This award recognizes researchers in the Catalan knowledge system and distinguish individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to the development of science and technology in Catalonia.

The Government of Generalitat de Catalunya has awarded Prof. Emilio J. Palomares Gil, ICIQ Director and ICREA professor, with Narcís Monturiol Medal for his outstanding contribution to the field of science and technology. He received this prestigious honor in recognition of his research on energy-related problems, contributing relevant innovations to the scientific community.

Throughout his career, Prof. Palomares has focused on scientific research in various areas that have made significant contributions to sectors such as renewable energies, materials science, and catalysis.

Thanks to his research on solar cells and energy storage technologies, he has contributed to paving the way for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, earning the recognition and admiration of his peers and colleagues.

His commitment to scientific excellence has led to numerous patents and publications, establishing him as a prominent figure within the scientific community. Prof. Palomares’ work has inspired and influenced countless researchers and scientists, especially those who have been part of his research group and had the opportunity to grow alongside him.

In response to the Government’s recognition, Prof. Palomares has expressed his gratitude by stating: “I am deeply honored to receive the Narcís Monturiol Medal from the Generalitat de Catalunya. This recognition highlights the role of scientific research in driving the progress of society, and I am honored to contribute to this challenge.”

The Narcís Monturiol Medal is one of the highest honors awarded by the Catalan Government to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to science and technology in Catalonia. Established in 1982, these awards honor the legacy of Narcís Monturiol Estarriol (1819-1885), a distinguished Catalan inventor and politician of the 19th century.

Prof. Palomares joins a select group of recipients of the Narcís Monturiol Medal, including Jordi Alberich Vibé (UB), Anna Alberni Jordà (UB), Joan Grimalt i Obrador (CSIC), Àngel Lozano Solsona (UPF), Ana Isabel Pérez Neira (UPC), Petia Radeva (UB), Marta Reynal Querol (UPF), Gustavo A. Slafer (AGROTECNIO), Antonio Villaverde Corrales (UAB). Additionally, the Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya (MAC) has been honored with the Narcís Monturiol Plaque in recognition of its commendable efforts.

It is noteworthy that ICIQ was awarded the Narcís Monturiol Plaque in 2009, demonstrating its dedication to excellence in scientific research and innovation.

By awarding these honors, the Generalitat de Catalunya reaffirms its commitment to fostering scientific excellence and innovation within the region. Prof. Emilio Palomares’ dedication to scientific inquiry is an inspiration to future generations of scientists, embodying the transformative power of relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation.

About Prof. Emilio J. Palomares Gil

Prof. Emilio J. Palomares Gil studied Biology at the UVEG (1997). After graduating, he joined Prof. Hermenegildo García’s group at the UPV/ITQ-CSIC where he got his PhD (2001). In 2001 he was awarded a Marie Slowdowska-Curie Fellowship ICL (London, UK). There he began his work with molecular devices for energy conversion, under the direction of Prof. James R. Durrant. In 2004 Emilio got a Ramón y Cajal Fellowship at the ICMol-UVEG. In April 2006, he took a position at ICIQ-CERCA. In 2009 he was awarded an ERC starting grant to work on quantum dots for energy conversion devices and an ERC PoC in 2015. Moreover, in 2009 he was also awarded with an ICREA research Professorship.

In 2006, Prof. Palomares received the Young Chemist Award by the Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry and 2010 the INNOVA 2010 Award by the SusChem Spanish Association. In 2019 he was awarded the Energy & Environmental Solutions International Chair (E2S) by the Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour (UPPA). Later in 2020, September, he was elected ICIQ Director and was awarded in 2023 with an ERC Advanced Grant. Prof. Palomares has co-authored more than 200 peer-reviewed scientific papers on molecules and materials for energy-related devices. He is a member of the selection committee of some of the most prestigious research grants (ERC, AEI, US-Israel binational science foundation).

His research group has expertise in synthesising materials and molecules with optical and electrical properties and the characterization of interfacial charge transfer reactions in complete devices. Nowadays, the group is particularly interested in studying the interfacial charge transfer reactions versus device efficiency in solar cells to power electrochemical fuel cells for H2 production from water or ammonia electrolysis and CO2 reduction.