Over the past few months, the CINQUIMA Institute has stepped up its scientific activity through visits from renowned researchers, the organization of specialized training, and the advancement of its own doctoral program.
Advanced training in chemical kinetics
On April 16 and 17, we welcomed Professor Jordi Burés, a researcher of internationally recognized prestige in the field of organic chemistry and chemical kinetics. Currently affiliated with the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) as an ICREA professor, and following a well-established career at institutions such as Imperial College London and the University of Manchester, he delivered the course “Chemical Kinetics Course”.
During these sessions, participants were able to delve into modern kinetic analysis tools, essential for understanding reaction mechanisms and optimizing catalytic processes, in line with current trends toward more efficient and sustainable chemistry.
Exploring the chemistry of the cosmos
We also had the pleasure of welcoming Izaskun Jiménez-Serra, a staff scientist at the CSIC working at the Center for Astrobiology (CAB, CSIC-INTA), whose research focuses on astrochemistry and the study of prebiotic molecules in the interstellar medium.
In her lecture, “Towards prebiotic chemistry in the interstellar medium”, she showed how the use of advanced spectroscopic techniques makes it possible to detect and characterize organic molecules in space. This type of research is key to understanding the chemical complexity of the universe and shedding light on the processes that may lie at the origin of life.
Energy, materials and sustainability
On May 8, we welcomed Alfredo Ortiz, Professor at the University of Cantabria in the field of Chemical Engineering. In his lecture, “Membrane technologies for a hydrogen-based energy transition”, he highlighted the essential role of polymers in the development of membrane technologies applied to hydrogen storage as an energy carrier and to water purification through nitrate removal.
His talk highlighted the importance of synthetic and materials chemistry in addressing today’s energy and environmental challenges.
Non-covalent interactions and supramolecular chemistry
On May 22, we hosted a lecture by Antonio Frontera, Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of the Balearic Islands and an internationally recognized expert in supramolecular chemistry.
Under the title “Metals as Architects: Building Supramolecular Structures through Unconventional Bonds”, Professor Frontera explored in depth the role of non-covalent interactions—particularly σ-hole interactions—in the construction of supramolecular architectures, as well as his contribution to IUPAC recommendations in this field.
The future of research: our PhD researchers
On May 29, we held a key activity for the institute: the presentation of the research plans of the PhD Program in Synthetic Chemistry, Catalysis and Advanced Materials, CINQUIMA’s own doctoral program.
The first-year PhD researchers showcased the outstanding standard and research potential that characterizes our new generations:
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- Kevin Carballido: “New Strategies in Enantioselective Organocatalysis and Heterocycle Synthesis.”
Directors: Francisco Javier Nieto and Rubén Manzano. - Natalia Carrera: «Ultrapermeable N2-Rich Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIMs) for Efficient CO2 Separations».
Director: Bibiana Comesaña. - Jaime García: “Synthesis of Multicomponent and Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Advanced Applications.”
Director: Javier Reguera Gómez. - Kevin Marcel: «Studies on the Activity and Selectivity of Metal Catalysts in C-H Functionalization Reactions».
Director: Ana Carmen Albéniz. - Daniel Yélamos: «Machine Learning for Molecular Spectroscopy in the Interestelar Medium».
Directors: Celina Bermúdez and Camilla Calabrese. - Paolo Zhan: «Ionic Polymers for Olefin/Paraffin Separation».
Directors: Ángel Emilio Lozano and Camino Bartolomé.
- Kevin Carballido: “New Strategies in Enantioselective Organocatalysis and Heterocycle Synthesis.”
This session not only highlights the high quality of research in training, but also reinforces CINQUIMA’s role as a leading center for doctoral education.
Upcoming lectures
The activity will continue throughout June with two new lectures:
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- Friday, June 12, 11:30 a.m.: José Andrés Fernández (University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU). “From Physical Principles to Biomedicine: Redefining Histology Using Mass Spectrometry.”
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- Miércoles 17 de junio, 12:00h: Adam M. Daly (Wichita State University, USA). "Applications of Microwave Spectroscopy to Inorganic Chemistry".
Both lectures will take place in the Conference Room of the QUIFIMA building.