DrRoberto Portillo Lara

Dr Roberto Portillo Lara is Research Development Manager in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London, where he supports the development of ambitious research programmes spanning bioengineering, healthcare technologies, advanced materials, and translational science. He works closely with academics to shape research strategy, build interdisciplinary and multi-institutional collaborations, identify funding opportunities, and develop major proposals from early concept through submission.

His work has a particular focus on research translation and on creating stronger connections between scientific discovery, clinical need, industry, and commercialisation. He has helped develop programmes across areas including neurotechnology, bioelectronic materials, medical devices, regenerative medicine, and precision therapeutics, working with academic, clinical, industry, and patient partners in the UK and internationally.

Beyond individual research programmes, he is interested in the systems and infrastructure that enable science to move beyond the lab. He contributes to initiatives focused on research translation, scientific entrepreneurship, and innovation ecosystem development, and works with researchers exploring routes from academic research towards company creation and other forms of real-world impact.