Dr. Gonzalo Abellán, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Matteco, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Research Excellence Award by the Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry (RSEQ). This accolade recognises his outstanding contributions to the field of chemistry and his innovative work in two-dimensional (2D) materials.
As the leader of the 2D-Chem research group at the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) at the University of Valencia, Abellán has been instrumental in advancing the understanding and development of two-dimensional materials. His work has significantly impacted the scientific community, particularly in materials science and nanotechnology.
The RSEQ Research Excellence Award is one of the highest honours bestowed by the society, highlighting individuals who have demonstrated exceptional research achievements in chemistry. Dr. Abellán’s recognition not only underscores his dedication and innovation but also reinforces Matteco’s commitment to scientific excellence and cutting-edge research.
This award adds to a long list of recognitions he has received throughout his career. In 2014, he gained a self-driven Marie Curie Fellowship and joined Prof. Andreas Hirsch’s group at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaät, Erlangen-Nürnberg. In 2018 he returned to Spain as Excellence Distinguished Researcher getting a GenT-CIDEGENT contract (Generalitat Valenciana), the Ramón y Cajal fellowship, the ERC Starting Grant, or the ERC Proof of Concept Grant, among others.
Gonzalo Abellán’s main research activities have been focused on three lines: 2D-pnictogens (group of P, As, Sb and Bi), layered hydroxides, and carbon nanoforms and related hybrid materials, with special emphasis on energy applications. Indeed, he is the coordinator of SEAL HYDROGEN, a €3 million European RIA project, PI of a national TED project and an ERC PoC focused on green hydrogen production.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Abellán for this well-deserved honour and look forward to his continued contributions to the field.