What led you to pursue research?
Nothing in particular. I think any other job would end up boring me. Here, if you get bored, you just have to look for another topic you feel like learning or exploring.
What are your main lines or areas of work?
Decarbonization, through synthetic fuels or biomass, in thermal processes. Currently focused on the steel industry.
Is there a project you are particularly proud of because of its impact?
The BioXsteel project, as it involves creating a brand new laboratory from scratch with features that are unique in the world. It has also allowed me to collaborate directly with the world's second-largest steel company.
How do you envision the future of your research field?
At the very least, it is uncertain, considering that interest in decarbonization depends entirely on local climate change policies. These policies, in turn, are based on a potential long-term danger that human beings do not perceive as such due to its time scale. In Spain or in Europe I receive funding for it, but in other countries, I might not.
What trends or challenges would you highlight?
To mention trends, the use of biomass is gaining strong momentum again, although with its typical supply problems. The only challenge that has always existed when it comes to decarbonization is making people understand that taking well-established technologies, making them more complicated in order to avoid CO2, and expecting them to be more profitable than before is impossible. Obviously, there will always be an extra cost if you complicate your system, but that small extra cost is paid to avoid having to pay much larger amounts in the future when dealing with natural disasters caused by global warming.
What has it meant to receive so many recognitions in such a short time, and now this Leonardo Grant?
Everyone likes having their work recognized, but it remains just that—work. It motivates you and supports you when applying for increasingly challenging grants and projects, but nothing more. Generally speaking, people in science don't do it with the intention of being stopped on the street to sign autographs.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
Freedom, in every sense. Freedom to choose the research topic, whom to work with, or which country to visit to learn new things.
What would you say to someone who is considering pursuing research?
The same thing my cousin Javier told me when I started: “you still have time to go work for a company”. If you discourage someone at the beginning and they still want to continue in research, then they are made for this.
Up close…
Studies: Bachelor's degree in Physics
A dream to fulfil: If you say it, it won't come true
Free time: Currently, board games
A book: Oyasumi Punpun, although it is not a book as such
A film or series: Tenet and Utopia (UK)
Favourite music group or singer: Daft Punk and Turnstile, among many others
A trip: Honduras, China, Korea, USA
How would you define yourself? Recently, someone told me I was lively and peculiar, but I think they were teasing me.
