On Friday 6 November, the Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry (RSEQ) held one of its most significant annual events: the 2026 Awards and Distinctions Ceremony. The event, which took place at the Paraninfo of the Faculty of Law at the University of Valladolid, celebrated excellence and outstanding contributions to the chemical sciences by bringing together this year's award recipients. Among them were two researchers and Group Leaders at our institute: ICREA Prof. María Escudero-Escribano and ICREA Prof. Daniel Maspoch.

Prof. Daniel Maspoch was presented with the 2026 RSEQ Medal, the Society's highest honour. This award recognises his outstanding career and his scientific contributions to nanotechnology, supramolecular chemistry, and materials science, which have applications across multiple fields. As leader of the ICN2 Supramolecular NanoChemistry and Materials Group, Prof. Maspoch's research focuses on designing and developing advanced functional materials, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), as well as innovative synthetic approaches such as clip-off chemistry, also known as molecular clipping.

In an emotional speech, Prof. Maspoch expressed his gratitude to his family, as well as to the mentors and colleagues who have supported him throughout his career. He also took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of sustained investment in research and innovation, particularly in supporting the exceptional talent of young researchers in Spain. He stressed that this is essential to building a fairer society and ensuring continued scientific progress.

Prof. María Escudero-Escribano has been awarded the 2026 RSEQ Excellence in Research Award in recognition of her influential work in electrochemistry. She is the leader of the ICN2 NanoElectrocatalysis and Sustainable Chemistry (NanoESC) Group, which focuses on investigating electrochemical systems and advanced nanomaterials for the conversion of renewable energy and the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals.

In her acceptance speech, Prof. Escudero-Escribano described receiving the award as a great honour, particularly because it comes from the Spanish chemistry community. She highlighted the importance of electrochemistry in driving the transition towards a decarbonised society. She also expressed her gratitude to the researchers and collaborators who have contributed to her scientific journey, her research team, and her family for their constant encouragement.

The ceremony also recognised researchers and professionals across a range of categories, including distinguished research careers, young investigators, scientific education and outreach, and international chemistry. Here at ICN2, we would like to congratulate Daniel and María on these prestigious distinctions, which celebrate their individual achievements and highlight the quality and impact of the research carried out at our institute.

Watch the full awards ceremony here.