National Research Award

Ramón Martínez Máñez, Professor at the Universitat Politècnica de València and Director of the Interuniversity Research Institute for Molecular Recognition and Technological Development (IDM, a joint UPV-UV institute), has been awarded the 2024 “Juan de la Cierva” National Research Award in the area of knowledge transfer.

The National Research Awards represent the highest recognition at the national level in scientific research. They are granted to researchers in Spain who have distinguished themselves through their career achievements and international standing in their areas of expertise.

This year, Martínez Máñez has been recognized for the impact of his scientific career and its transfer, particularly in the field of chemistry and, more specifically, in nanotechnology applied to controlled release systems and their use in sensors for medical, environmental, and agri-food applications.

The jury highlighted the high number of patents obtained and licensed by the awardee and the number of companies he has created, one of which was among the first focused on the development of senolytics.

“Without a doubt, this has been one of the most special moments of my career. This award is a great recognition of all the research and knowledge transfer work we have been doing—an achievement that would not have been possible without the support of my research group at UPV,” said Ramón Martínez Máñez.

Scientific goals and aspirations

Looking ahead to the short- and medium-term future, Martínez Máñez expressed his desire to “continue enjoying science, as I have done for many years, and to take on all the challenges that lie ahead.” Among these, the UPV professor and researcher mentioned that he will continue working with his team to achieve new advances in the development of sensors and nanomaterials, while also promoting the application of their research through collaboration with companies and the creation of spin-offs.

He also stressed that one of his main goals is to continue contributing to the training of young researchers, “who are essential for the progress of science in our country and for advancing in this exciting world of research.”

The award ceremony, held at the Royal Palace of El Pardo and presided over by His Majesty the King, was attended by the Rector of the Universitat Politècnica de València, José Capilla, and the Vice-Rector for Research, Belén Picó.

About Ramón Martínez Máñez

Born in Valencia on 11 April 1963, Martínez Máñez is one of the national and international references in the field of chemical research.

Among other lines, his group at the IDM Institute of the UPV is working on the development of nanometric devices with 'molecular gates' for the controlled release of drugs. The nanoparticles studied are capable of retaining a charge within their pore system and delivering it when a chemical, physical or biochemical stimulus is applied to them. These particles have been used, for example, for the selective release of cytotoxins for the elimination of cancer cells and bacteria, as well as for the release of certain drugs in senescent cells and the release of certain substances in food and agricultural applications.

In addition, his team is also working on developing molecular probes for the detection, through changes in colour and fluorescence, of elements of biomedical and environmental interest, such as certain biomarkers, drugs, nerve gases, etc.

Among the many awards he has received before this National Research Award, in 2016, he received the Researcher Excellence Award from the Royal Spanish Society of Chemistry (RSEQ). In 2018, he received the King Jaume I Award for New Technologies.

Author of more than 600 publications, Ramón Martínez Máñez, has a very prominent presence in the most significant journals in the field of multidisciplinary chemistry