His research lines are related to fish immunology, with a focus on the main intracellular mechanisms that are activated against pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Other research areas of interest are Antarctic species and the impact of climate change on Antarctic fish species. Additionally, Dr. Pontigo works on the search for new biotechnological tools for aquaculture

Dr. Pontigo graduated as a Biochemist at the Universidad Austral de Chile, and later obtained his Doctor of Science degree, with a mention in Cellular and Molecular Biology at the same university. He has performed an international collaboration with research groups in Spain as part of his Ph.D. formation. He has vast experience in the management of immunology tools, microbiology, and tools applied to aquatic species. After getting his Ph.D. he did his post-doctorate identifying and elucidating new impermeable mechanisms that fish have against viral and bacterial pathogens. Currently, he is working as a researcher and teacher in the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the School of Veterinary Medicine of San Sebastián University

Juan Pablo Pontigo is currently a professor at the Faculty of Natural Sciences where he teaches Immunology and Microbiology for the Veterinary Medicine career. Additionally, it assists veterinary students in Intra-Hospital Practices of the same degree. He has also collaborated in the direction of various undergraduate, master's, and doctoral theses. His experience in the impervious processes of fish and the various pathogens that disappear in aquaculture is able to extrapolate his knowledge to future generations