Prof. Laura Lechuga awarded for her ‘Social Involvement’ by the Forum of Social Councils of Andalusian Public Universities

by Virginia Greco

She received this award (in the category “Graduate”) for her commitment to social engagement as well as her efforts in bringing new technologies to the market and produce impact on society.

The Forum of Social Councils of Andalusian Public Universities has announced the winners of the 11th "Social Involvement in Andalusian Public Universities" Awards. Among the distinguished recipients is Prof. Laura Lechuga, leader of the ICN2 NanoBiosensors and Bioanalytical Applications Group, who was assigned an award in the "Graduate" category. Her exceptional professional achievements and commitment to social engagement earned her this recognition.

After studying Chemistry at the University of Cadiz, Prof. Lechuga has gone on to become a CSIC Research Professor and a group leader at the ICN2 and the CIBER-BBN in Barcelona. Through her research and publications, she has facilitated the transfer of knowledge, fostering collaborative actions between academia and society. Her work effectively integrates science, technology, and transnational research, leading to practical applications and market impact. As highlighted by the jury of the award, Prof. Lechuga's dedication to combining basic research, innovative devices, and technology transfer showcases a visionary perspective for the future.

The "Social Involvement in Andalusian Public Universities" Awards recognize exemplary collaborations between Andalusian Public Universities, businesses, and other public and private organizations. These collaborations play a crucial role in societal progress and well-being by facilitating the production, transfer, and practical application of knowledge, as well as ensuring a strong social impact.

The jury responsible for selecting the winners was comprised of: Rocío Reinoso, President of the Forum of Social Councils of Andalusian Public Universities; Francisco Muñoz, Vice-President of the Forum; Francisco Vañó, President of the UJA; Javier González de Lara, President of the CEA; Ramón Herrera de las Heras, General Secretary for University of the Andalusian Regional Government; Pablo Cortés Achedad, General Secretary for Infostructures of the Andalusian Regional Government, and Carmelo Rodríguez Torreblanca, President of AUPA. Their thorough evaluation process acknowledged the quality of the 53 nominations received across all five award categories.

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 26 at 11 a.m. The event will be held at the Archivo General de Indias in Seville and will bring together prominent figures from the academic, social, and business sectors of Andalusia. Desirée García Escribano will serve as the presenter for the occasion, and the ceremony will be streamed live, allowing wider access to the celebration.

In addition to Prof. Laura Lechuga's award in the Graduate category, the jury assigned the following recognitions:

Research category: INNOLIVAR project, focusing on innovation and technology for a sustainable olive grove.
Company category: Titania, Ensayos y Proyectos Industriales S.L.
Company with Social Projection category: the Fundación Universitaria de la Provincia de Córdoba (FUNDECOR)
Experiences in Internationalisation of Andalusian Universities category: the European University Alliance Arqus.

The 11th "Social Involvement in Andalusian Public Universities" Awards serve as a testament to the exceptional collaborative efforts and dedication exhibited by individuals and organizations in bridging the gap between academia and society.