Isabel Arriortua, Euskadi Research Prize 2010

2011/04/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Kimika
• Sariak

María Isabel Arriortua, Professor of the UPV (Barakaldo, 1950), has received the Euskadi Research Prize 2010 in the modality of Science and Technology. Since 1992 he has been Professor of Crystallography and Mineralogy at UPV/EHU and has led since the beginning of his career a team dedicated to the study of crystalline materials.

"We investigated the order of atoms in materials," explains Arriortuak--. They can be synthesized materials in the laboratory or natural products found in nature. So, we look for properties and applications in them."

The research carried out by Arriortua has allowed the development of materials for various functions, such as those that can be used in the fields of energy, catalysis and the environment. For example, they have developed microporous materials. This is what Arriortua explains: "These materials have a dynamic structure and, as it were, somehow allow us to play with atoms. They have pores in which, through the introduction or extraction of small atoms, such as lithium or sodium, the properties of the materials are modified. Therefore, a certain material can be used as a catalyst or become a conductor for use in the field of energy".

In the modality of Science and Technology of the Euskadi Prize for Research, the basic sciences, the sciences of life and health, technology and architecture are contemplated. Its objective is to promote scientific activity, which takes place every two years. The prize is 36,000 euros. Founded in 1996 by the Basque Government, Isabel Arriortua is the first woman awarded in the Science and Technology category.