The second edition of the BASF-ICIQ Awards recognizes talent and innovation in chemistry

The competition awards excellence in three categories: best doctoral thesis, patent and entrepreneurship project, highlighting the transformative potential of researchers and entrepreneurs in the field of chemistry

This Wednesday the award ceremony for the second edition of the BASF-ICIQ Awards in Innovation and Entrepreneurship was held in the city of Tarragona. This event recognizes and rewards the best talents in the fields of chemistry, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The event was organised by BASF, one of the world’s leading chemical companies, and the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ-CERCA), and it has witnessed the excellence and innovation of the most outstanding professionals.

The BASF-ICIQ Awards have become a benchmark for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Iberian Peninsula. This edition has received a record number of nominations, demonstrating the growing importance of this type of recognition in the sector.

The second edition of the contest, with a total endowment of 9.000 euros in prizes, has recognised the winners in three categories: best doctoral thesis, patent and entrepreneurship project. The jury of renowned experts in the field of chemistry and business has selected the winners from among a group of outstanding finalists.

Among the winners this year are researchers who have disrupted the field of chemistry, entrepreneurs who have developed disruptive technological solutions and young talents who have shown great potential for future success with their theses.

The prize for the best doctoral thesis has recognized the research done by two researchers. On the one hand, Dr. Craig Day made his thesis under the direction of Prof. Ruben Martín, the group leader of ICIQ, focusing his study on new ways of understanding catalytic interactions. Currently, the researcher is doing a post-doctoral stay at Aarhus University, Denmark. On the other hand, researcher Dr. Alberto Garrido Castro has been recognized for the originality and scientific innovation of his thesis defended at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, which focused on catalysis and the study of different catalytic activation modes.

The best patent has been awarded to Dr. Ana Martínez, a researcher at the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), for an invention related to purine derivatives and their use in the treatment of neurological conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Biomedical spin-off of IBEC-ICREA, Nanobots Therapeutics S.L., led by Prof. Samuel Sánchez, from IBEC, has been awarded for its potential to transform broad-spectrum treatments for diseases with medical need.

During the ceremony with the winners, the scientific community and various public authorities, the projects and ideas presented were firsthand knowledge of. Additionally, a keynote lecture was held by Engracia Girones, CEO and founder of Atanor 118, S.L., who spoke about the importance of women in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship to ensure sustainable products with high added value.

Carles Navarro, General Manager of BASF, has expressed satisfaction with the level of the proposals presented: “The BASF-ICIQ Awards are a demonstration of the success of our collaboration with the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia, one of the benchmark research institutions with whom we work to recognise brilliant minds that are conducting research to ensure a more sustainable and innovative future.”

Prof. Emilio J. Palomares Gil, the director of ICIQ, added: “Through contests like this, we welcome the initiative of scientists and people who are working to transform science and offer real solutions to the challenges we face as a society.”

The BASF-ICIQ Awards in Innovation and Entrepreneurship provide an opportunity to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of chemistry. With each new edition, it continues to certainly recognize the talent of professionals from the Iberian Peninsula.