Montse Casas-Cabanas, scientific coordinator of the electrochemistry area at CIC energiGUNE – a leading Basque research center in electrochemical energy storage and conversion, and thermal energy storage and conversion – has been awarded the Sagrario Martínez Carrera - Anton Paar Award, granted by the Specialized Group in Crystallography and Crystal Growth (RSEQ – RSEF).

This recognition highlights her excellent scientific career and her contributions to the fields of crystallography and materials science, key areas for the development of advanced energy storage technologies. The award also acknowledges the quality of the research conducted at CIC energiGUNE and its impact on the international scientific community.

“Receiving this award is a very special honor, both for what it represents within the crystallography community and for the scientific legacy of Sagrario Martínez Carrera,” said Montse Casas-Cabanas. “Crystallography has been a fundamental tool throughout my career, not only for understanding materials but also for designing and optimizing them with real-world applications in mind.”

The jury, which unanimously decided to award the prize to Dr. Montse Casas-Cabanas, highlighted her outstanding career in crystallography applied to energy storage, her leadership in designing advanced materials for batteries, and her contributions to understanding the structural defects that influence their properties. It also emphasized her pioneering contributions through X-ray diffraction experiments, the development of widely used methodological tools such as FAULTS and FullProfApp, as well as her role in consolidating a reference research area at CIC energiGUNE. Her work has significantly advanced the fundamental knowledge of materials for batteries and other energy storage systems. The jury considers that her career exemplifies the spirit of the award, combining excellence, innovation, and commitment to the crystallographic community.

In the words of the researcher, “Understanding the structure and defects of materials is key to improving their performance, stability, and safety. This award recognizes not only individual work but also the collective effort of the teams I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with over the years, as well as the support and guidance of the mentors who have shaped my scientific career.”