The dynamic and ambitious Young Researchers section of the Catalan Chemical Society orchestrated the highly successful 13th Meeting of Young Researchers in the Catalan Countries. Held at the Faculty of Chemistry of the Rovira i Virgili University in Tarragona from January 29 to 31, 2024, this event played a pivotal role in providing a robust platform for emerging scientists. It aimed to foster collaboration, facilitate knowledge exchange, and inspire a pursuit of scientific excellence among the youth in the field.
The 13th Meeting of Young Researchers emerged as a significant opportunity for budding scientists across the Catalan Countries to not only showcase their research but also establish meaningful connections within their peer community. Drawing participants from various universities and research institutions, the event served as a catalyst for fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and exploring innovative research pathways.
A highlight of the meeting was the engaging plenary lecture delivered by Prof. Arjan W. Kleij, an ICREA Group Leader at ICIQ. Prof. Kleij, renowned for his groundbreaking work in catalysis and polymers, shared the latest advancements in the catalytic formation of biobased polymers. His speech was designed to provide valuable insights, inspire young researchers, and encourage contributions to a circular economy for a sustainable future.
Dr. Carla Casadevall Serrano, an ICIQ Associate Researcher, took charge of the second plenary lecture, presenting their latest findings on solar fuels and chemicals.
Her insightful presentation not only highlighted the latest breakthroughs but also delved into the potential applications and transformative impact of solar fuels and chemicals in addressing contemporary energy and environmental challenges.
The event also featured a roundtable discussion moderated by Dr. Laia Pellejà i Puxueu, ICIQ General Manager. The discussion, with participation of renowned experts, delved into the post-PhD landscape, offering comprehensive insights into the various career paths available for young researchers.
Other ICIQers were actively involved in various oral communication symposiums. Specifically, Jordi Buils Casanovas and Dr. Diego Garay Ruiz from the Prof. Carles Bo Group have been participating in sessions focused on theory and modeling, highlighting the crucial synergy between experimental and computational research. Additionally, Dr. Josep Antoni Gutiérrez Orgaz, a PhD student at Prof. Llobet Group, has been engaging in discussions within a symposium centered around catalysis. He expressed confidence that through collaboration and knowledge exchange the meeting would significantly contribute to advancing science in the region.
In a novel addition this year, the Youngest Section of SCQ introduced the flash communications format, where Valencia Grajales from Prof. Pau Ballester Group presented its latest research findings.
The meeting successfully brought together more than 140 individuals over the course of these enlightening days, marking it as a significant milestone in fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the scientific community, while promoting and consolidating the Catalan language in the chemistry field.
For further information on the event, click here: https://scq.iec.cat/?p=11722
About the Catalan Chemical Society (SCQ):
The Catalan Chemical Society (SCQ) is a non-profit organization that represents the chemists and chemical engineers in the Catalan Countries. SCQ aims to promote scientific knowledge and foster collaboration among professionals in the field of chemistry.