Five researchers from the CIGUS Network awarded in the awards ‘RAGC-UIE para investigadoras e investigadores xoves’

Of the seven awardees in the “RAGC-UIE Awards for Young Researchers,” five (Beatriz Pelaz and Iria Gómez from CiMUS, Cristina Gómez and Sara González from CRETUS, and Susana Ladra from CITIC) belong to centres within the CIGUS Network. This initiative, promoted by the Xunta de Galicia, brings together institutions in the system that have been recognized for their scientific excellence.

The competition, held biennially, is open to researchers under 40 years of age, or under 42 for women who have become mothers or for individuals with disabilities. Each of the three main prizes is endowed with €5,000, with several honorable mentions also awarded. A total of 63 proposals were submitted for this first edition.

The Real Academia Galega de Ciencias (RAGC) and the Universidad Intercontinental de la Empresa (UIE) announced the winners of the first edition of the ”RAGC-UIE para investigadoras e investigadores xoves’ aimed at recognizing and promoting the work of scientists developing their careers in Galicia. These awards highlight contributions to research across three fields of knowledge: Basic Sciences, Technical Sciences, and Social Sciences.

In the Basic Sciences category, the award went to Beatriz Pelaz, a researcher at the Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), for her work on the development of nanomaterials with biomedical applications, aimed at creating a new generation of more efficient nanomedicines. Pelaz currently leads 14 research projects with a budget exceeding €3.5 million and has been recognized for her significant role in scientific outreach, particularly in highlighting the role of women in research.

Susana Ladra, a researcher at the Centro de Investigación en Tecnoloxías da Información e as Comunicacións (CITIC), received an honorable mention in the Basic Sciences category for her work on data compression and the design of algorithms and structures applied to bioinformatics. Ladra has led a European H2020 project and participated in numerous national and regional initiatives, with a notable contribution to developing tools for efficient management of large data volumes.

Iria Gómez, a researcher at the Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular e Enfermidades Crónicas (CiMUS), received an honorable mention for her work in the field of autoimmunity, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of diseases like Type 1 diabetes. Her lab studies the role of small molecules in altering the immune system and their potential as innovative treatments. Gómez leads a project funded with $1 million by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

In the Technical Sciences category, Belén Riveiro, a professor at the School of Industrial Engineering at the University of Vigo and a researcher at CINTECX, was recognized for her work in evaluating civil engineering structures using remote sensing and artificial intelligence. Her studies facilitate diagnostics of infrastructure such as bridges and roads to prevent collapses. She has led major national and international projects and published in high-impact journals, including Nature. Her work has been crucial in the monitoring and maintenance of active structures.

Sara González, a researcher at CRETUS (Centro de Investigación en Tecnoloxías Ambientais e de Sustentabilidade, received an honorable mention in the Technical Sciences category for her work in circular economy and sustainability. Her studies include environmental impact assessments in industrial and urban sectors using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, contributing to the design of biorefinery strategies and waste reduction.

In the Social Sciences category, Cristina Gómez, also a researcher at CRETUS, was awarded for her studies in political psychology and behavior in social and political crisis contexts. Her research is part of European projects like “Caught in the Act of Protest”, and she also develops studies related to environmental issues within CRETUS.

The honorable mention in the Social Sciences category went to Ariadna Monje (A Coruña, 1990), a professor at the Universidade da Coruña. Monje earned her Master’s in Human Resources Management from Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School (Dublin) and leads various working groups related to entrepreneurship—collaborating with the GEM projects in Spain—and tourism, conducting both scientific research and consultancy for different administrations.

The award ceremony was held at the ABANCA Social Work Centre in Santiago de Compostela and was attended by academic authorities and institutional representatives. These awards, with a €5,000 endowment for each winner and additional honorable mentions, reinforce Galicia’s commitment to research and the visibility of young talent in the scientific community.