The 2026 National Research Awards ceremony took place on 27 October at the Europa Congress Palace in Vitoria-Gasteiz. ICREA Prof. Daniel Maspoch, head of ICN2’s SupraMolecular Nanochemistry and Materials Group, received the National Research Award ‘Enrique Moles’ in the field of Chemical Science and Technology, which was announced in July. The ceremony was presided over by King Felipe VI and attended by Diana Morant, Minister for Science, Innovation and Universities, alongside other authorities. Presented by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, these awards are among the country’s most prestigious honours for scientific research.

At the ceremony, Diana Morant praised the award recipients for their scientific excellence and highlighted the vital role of scientific talent in driving Spain forward. She noted that their research helps us better understand life, diagnose diseases, build safer cities, develop energy and environmental solutions, preserve our heritage and protect children, among many other challenges.

The award recognises Maspoch’s pioneering contributions to the design of functional materials and molecular nanotechnology, as well as the development of materials with applications in catalysis and biomedicine. His work includes Clip-Off Chemistry, an innovative strategy that enables the precise production of molecules and materials. Prof. Maspoch joins other 19 distinguished researchers recognised at the 2026 National Research Awards, including Crisanto Gutiérrez Armenta, Mireia Vallés Colomer, Ángel Carracedo Álvarez and Katherine Villa Gómez, among others.

At ICN2, we are delighted and proud to celebrate this important achievement and extend our warmest congratulations to Prof. Maspoch.

Find out more about the award here.

See the full list of award recipients here.