🏆 SCIE-BBVA Award 2022
Almería, Spain
Savíns
Puertas Martín
PhD in Computer Science · Postdoctoral Researcher · Chess Player · Passionate about technology, photography and travel.
PhD in Computer Science · Postdoctoral Researcher · Chess Player · Passionate about technology, photography and travel.
Hello! I was born on April 19, 1993 in Granada, Spain, though I’ve lived in Almería since I was 4.
I hold a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Almería (2020, Cum Laude with International Mention). My research focuses on high-performance computing (HPC) applied to optimization in bioinformatics and drug design.
From 2022 to 2024, I completed a postdoctoral research stay at the Chemoinformatics Research Group of the University of Sheffield (UK). I’m currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Almería on a Junta de Andalucía grant (2025).
Beyond the lab, chess, photography, travel and reading fill my free time. Scroll down to find out more!
High-performance computing, optimization, and drug discovery.
My work focuses on developing metaheuristics and advanced computing techniques to solve complex optimization problems, with practical applications in:
🧬 In silico drug discovery — Virtual screening of large molecular databases to identify drug candidates.
☢️ Radiotherapy — Automated optimization of IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) treatment plans.
🖥️ High-performance computing — Development of parallel algorithms to accelerate the processes above.
I am the creator of OptiPharm, an evolutionary optimization software for molecular similarity-based virtual screening, published in Scientific Reports (2019) with registered intellectual property.
Selected publications in international journals:
📄 "A two-layer mono-objective algorithm..." — Scientific Reports, 2022
📄 "MultiPharm-DT: A Multi-Objective Decision Tool..." — Informatica, 2021
📄 "Is HPC a requirement for novel drug discovery?" — Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery, 2020
It all started when a classmate told me: “Sign up for chess — you can win prizes.” That was all the motivation I needed. He actually became my first teacher.
I’ve won the Absolute Championship of Almería 0 times, standing on the podium every year from 2010 to 2019. I’ve also won several U2200 tournaments, was runner-up of Andalusia, won Níjar twice, the Almería Fair Open twice, and many more — collecting over 0 prizes in total.
My most memorable tournament was the Huércal-Overa International, where I became the absolute champion of Almería at just 0 years old, finishing ahead of former World Championship finalist Jan Timman.
I’ve defeated numerous professional GMs and IMs, including GM Mihail Suba, GM Carlos Matamoros, GM James Plaskett, GM Ruslan Pogorelov, GM Giacco Alfredo, and many more.
Postdoctoral contract funded by the Regional Government of Andalusia (Junta de Andalucía). SAL Research Group (Supercomputing-Algorithms)
Postdoctoral research stay at the Chemoinformatics Research Group, University of Sheffield (UK)
SCIE – BBVA Foundation Young Computer Scientist Award 2022, for outstanding contributions in high-performance computing applied to drug design
Cum Laude with International Mention
Thesis: "High Performance Computing for Optimization Problem Solving in Bioinformatics"
University Teacher Training Scholarship (FPU). Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport. FPU15/02912
Best Master’s Thesis in Computer Engineering
Best Academic Record in Computer Engineering Master’s
Research Collaboration Grant, Dept. of Computer Science, University of Almería
Best Academic Record in Computer Engineering
Best Final Project in Computer Engineering
Best Academic Record in the School of Engineering
Graduated with Honours — Science and Technology Track
First Prize Mathematics Competition 2011
Best Academic Record, Secondary School 2005–2009
1st Prize Dept. of Geography and History "Conocer Andalucía (VII) - Sevilla"
Winner of the 7th Short Story Contest 2006, Vícar
3rd Prize, Drawing Contest “Donar Sangre es Donar Vida” Almería 2004
I never understood people who spent the whole day with their camera. But ever since I got my own, I understand them perfectly.
It’s a hobby that suits me well: it demands patience, calm, and a touch of luck until you capture exactly the moment you envisioned.
Go out, discover new cultures, break stereotypes.
It all began with a trip to the stunning Taormina in southern Italy. Since then, I’m always ready to pack my bags whenever time and budget allow.
So far: Braga (Portugal), Taormina and Acireale (Italy), Leiden (Netherlands), Marrakech (Morocco), and countless spots across England.
I’ve always been a reader. As a kid, I had the habit of reading before bed, but I lost it during high school due to lack of time. At the end of 2018, I decided to pick it back up.
Reading is my escape from everyday stress — a moment of stillness and calm, especially at night when the world goes quiet.
As a true millennial, video games have always been part of my life. I rarely play anymore, but you never forget your childhood.
Listening to music in bed with soft ambient light is one of my favorite things. My tastes range from classical to heavy metal. My all-time favorite artist is Michael Jackson — not just for the music, but for his genius at turning every song into a full spectacle.
I also love movies, especially action and sci-fi — I’m a big Sylvester Stallone fan. Horror films, though? Those are better watched with company.
“If you have seeds, plant them and help them grow — even if you don’t know their origin. When the time comes, opportunities to use them will appear.”
