHU), where he served as Professor of Biochemistry in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from 1984 and as Group Leader at, first, Unidad de Biofisica (serving also as Director from 2002 to 2015) and, later, Instituto Biofisika, a joint center of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the University of the Basque Country (EHU). In 2006, he founded the Fundación Biofisika Bizkaia, a foundation dedicated to promoting research and outreach in biophysics, and served as its President until 2017.
A Legacy of Scientific Excellence
Prof. Goñi’s research has focused on the structure and dynamics of biological membranes, with a particular emphasis on lipid-protein interactions, ceramides, and sphingolipids. His work has been instrumental in shaping our understanding of membrane organization and function. With over 400 scientific publications and more than 30,000 citations, Prof. Goñi has earned a D-index of 76 in Biology and Biochemistry, placing him among the top researchers in Spain and globally.
Awards and Recognition
His scientific excellence has been recognized with multiple accolades, including the Premio Euskadi de Investigación (2002), the highest scientific distinction awarded by the Basque Government, the Avanti-EBSA Lipid Award (2013), one of the most prestigious international prizes in lipid research, or the Humboldt Research Award (2021), granted by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, recognizing his lifetime achievements and enabling new collaborations with German scientists.
Alongside various responsibilities in numerous scientific societies, Prof. Goñi is full member of the Basque Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters (Jakiunde) (2007), he was named "Ilustre de Bizkaia / Bizkaitar Argia" (2012), holds the "Encomienda con Placa" of the Order of Alfonso X the Wise (2014), was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Bordeaux (2016) and is corresponding member of the Royal Academy of Pharmacy (2015) and the Royal Academy of Medicine (2018).
A Life Beyond the Lab
Outside the laboratory, Prof. Goñi is known for his love of classical music. A passionate baritone, he has cultivated his vocal talents with the same dedication he brought to science, occasionally performing in local musical circles and academic gatherings. His deep appreciation for the expressive power of the human voice reflects the same curiosity and sensitivity that have defined his scientific work.
Looking Ahead
Though officially retiring due to age regulations in Spain, Prof. Goñi may continue contributing as an Emeritus Professor, offering his wisdom and experience to the scientific community. His legacy will endure not only through his publications but also through the many students and colleagues he has inspired.
As we bid farewell to Prof. Félix M. Goñi’s active research career, we celebrate a life dedicated to science, discovery, and mentorship. His contributions have not only advanced our understanding of life at the molecular level but have also enriched the global scientific community.
