Dr. Manu Catalán Águila (he/they; MD, MSc, PhD) is a postdoctoral researcher at eLaw – Center for Law and Digital Technologies at Leiden University, where he contributes to the NWO VIDI project Sex, Care & Robots. Trained as a medical doctor and sexologist, his research explores how sexuality is shaped by psychological, social, and institutional contexts, with a particular focus on sexual diversity, sexual well-being, and healthcare experiences. His current work examines the intersection of sexuality, care, disability, and emerging technologies, contributing interdisciplinary perspectives on sexual rights, social participation, and inclusion of marginalised sexualities.

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Dr. Manu Catalán Águila (he/they; MD, MSc, PhD) is a postdoctoral researcher at eLaw – Center for Law and Digital Technologies at Leiden University, where he contributes to the NWO VIDI project Sex, Care & Robots. Trained as a medical doctor and sexologist, his work explores how sexuality is shaped by psychological, social, and institutional contexts, with a particular focus on sexual diversity, sexual well-being, and healthcare experiences.

His research has focused on LGBTQIA+ and BDSM/kink communities, examining issues such as stigma, discrimination, sexual satisfaction, well-being, and access to healthcare. He completed his PhD in Health, Psychology and Psychiatry (Sexology) at the University of Almería in 2025, where he conducted cross-cultural research on BDSM/kink communities in Chile and Spain. Through this work, he has contributed to growing international discussions on sexual diversity, inclusion, and sexual rights through academic research, clinical practice, and engagement with civil society from an inclusive sexological perspective.

At Leiden University, his research expands towards the intersection of sexuality, care, disability, and emerging technologies. Within the NWO VIDI Sex, Care & Robots project, he explores how technological innovations may influence intimacy, autonomy, well-being, and participation, particularly among populations whose sexual needs and rights have historically received limited recognition, including people with disabilities. This interdisciplinary approach brings clinical, psychosocial, and public health perspectives into debates involving law, ethics, and technology.

Alongside his academic research, Manu has worked as a clinician, educator, and advocate in the fields of sexual health and diversity across a range of settings. Fluent in Spanish, English, German, and Catalan, and with working knowledge of Swedish, he has collaborated with universities, healthcare institutions, professional organisations, and civil society groups throughout Europe and Latin America, promoting more inclusive and evidence-based approaches to sexuality, intimacy, healthcare, and diversity inclusion.