ICIQ celebrates the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Basic Sciences for Professors Avelino Corma, John Hartwig, and Helmut Schwarz

26th March 2025 – The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is proud to celebrate the recognition of Professors Avelino Corma, John Hartwig, and Helmut Schwarz, awarded the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Basic Sciences 2024 for their pioneering contributions to catalysis—a cornerstone of ICIQ’s research since its inception.

Their discoveries have transformed the way catalysts are designed and understood, enabling more efficient, selective, and sustainable chemical processes. Their work has had a profound impact across various fields, from pharmaceutical synthesis to clean energy production, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

Transforming catalysis: From theory to application

The three laureates have revolutionized catalysis from different perspectives:

Prof. Avelino Corma (Instituto de Tecnología Química, ITQ) has designed and developed new solid catalysts, particularly zeolites, which have found industrial applications in refining and petrochemistry, significantly improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Prof. John Hartwig (University of California, Berkeley), a leader in homogeneous catalysis, has made breakthrough contributions in transition-metal-catalysed functionalization of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds, enabling more direct and sustainable routes to complex molecules, including pharmaceuticals.

Prof. Helmut Schwarz (Technische Universität Berlin) has provided fundamental theoretical insights into catalytic processes, elucidating reaction mechanisms and guiding the design of more effective catalysts through molecular-level understanding.

A strong connection with ICIQ

ICIQ is especially honoured by this recognition, as two of the laureates have played key roles in shaping the institute’s scientific direction:

Prof. Avelino Corma was a member of ICIQ’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) from 2002 to 2011, serving as its president. His expertise in heterogeneous catalysis helped define the institute’s research focus in sustainable catalysis.

Prof. John Hartwig is a current member of ICIQ’s SAB, providing strategic guidance and expertise in homogeneous catalysis. His work continues to inspire researchers at ICIQ in the development of innovative catalytic transformations.

Catalysis at the core of ICIQ’s mission

From its foundation, ICIQ has been committed to advancing catalysis as a key technology for addressing global challenges in energy, sustainability, and health. The recognition of Profs. Corma, Hartwig, and Schwarz highlights the importance of catalysis as a discipline that not only pushes the boundaries of fundamental chemistry but also drives real-world innovation.

ICIQ warmly congratulates Profs. Avelino Corma, John Hartwig, and Helmut Schwarz for this prestigious recognition and for their extraordinary contributions to the field of catalysis.

About the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards

The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards, granted by the BBVA Foundation in collaboration with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), recognise outstanding contributions in scientific research, technology, and the humanities. Established in 2008, the awards are presented in eight categories, including Basic Sciences, Biomedicine, and Climate Change, among others. They aim to promote knowledge as a key driver of progress and social well-being. The Basic Sciences category, in particular, acknowledges advances in physics, chemistry, and mathematics that expand our understanding of the natural world and drive technological innovation.

Read more about the award: BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards
The image used to illustrate this newspiece is courtesy of the BBVA Foundation.