Víctor Vilarrasa, researcher at IMEDEA, awarded the 2024 National Research Award for Young Scientists

Víctor Vilarrasa, a researcher at the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA), has been honored with the 2024 National Research Award for Young Scientists in the Matilde Ucelay category. This prestigious accolade, granted by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, recognizes researchers under the age of 40 who have made significant scientific contributions in Spain.

Vilarrasa leads an interdisciplinary group at IMEDEA that tackles the complex challenges of geoenergy, aiming to contribute to climate neutrality. He is also part of the CSIC's Interdisciplinary Thematic Platform PTI-TRANSENER+, which promotes the transition towards a sustainable energy model. His remarkable career has earned him several distinctions, including the MIT Technology Review Award to Innovators Under 35 and the Medal of the Royal Academy of Engineering for Young Researchers.

During the award ceremony, the Minister of Science, Innovation, and Universities, Diana Morant, emphasized that the National Research Awards are "the most important recognition in Spain in the field of scientific research," and highlighted the excellence of the awardees, whose work not only benefits society's well-being but also strengthens the country's scientific development.

In addition to his research achievements, Vilarrasa is highly committed to science communication. He actively participates in media outlets, educational events, and public science dissemination activities. He is a member of the AJdE, the Global Young Academy, and the Young Academy of Europe.

This edition of the awards has been particularly noteworthy for its progress in gender parity, achieving equal representation between men and women, marking a milestone in the history of these prestigious honors.