Prof. Katherine Villa, ICIQ Group Leader and expert in the field of photocatalysis and photoactive micromotors, has been awarded tenure after an evaluation process led by the ICIQ Scientific Advisory Board. This decision recognizes her outstanding contributions to chemistry research, particularly her work in developing advanced nanostructures that harness solar energy to convert pollutants into clean, renewable resources and the design of light-driven micromotors. Her research offers innovative solutions to critical environmental challenges, such as water contamination.
Having joined ICIQ four years ago as ”la Caixa” Junior Leader, Prof. Villa has continually demonstrated excellence in both training and research. The evaluation process conducted by the Scientific Advisory Board included a comprehensive review of Prof. Villa’s research publications, her contributions to the training of young researchers and her overall involvement in the ICIQ community.
The ICIQ Scientific Advisory Board comprises distinguished scientists from various leading institutions, including members such as Thomas Carell, Bo Albinsson, Christopher A. Hunter, James R. Durrant, Jeremy Harvey, Erick M. Carreira, Siglinda Perathoner, Beatriz Roldán, Hernán Míguez, John F. Hartwig, and Cristina Nevado.
Prof. Villa expressed her gratitude for the support from her colleagues, research team, collaborators, and management staff throughout he tenure evaluation process. She emphasized that this accomplishment would not have been possible without their collaboration.
Congratulations to Prof. Katherine Villa on this well-deserved accomplishment and her continued dedication to advancing science knowledge and education.
About Prof. Katherine Villa
Katherine Villa obtained her Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. After three years working as senior scientist at the Center for Advanced Functional Nanorobots in Prague (Czech Republic), she moved back to Spain, where she is currently group leader at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ).
Throughout her academic career, she has developed a unique multidisciplinary background by working at reputed national and international centers focused on chemistry, physics, energy, materials science, and bioengineering. With over ten years of experience in photocatalysis, she has made noteworthy contributions to the fields of solar fuels, energy and self-propelled micromotors.
She holds an ERC Starting Grant 2022 for her groundbreaking project “PhotoSwim” to develop photorechargeable nanomotors, a BBVA Leonardo Grant in Basic Sciences, and la Caixa Junior Leader. Moreover, her research career has been recognized by various awards and distinctions, such as EuChemS Lecture Award by the Chemical European Society, Young Investigator Award – Modality “Group Leader” by the Royal Spanish Society of Chemistry (RSEQ) and has been selected as academic member of the Young Academy of Spain. Dr. Villa Villa has been included in the platform of Scientists and Innovators by the Ministry of Science and Innovation in 2022 and also received the BIST-2021 Mother of Science Award.
Her research interests include photocatalysis, nanomaterials, renewable energy, micro/nanomotors, and environmental remediation.