Naturgy and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech (UPC) are promoting a new edition of the Duran Farell Prize for Technological Research, already consolidated as a reference in the promotion of projects that transform strategic sectors such as energy, health, mobility, digitalization and sustainability.
Since its creation in 2000, more than 175 candidates have been submitted to the Duran Farell Prize. The award-winning projects in the different calls have marked milestones in areas such as nanotechnology, photonics, robotics, biomedicine and artificial intelligence. Among the latest winners are research on sealing fetal membranes after intrauterine surgery, early detection of cancer through microwave vision or energy efficiency in industrial systems.
For Jordi Garcia Tabernero, general director of Public Affairs and Sustainability at Naturgy, “Technological innovation is essential to move towards a more sustainable and efficient energy model. At Naturgy we firmly believe that scientific knowledge and technology transfer are key drivers to accelerate the energy transition, boost competitiveness and generate new industrial opportunities. The Duran Farell Award is, precisely, an example of our commitment to research talent and to those projects that transform society and provide real solutions to present and future energy challenges.”
In the opinion of the president of the UPC Social Council, Montserrat Guàrdia, “the name of the award is associated with that of a person like Duran i Farell, with a legacy that is a benchmark in the world of engineering and that in itself transmits values associated with innovation and progress, something very necessary at the current time.”
Promotion of applied science
In this edition, the Duran Farell Prize has a financial prize of 10,000 euros. Researchers from Spanish universities and research centers who lead projects with technological impact and transfer capacity, with projects that present tangible results and potential for application in industry and society, can apply.
The deadline for submitting projects ends on April 30. The complete rules and registration form are available on the official website of the award: ((LINK:EXTERNO|||https://www.upc.edu/consellsocial/es/premios-del-consejo-social/PremioDuranFarell” target=”_blank”>))
The engine of public-private collaboration
For the general director of Public Affairs and Sustainability of Naturgy, the award “exemplifies the importance of cooperation between companies, universities and administrations to promote applied research and technology transfer, key factors for competitiveness and sustainable development.”
According to the energy company, throughout its 14 editions, the award has distinguished technological research projects of great impact in diverse fields. These include pioneering developments such as the design of satellite radiometry for climate prediction, intelligent systems for diagnosis in gas turbines, superconducting limiters for electrical networks, advanced codes for naval hydrodynamics, metamaterials for communications, efficient processors, sensors for Earth observation, augmented reality prototypes and nanodisplays, advanced techniques for satellite navigation and nanomaterials for gas separation.
Likewise, other award-winning projects have developed organic photovoltaic cells based on nanophotonics, magnetic control for energy storage, pediatric exoskeletons, systems for early cancer detection using microwaves, CubeSat-type nanosatellite missions for climate monitoring, and innovative solutions in fetal surgery and industrial efficiency. These projects reflect the scientific excellence and technological transfer that the award promotes.