News & Events
-
13.06.2025
POLYMAT hosts the short course “Introduction to the Structure and Properties of Polymers”
This week, POLYMAT successfully held the short course “Introduction to the Structure and Properties of Polymers”, designed to provide a concise yet practical overview of fundamental concepts in polymer science. Read more
-
05.06.2025
POLYMAT co-organizes SOMMa 2025 Meeting on Scientific Excellence Management in Donostia
Donostia-San Sebastián is hosting SOMMa 2025, a national meeting on scientific excellence management that brings together over 70 project management leaders from research centers accredited with the Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu Seals of Excellence (CEX). The event is co-organized by POLYMAT, alongside BCBL, CIC nanoGUNE and DIPC—four centers of scientific excellence based in the Basque Country.
SOMMa (Alliance of Severo Ochoa Centers and María de Maeztu Units) aims to strengthen the international impact and visibility of research excellence in Spain. The meeting focuses on coordination, best practices in research management, talent attraction strategies, and enhancing the Spanish scientific and technological ecosystem.
By co-hosting this gathering, POLYMAT reaffirms its commitment to frontier science and recognizes the essential role of project management in advancing research excellence. The event also highlights Donostia's growing reputation as a hub for science and knowledge. Read more -
07.05.2025
POLYMAT Participates in INORMS 2025 to Strengthen Global Research Management Networks
POLYMAT is proud to be represented at INORMS 2025, held in Madrid, by our General Manager Idoia Azaldegui and Project Manager Mónica Moreno. This prestigious international conference gathers over 2,000 research management professionals from across the globe. Read more
-
29.04.2025
Iliane Rafaniello receives the ASPEGI Gipuzkoa Emprendedora award in the category of Entrepreneur in Technological and Digital Innovation.
We are proud to announce that Iliane Rafaniello Alonso, researcher at POLYMAT and CEO of SURPHASE, has been awarded in the Innovation in Technology and Digitalization category at the 1st Edition of the Gipuzkoa Emprendedora - Gipuzkoa Ekintzailea Awards, organized by ASPEGI. Read more
-
27.03.2025
Jon Avestaran Uriarte wins the POLYMAT Scientific Photography Contest 2024
We are thrilled to announce that Jon Avestaran Uriarte has won the POLYMAT Scientific Photography Contest 2024 with his stunning image titled:
"Eight Legs, Two Photons: When Science gets TentaCool". Read more -
20.03.2025
Polymat researchers honored with the EPF Future Faculty and Researchers Award
Polymat is proud to announce that four of its researchers, Miryam Criado-Gonzalez, Ricardo A. Pérez-Camargo and Leire Sangroniz, have been awarded the EPF Future Faculty and Researchers Award by the European Polymer Federation. Read more
-
27.02.2025
Jon Ayestaran and Xabier López de Pariza present the LatexYZ project at EKINN+ entrepreneurship event
On February 27, Jon Ayestarán and Xabier López de Pariza from POLYMAT participated in an entrepreneurship event organized by Donostia Sustapena - Fomento San Sebastián to celebrate the first anniversary of EKINN+ as an innovation and entrepreneurship hub in San Sebastián. Read more
-
24.02.2025
POLYMAT research selected for editors' choice in Macromolecular Rapid Communication
We are thrilled to announce that the article "Fast Visible-Light 3D Printing of Conductive PEDOT:PSS Hydrogels", authored by Naroa López Larrea, Antonela Gallastegui, Luis Lezama, Miryam Criado González, Nerea Casado & David Mecerreyes, has been selected for the Editors' Choice collection of Macromolecular Rapid Communications. Read more
-
21.02.2025
Exploring Nanoscience with Young Minds
On February 14th, POLYMAT and CIC nanoGUNE joined forces to organize "Travel to the Nano World" as part of the Emakumeak Zientzian 2025 initiative. Read more
-
13.02.2025
The Power of Experience: Inspiring women through science at POLYMAT
Yesterday, as part of the EmakumeakZientzian initiative, POLYMAT hosted the sixth edition of "The Power of Experience", welcoming 23 women over the age of 55 to explore the world of science and research. Read more
-
11.02.2025
Call for Applications: EMAKIKER Grant 2025
POLYMAT is pleased to announce the launch of the EMAKIKER Grant 2025, aimed at outstanding female researchers in polymer science at the postdoctoral level. This initiative supports high-risk, high-reward research and fosters scientific independence and leadership. Read more
-
31.01.2025
Tijs Tobias Lap Successfully Defends His PhD Thesis at POLYMAT
On January 30th, Tijs Tobias Lap defended his PhD thesis, "Synthesis of Naturally Inspired Redox Polymers for Next-Generation Batteries", at the Faculty of Chemistry Assembly Hall. Read more
-
27.01.2025
Laura Ballester Successfully Defends Her PhD Thesis at POLYMAT
On January 24th, Laura Ballester successfully defended her PhD thesis, titled "Additive Manufacturing of Methacrylated Vinylogous Urethane-Based Vitrimers", at the Faculty of Chemistry. Read more
-
20.01.2025
POLYMAT Hosted Seminar by Prof. Alex Plajer on Sulfur-Based Polymers
On January 17th, POLYMAT welcomed Prof. Alex Plajer, Group Leader at Macromolecular Chemistry I, University of Bayreuth, as part of the POLYMAT Seminar Series. Read more
-
16.01.2025
POLYMAT joins Emakumeak Zientzian 2025 to promote women in science
On January 16, POLYMAT participated in the official press conference launching Emakumeak Zientzian 2025, an initiative that brings together 35 research institutions from the Basque Country to promote gender equality in science. The program aims to highlight the contributions of women in research, challenge stereotypes, and inspire new generations to pursue scientific careers. Read more
-
09.01.2025
Jorge Pascual Publishes in Nature on Perovskite Photovoltaics
POLYMAT is proud to announce that Jorge Pascual has co-authored a study published in Nature, in collaboration with Oxford University, Kyoto University, and other leading institutions. Read more
-
19.12.2024
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
🎄✨ Merry Christmas from Polymat! ✨🎄
As we reflect on an incredible year of scientific discovery and collaboration, we want to thank everyone who has been part of our journey. Your support and dedication inspire us to push the boundaries of polymer science every day.
May this holiday season bring joy, warmth, and new opportunities for innovation. Here's to a bright and successful 2025! Read more -
19.12.2024
Irune Villaluenga and Sandra Camarero Promoted to Ikerbasque Research Associates
Polymat is proud to announce the promotion of Irune Villaluenga and Sandra Camarero to Ikerbasque Research Associates. This prestigious appointment recognizes their outstanding contributions to polymer science and their growing leadership in the field. Read more
-
19.12.2024
Polymat Awards EMAKIKER Grants to Leire Sangroniz and Marta Ximenis
Polymat is proud to announce that the 2024 EMAKIKER Grants have been awarded to two outstanding female polymer scientists: Leire Sangroniz and Marta Ximenis. This prestigious grant supports promising female researchers at the postdoctoral level, providing them with the opportunity to develop their academic careers and achieve scientific independence. Read more
-
05.12.2024
Marcelo Calderón and Matías Picchio Win the 2024 Manuel Laborde Werlinden Prize
Polymat researchers Marcelo Calderón and Matías Picchio have been recognized with the prestigious 2024 Manuel Laborde Werlinden Prize in the New Innovative Initiative category for their groundbreaking project EutectoDerm. Read more
-
29.11.2024
Polymat Day 2024
Today, the Carlos Santamaría in San Sebastian hosted Polymat Day 2024, a remarkable event filled with groundbreaking research and inspiring discussions. Read more
-
27.11.2024
Yuliana Pairetti wins Best Poster Award at the 7th Iberoamerican Meeting on Ionic Liquids
We are delighted to announce that Yuliana Pairetti has received the Best Poster Award at the 7th Edition of the Iberoamerican Meeting on Ionic Liquids, held in Coimbra, Portugal, from November 22 to 24. Read more
-
27.11.2024
Ana Clara Rolandi wins Best Poster Award at Workshop on Polymers for the Energy Industry
We are thrilled to announce that Ana Clara Rolandi, a researcher in David Mecerreyes' group, has been awarded Best Poster at the 2nd Workshop on Polymers for the Energy Industry, held at YTEC (YPF Tecnología) in La Plata, Argentina. Read more
-
27.11.2024
Coralie Jehanno Receives RSEQ Young Investigator 2024 Prize
Last week, Coralie Jehanno, CSO of Polykey and Polymat researcher, was honored with the prestigious Young Investigator 2024 award from the Real Sociedad Española de Química (RSEQ). The award was presented during the Jornadas de Jóvenes Investigadores Químicos at the Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha. Read more
-
26.11.2024
Ana Beloqui honored with special mention at Ikerbasque Women Researchers Recognition ceremony
We are proud to share that our researcher, Ana Beloqui, has received a special mention at the 5th Ikerbasque Women Researchers Recognition ceremony. Read more
-
25.11.2024
Idoia Azaldegui honored for her leadership in sustainability
We are delighted to announce that our General Manager, Idoia Azaldegui Alba, has received an award at the First Edition of Women and Sustainability in Circular Economy, granted by the Sustainability Department of Diputación Foral de Gipuzkoa, led by José Ignacio Asensio Bazterra and Mónica Pedreira Lanchas. Read more
-
21.11.2024
Yogesh Kumar Maurya Wins October C&EN Chemistry in Pictures Contest
Polymat postdoctoral researcher Yogesh Kumar Maurya has been named the October winner of the prestigious C&EN Chemistry in Pictures Contest. His captivating photo, titled "I ♥ molecular nanoribbons," showcases a unique crystallization process that formed a heart shape. Read more
-
14.11.2024
Basque Government Representatives Visit Polymat
Today, Polymat welcomed the Minister of Science, Universities and Innovation of the Basque Government, Juan Ignacio Pérez Iglesias, and the Vice-Minister of Universities and Research, Adolfo Morais Ezquerro, to its facilities. Read more
-
13.11.2024
Polymat Inspires at Zientzia Astea 2024
From November 7 to 9, Polymat researchers participated in Zientzia Astea (Science Week), organized by the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), alongside colleagues from the Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), CIC nanoGUNE, and CFM-Materials Physics Center. Together, they hosted the interactive stand "Exploring the World of Materials" at Tabakalera, open to schools and the general public. Read more
-
12.11.2024
Polymat Researchers Inspire Students at WeekINN
Last week, Polymat researchers Aitor Barquero, Clara García Astrain, and Ana María Muñoz took part in Donostia Innovation Week (#WeekINN), an event organized by Fomento San Sebastián to foster innovation and creativity in the local community. Read more
-
07.11.2024
Juan Felipe Hincapié receives the Best Macromolecular Journals Presentation Award in the 12th PhD Student Workshop on Polymer Reaction Engineering
Last week, POLYMAT researcher Juan Felipe Hincapie Álvarez participated in the 12th PhD Student Workshop on Polymer Reaction Engineering held in Lyon, France on 30-31 October. Read more
-
31.10.2024
Polymat Highlights Sustainability at III WAS Circulamos Event
Polymat participated in the III WAS Circulamos event, held at the University of Zaragoza, to discuss innovations and strategies for a sustainable future. Read more
-
28.10.2024
Alba Gonda receives the "Young researchers award" at eMRS 2024
We are thrilled to announce that Alba Gonda has received the "Young Researcher Award" at the European Materials Research Society (eMRS) 2024 Fall Meeting in Warsaw, Poland. This award, in the category of "Sustainable Materials for Chemical and Electrochemical Energy Storage," recognizes her outstanding work on "Novel bio-based proton exchange membranes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs)." Read more
-
16.10.2024
POLYMAT Participates in the CienxCiencia8 Congress in Palma de Mallorca
Our Project and Communication Manager, Mónica Moreno, represented POLYMAT at the #CienxCiencia8 Congress held in Palma de Mallorca on October 10-11. Read more
-
07.10.2024
POLYMAT Spinoff Showcase Inspires Young Researchers
On October 4th, POLYMAT held its Spinoff Showcase at Korta Auditorium, bringing together researchers and industry leaders to explore the journey from lab to market. This event highlighted the importance of translating scientific discoveries into successful businesses. Read more
-
02.10.2024
EUROPEAN RESEARCHERS NIGHT
Our researchers Aitor Barquero, Sara Rubio, Jackeline Soto, Matías Picchio and Danila Merino participated in the European Researchers Night organized by the University of the Basque Country on September 27. The event took place in Muelle del Arenal, in Bilbao.This event brought together researchers from various fields to engage with the public, share their knowledge, and inspire the next generation of scientists. Our team showcased their innovative work and highlighted the importance of research in addressing societal challenges such as the treatment of glioblastoma (TheraTools project), the developments of sustainable cement structures to instal photovoltaic cells in the see (Natursea-PV and EkiOcean) or the production of plastics from biomass (Neoplastics)Thank you to the University of the Basque Country for hosting this wonderful event and to our researchers for their commitment to science communication! Read more
- 26.09.2024
Pegah Sanjarnia Receives the "2nd Accéssit Poster Award GEP 2024"
Pegah Sanjarnia, a researcher at POLYMAT, has been recognized with the "2nd Accéssit Poster Award GEP 2024" at the prestigious GEP (Grupo Especializado de Polímeros) conference held in Madrid from 16th to 19th September. Read more
- 23.09.2024
Course on Emulsion Polymerization Processes 2024
From September 9th to 13th, we had the privilege of hosting the Emulsion Polymerization Processes Course in the stunning city of Donostia-San Sebastián. This year's event brought together 47 attendees from 12 different countries, creating an enriching and diverse learning environment.
Participants had the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of emulsion polymerization, expanding their knowledge and exchanging ideas with industry experts and fellow professionals.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event a success! Stay tuned for future courses and events at POLYMAT. Read more- 16.09.2024
Danila Merino and Matías Picchio have been appointed as Ikerbasque Research Fellows.
We are delighted to announce that our researchers, Danila Merino and Matías Picchio, have been honored with the prestigious title of Ikerbasque Research Fellows. This recognition, awarded by the Ikerbasque Foundation, highlights their dedication and excellence in scientific research. Read more
- 09.09.2024
Annual Meeting of the Industrial Liaison Programme 2024
The Industrial Liaison Programme 2024 was successfully held on September 5th and 6th, bringing together POLYMAT researchers and representatives from 15 international and national companies. This annual event continues to serve as a critical platform for exchanging the latest advancements in polymer research and addressing the current challenges in the industry. Read more
- 06.09.2024
POLYMAT receives the María de Maeztu accreditation in a ceremony held in Madrid
The Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering, POLYMAT, has been officially recognized with the prestigious María de Maeztu Accreditation during a ceremony held yesterday at CaixaForum in Madrid. The event was presided over by the Minister of Science and Innovation, Diana Morant and also attended by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Universities, Juan Cigudosa García and brought together representatives from Spain’s leading centers and units of research excellence. Read more
- 27.08.2024
Matias Picchio recognized as emerging investigator by the Royal Society of Chemistry and the American Chemical Society
Matías Picchio has been recognized as an Emerging Investigator by both the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the American Chemical Society (ACS). Read more
- 13.08.2024
Nerea Casado ISE Prize winner for electrochemical material science
Nerea Casado, has received the prestigious ISE Prize for Electrochemical Material Science! Her outstanding contributions in conducting and redox polymers, polymeric mixed ionic-electronic conductors for energy storage, and expanding into bioelectronics have been recognized. Read more
- 06.08.2024
Polymat hosts University of Alabama students for international polymer research program
Within the last three years, POLYMAT has been hosting students from University of Alabama as part of the program “Macromolecular and Polymer Research Experience in San Sebastian” (IMPRESS). This program, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and housed by the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering of the University of Alabama (UA) has been coordinated by Prof. Jason E. Bara (UA) and managed by Prof. David Mecerreyes (POLYMAT). This International Research Experience for Students (IRES) has recruited 21 undergraduate students from the @univofalabama along the 3 program years to participate in 8-week research experiences focused on macromolecular and polymer materials under the supervision of researchers from POLYMAT and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). Read more
- 02.08.2024
Marcelo Calderón awarded Leonardo Grant by BBVA Foundation
Marcelo Calderón, a researcher at POLYMAT, has been awarded a prestigious Leonardo Grant by the BBVA Foundation. This grant, in the area of Basic Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), is part of the 2024 call and supports Calderón's project titled Therapeutic Dry Supramolecular Bioadhesives for Tissue Repair. Read more
- 18.07.2024
POLYMAT obtains the prestigious María de Maeztu accreditation for scientific excellence
The research funding amounts to € 2,300,000.
The award ceremony will be held on 5 September in Madrid. Read more- 20.06.2024
25th Anniversary of the Institute for Polymer Materials POLYMAT
- 17.06.2024
Joaquin Almarza has successfully defended his thesis
On June 17th Joaquin Almarza successfully defended his thesis entitled "Advances in mesoporous covalent organic frameworks with twisted molecules" supervised by Aurelio Mateo-Alonso. Read more
- 17.06.2024
Haritz Sardón Interviewed on Euskadi Irratia
Haritz Sardón, a prominent polymer researcher at Polymat and a professor at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), was recently featured on the radio show "Norteko Ferrokarrila" on Euskadi Irratia. During the interview, Sardón discussed his career trajectory, his teaching experiences, and his research at Polymat. Read more
- 13.06.2024
Representatives of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa visit POLYMAT
The Representatives of POLYMAT have received the visit of the General Deputy of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, Eider Mendoza, the Deputy of Economic Promotion, Ane Intxausti and the Director of Innovation, Jon Gurrutxaga. Read more
- 12.06.2024
Jakes Ubabe defends his PhD Thesis
Last 12th June Jakes Ubabe defended his thesis entitled "Stimuli-responsive nanomaterials for drug delivery through biological barriers" supervised by Marcelo Calderón Read more
- 27.05.2024
Successful seminar highlights commitment to sustainable polymer research and circular economy
The seminar “Is a circular economy for plastics possible?” organized by POLYMAT and PolykeyPolymers with European Commission support, showcased innovative approaches in sustainable polymer research. Participants discussed the challenges and opportunities in achieving a circular economy for plastics. Read more
- 24.05.2024
POLYMAT researchers improve their public speaking skills in a workshop led by Nere Urcola
POLYMAT researchers recently participated in a highly engaging two-day workshop titled "How to Grab Audience’s Attention When Speaking in Public," led by communication expert Nerea Urcola. Read more
- 21.05.2024
Richard Schönlein has successfully defended his thesis
On May 15th Richard Schönlein successfully defended his thesis entitled "Piezoelectric polylactide-based materials for biomedical applications: fundamentals, fabrication strategies and characterization" supervised by Jone Muñoz and Robert Aguirresarobe. Read more
- 21.05.2024
Nicolás Ramos Gómez defends his PhD Thesis
Last 10th May Nicolás Ramos Gómez defended his thesis entitled "Structure-Property Interrelations in Non-Crystalline Semiconducting Polymers for Organic Electronics" supervised by Jaime Martín Pérez. Read more
- 30.04.2024
Fernando Vidal podcast episode on the Plastics Economy
Don’t miss the interview in Resources Magazine to Fernando Vidal on "Toward a More Sustainable Plastics Economy”. Read more
- 29.04.2024
An article published by Jose Ramón Leiza's group among top downloads in Macromolecular Reaction Engineering
The research article "Oil-Based versus Bio-Based C8 Alkyl Chain (Meth)Acrylates in Emulsion Polymerization: Kinetics and Microstructure” published in Macromolecular Reaction Engineering by POLYMAT researchers Amaia Agirre, Aitor Barquero and Jose Ramón Leiza has received enough downloads to rank within the top 10% of papers published.
Read more- 23.04.2024
POLYMAT participates in EKIOECEAN project
We are delighted to announce our participation in the EKIOCEAN project! Read more
- 15.04.2024
POLYMAT and Tecnalia join forces to boost green hydrogen in the Basque Country
We are pleased to announce an exciting collaboration between POLYMAT and Tecnalia, two leaders in research and development in the Basque region. This strategic alliance has as its main objective to boost the green hydrogen value chain, focusing on the field of polymers and membranes for electrolysers. Read more
- 25.03.2024
Rocío López wins the prize for the best oral communication at the BioNEXT Symposium
- 22.03.2024
Prof. Mateo-Alonso's article among top dowonloads in Angewandte Chemie
- 26.09.2024