Jesus Ugalde, this year's Xabier Maria Munibe Award

Kaltzada, Pili

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Partekatu

This year's Xabier María Munibe Award, awarded by the Real Sociedad Bascongada de Amigos del País and the Basque Parliament, has been awarded to Jesús Ugalde for his work in scientific research. Jesús Ugalde was born in Bergara in 1957 and works at the Faculty of Chemistry of San Sebastian of the University of the Basque Country, being Professor of the Department of Science and Technology of Polymers.

He works in the field of quantum physics and chemistry, addressing topics such as the electronic structure of atoms and molecules, macromolecular catalysts, chemical reactions occurring in interstellar space, etc. This extensive and in-depth research work has been recognized as “basic research of excellence” by the Ministry of Education and Science of Madrid and “high performance” by the Basque Government.

Jesus has also worked in prestigious foreign research centers: At the American Oak Ridge Laboratory in Tennessee and at Cornell University in Itha, and at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada. In the latter, “Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council” has been awarded the Visiting Researchers Award. He has published more than a hundred articles in the most prestigious scientific journals in the world and is a regular guest speaker at congresses in his area.

Jesus is a great promoter of Basque culture and language. He often publishes his research work in Basque scientific journals, including Elhuyar. He is a professor of Basque at the Faculty of Chemistry of San Sebastian, has participated on numerous occasions at the Basque Summer University and has received the Agustín Zumalabe award from Eusko Ikaskuntza. She has been Vice-Rector of International Relations and currently Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry.

So far the most outstanding work merits of Jesus. And now I would like to give an account of his character and for it better than the opinion of his companions.

Lourdes Domínguez, student of her first doctorate:

"He taught me what it is to be a researcher: he is always on the final exams. That's something I'm always going to take into account."

Guillermo Roa:

"In my opinion, the relationship between life and work for those working in high-level research is often quite demanding. That is, the mood of some scientists depends on work and results. However, there are those who know how to differentiate science well from personal relationships, among them Jesus is an obvious example. Team members also often receive their peace of mind and optimism.

Arantxa Irigoras:

First of all with the Eramus program and lately with Socrates we have seen that our level is irreverent.

IXI

"There are optimistic, pessimistic and medium people, of course. I consider myself half, depending on the day or half. But Jesus is certainly optimistic. I think it is necessary to have someone who has that attitude in a work team, to give the little nudges that we need others, and this is one of the things that Jesus does very well. Only one, because we can form a long list. But there is another thing I would like to mention: the case that it does to others, especially when we have to stop the restlessness that generates its optimism... Zorionak Jesus and thank you.

America Garcia and Elso Cruz, Cuban doctoral students:

Jesus' particular form of work conveys confidence in all students, when research with him is very rewarding. All comrades make us feel optimistic and cheerful, especially Cubans. Thank you Jesus!

Mercero Txema:

When it comes to working with Jesus, I would highlight, along with the freedom he gives his team and his trust in him, the positive atmosphere he generates in the group with his own nature.

Joseph Fowler:

Jesus creates a very positive environment for working. For this it has its enormous optimism and interest, deep and broad. This optimism is the support of the study, having all energetically involved in research. But his interest is the guide of the whole group. Select the topics that need explanation, want to know why things are as they are and, of course, when you get to understand them you feel at ease.

Xabier López:

Professor Jesus Mari Ugalde has been director of theses. Those four years spent in your lab are truly unforgettable. It is difficult to find, not only in Euskal Herria, but also in the world, a research group where the scientific quality and climate of personal relationships are so optimistic. Jesus Ugalde and his personal charism have achieved these two things. His ability, not only to have good ideas, but to transmit the same scientific “passion” to his students are the origin of the success of his research. I think that in your group we have all achieved a high quality research work and fall in love with quantum chemistry (even if it seems difficult). He manages to illuminate this field of quantum chemistry based on the “uncertainty principle”, “delocalizing” and extending his optimism throughout the physical space of the laboratory. Thank you Jesus and forward.

Anonymous said.

I have to say that I am quite new to the team and through these lines I would like to thank Jesus for the opportunity he has given me to work as a team. It is to thank the presence of teachers such as those who give us confidence to students and who, in addition to learning, offer the possibility of working as a team. I would highlight the freedom that the rest of the group gives about their way of working and their positive attitude. Zorionak Jesus!.

Professor of the Department of Chemistry at Russell Boyd Dalhousie University:

My first memories of Jesus Ugalde date back to 1982, when we met at the International Congress of Quantum Chemistry in Uppsala, Sweden. Since his first visit to Halifax in 1983, we have worked many times together and have traveled many trips across the Atlantic. Visits to my team have aroused great interest among students and colleagues. Jesus is very active and maintains constructive relationships with everyone. On the occasion of the Xabier Maria Munibe Award, I have written some words in his honor. He has a well-deserved prize. Zorionak Jesus. Surely in the next fifteen years you will work even better in research.

I would also like to thank Jesus' ability and joy to work to end, with which all his companions drive us forward.