Student Alba Anglada awarded by the Catalan Chemical Society
An award that recognizes work with a future. The student Alba Anglada Núñez has received an award that is no small feat: recognition from the Catalan Society of Chemistry for her final degree project.
The Catalan Society of Chemistry, linked to the Institute of Catalan Studies, annually grants this award to the best chemistry degree projects from Catalan universities, and on this occasion, Alba Anglada, a graduate from the Rovira i Virgili University (URV), has been one of the honorees.
The awarded work and its application
Synthesis of polystyrene microspheres
Alba Anglada’s project is titled "Synthesis of polystyrene microspheres towards the new route of radiolabelling strategy." The main focus is the creation of polystyrene microspheres through free-radical dispersion polymerization, which are then dispersed in aqueous or organic phases and functionalized through ultraviolet irradiation.
A commitment to radiolabelling
These microspheres play a key role in radiolabelling strategies, a growing technique for marking molecules with radioisotopes, with applications ranging from medicine to chemical research. Ultimately, it is a project that could open doors to new pathways in applied science.
Context and international collaborations
Shared research between Edinburgh and URV
The research did not stay only in Tarragona. Alba Anglada carried out part of her work at the University of Edinburgh, under the supervision of Professor Maya Al-Sid-Cheikh. At URV, the tutoring was handled by Professor Elena Fernández Gutiérrez, who has supported her throughout the process.
The value of global collaboration
These types of exchanges and collaborations are a key piece for high-level research and demonstrate how URV integrates into international networks, expanding the scope and quality of its studies.
Other awardees and profile of the awards
Other recognitions in chemistry in Catalonia
In addition to Alba Anglada, the Catalan Society of Chemistry granted two runner-up awards. Alexia Valverde Sánchez, from the University of Barcelona, was awarded for her work on the esterification reaction of isosorbide with valeric acid using ion exchange resins.
A look towards a sustainable future
The other runner-up was Ariadna Ivars Pérez, from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, with a study on boron-based reticular materials focused on green hydrogen generation, a key field for the energy transition.
The award to Alba Anglada not only highlights a quality project but also illustrates the vitality of Catalan chemical research and the talent driving it.
Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University
