The Royal Galician Academy of Sciences (RAGC) and the UIE announced the awards for the first edition of the RAGC-UIE Awards for young researchers, recognizing excellence in Basic Sciences, Technical Sciences, and Social Sciences. These awards highlight Galicia’s commitment to promoting research as a driver of scientific and social development.

Among the recognitions, the honorable mention received by Susana Ladra, professor at the University of A Coruña and researcher at the Center for Research in Information and Communication Technologies (CITIC), stands out. Her career in the field of data compression and the design of efficient algorithms and data structures for the analysis of genomic Big Data has set a benchmark in the field of bioinformatics, combining technological advances and practical applications. In recent years, Susana Ladra has led a new line of research at CITIC focused on computational solutions for bioinformatics challenges, consolidating her impact at the regional and international levels.

Female Leadership

The RAGC-UIE Awards recognized female leadership in Galician research by highlighting the careers of three women in the main categories. In Basic Sciences, Beatriz Pelaz (USC, CiQUS) was awarded for the development of functional nanomaterials that increase the efficiency of nanomedicines, leading 14 projects with more than 3.5 million euros in funding. In Technical Sciences, Belén Riveiro (UVigo, CINTECX) stood out for the application of artificial intelligence to the evaluation of civil engineering structures, improving safety in bridges, roads, and railways. Finally, Cristina Gómez (USC, CRETUS) was awarded in Social Sciences for her work on political psychology and collective behavior in crisis contexts, as well as for the analysis of environmental issues.

Honorable mentions were also awarded to researchers with outstanding careers. Iria Gómez (CiMUS, USC) was recognized in Basic Sciences for her studies on the molecular mechanisms of autoimmunity. In Technical Sciences, Sara González (CRETUS, USC) was awarded for her projects on circular economy and sustainability, while Ariadna Monje (UDC) stood out in Social Sciences for her research on entrepreneurship and tourism. With a prize of 5,000 euros for the main awards and a high level of competition with 63 applications submitted, the awards highlight Galician research talent and will be presented at a ceremony in December.