Manuel Bethencourt

Catedrático de Universidad

I am a Full Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Cádiz and Campus of International Excellence of the Sea (CEIMAR), Spain, with over 25 years of extensive research experience in marine sciences, metallurgical engineering, and chemistry. My career has been marked by significant contributions in the field of metal alloy behavior in aggressive environments, underwater archaeology, and scientific diving.

Educational Background and Current Position

• Holds a Degree in Marine Sciences from the University of Cadiz (1995), University Expert in Metallurgical Engineering (1998), and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the same university (1999).
• Currently a Full Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Cádiz, Spain, and associated with the Campus of International Excellence of the Sea (CEIMAR).

Research Focus and Experience

• For over 25 years, has concentrated on the behavior of metal alloys in aggressive environments and the development of palliative treatments for corrosion processes.
• Utilizes scientific diving as a key tool for research in marine environments.
• Worked at the Centre for Underwater Archaeology of the Andalusian Regional Government (2000-2004), focusing on archaeometry (mainly archaeometallurgy) and the conservation of objects from underwater cultural heritage.

Scientific Productivity and Contributions

• Authored 74 articles indexed in Web of Science (86 in Scopus).
• Principal researcher in 7 research projects (1 European, 5 national, 1 regional) with funding of 665,217 €.
• Conducted numerous research contracts for industry and other administrations totaling 130,000 €.
• Secured 3 applications for large scientific infrastructures in FEDER incentive programs, amounting to approximately 1 M€.
• Participated as a researcher in 15 other national, regional, and European research projects and in 19 research contracts, totaling around 2 M€.
• Holds 3 International Patents, 1 Utility Model, and 2 Intellectual Property Registrations, with 3 mentions or awards in research.

Academic Contributions

• Teaches in the Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Sciences, Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, and the Master’s Degree in Nautical and Underwater Archaeology.
• Supervises doctoral theses in the Ph.D. programs in Marine Science and Technology and Maritime History and Archaeology.
• Supervised 7 Ph.D. students (with 2 ongoing) and 22 Master's theses (with 2 ongoing) or similar.

Institutional Responsibilities

• Served as Vice-Rector for Research and Transfer of Knowledge at the University of Cadiz (2011-2014).
• Currently responsible for the Laboratory of Studies and Conservation of Historical Heritage and the Section of Unmanned Marine Vehicles, both peripheral research services of the Institute of Marine Research.
• Heads the Technological and Scientific Diving Unit of the University of Cadiz.