Real Sociedad Española de Química / 12 junio 2025

Once again, research excellence in the field of chemistry has been recognized through the awards granted by the Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry (RSEQ) and Lilly. This edition, corresponding to the 23rd Research Awards for PhD Students, has honored outstanding doctoral theses in the fields of Organic, Pharmaceutical, and Analytical Chemistry. Additionally, the Early Career Researcher Prize, which acknowledges the best project led by a researcher under the age of 40, has been awarded. On this occasion, the recipient is Isabel Abánades Lázaro, researcher at the Defect Engineering of Responsive Advanced Materials (DREAM) group of the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) at the University of Valencia.

Abánades’ work focuses on the development of advanced porous materials, particularly metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with applications in controlled anticancer drug delivery, water purification and treatment, catalysis, and gas separation. The young researcher explains, “During my PhD, I developed pioneering surface modification techniques for MOFs to enhance their effectiveness in pharmacological applications, establishing innovative protocols for more efficient and targeted release of anticancer drugs.”

The PhD student awardees are Helena Fernández (University of Oviedo), Julio Puigcerver (University of Murcia), and María Martín (Autonomous University of Madrid).

Helena Fernández’s thesis is centered on the development of new synthetic methodologies based on the photoactivation of electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complexes, an area of great interest in contemporary chemistry. Fernández highlights, “We were the first to apply this strategy to generate alkenyl radicals, a previously unexplored approach that has opened up a new research avenue for faster and simpler reactions, as it eliminates the need for photocatalysts or transition metals.”

Julio Puigcerver’s doctoral research focuses on the design and synthesis of rotaxanes, a class of mechanically interlocked molecules composed of a linear component threaded through a macrocyclic ring. “This unique architecture gives rotaxanes distinctive properties that make them especially attractive for applications such as molecular machines,” he explains. He also notes, “This recognition is an additional boost to face the challenges of a research career with enthusiasm, and a strong motivation to keep giving my best in my future professional path.”

Finally, María Martín’s award-winning thesis is dedicated to the development of new synthetic tools that enable the selective cleavage of a particularly strong type of bond (carbon-nitrogen), present in many organic molecules such as pharmaceuticals or natural products. “To achieve this,” Martín says, “we use light through a technique called photocatalysis—an emerging and widely used approach in recent years that allows access to new reactivities. This advance opens the door to transforming common molecules into useful new structures in a more efficient and sustainable way.”

Supporting Young Scientific Excellence: Investing in the Future

For over 20 years, the Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry and Lilly have promoted the recognition of research talent in the early stages of scientific careers. Within this framework, the Research Awards for PhD Students highlight the work of students in the fields of Organic, Pharmaceutical, or Analytical Chemistry and are part of the RSEQ. Each recipient is awarded €2,000 to support their research activities.

In turn, the Early Career Researcher Prize, endowed with €4,000, recognizes the trajectory of young researchers based on the quality and impact of their publications, patents, scientific presentations, and participation in research projects.

Antonio Echavarren, President of the Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry, states, “One of the main objectives of the RSEQ is to support young chemists at the beginning of their research careers in Spain. The ongoing collaboration between Lilly and the RSEQ plays a key role in this mission by annually rewarding the most brilliant researchers, giving visibility to their projects, as well as to their supervisors and institutions.”

María José Lallena, Director of Lilly Spain’s R&D Center, emphasizes, “Participating in these recognitions of young researchers is an inspiring opportunity that reflects our commitment to nurturing scientific talent. At Lilly, we promote collaboration with institutions that strengthen the innovation ecosystem and, in line with our purpose, contribute to improving patient care and quality of life.”