It’s a prize awarded by the Ministry of Science, in the area of science and chemical technology, according to a resolution that recognizes “the originality, potential and impact of his contributions to the synthesis of composites with physical properties and new functionalities”.

Mínguez is a professor in the University of Valencia and director of the research group Crystal Engineering Lab (CEL) in the ICMol. He graduated in Chemical Sciences in the University of Sevilla in 2004, with Extraordinary Award and Second National Awards. Afterwards, in 2007, he got a doctorate in the University of Sheffield (United Kingdom) under the supervision of the professor Lee Brammer.

The career of Mínguez accumulates several prestigious recognitions, such as the award Fundación Princesa de Girona in Scientific Research; the award to Young Researchers of the Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry; the Dalton Young Research Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Gold Medal of the European Young Chemist Award.

This is the first year the National Award of Research will be handed in the young category, which has premiered with various prizes that have women names. In the case of the one obtained by Mínguez, it reminds us of the researcher María Teresa Toral, one of the pioneers of Chemistry in Spain.

Endowed with 300.000 euros, these awards are the most important recognition in Spain in the field of scientific research and ever since 1982 they have been celebrated in Madrid, until last year when they were in Barcelona and this year in Alicante.

The award ceremony took place in Casa Mediterráneo of Alicante and the awards were given by the king and queen, Felipe VI and Letizia, accompanied by the Minister of Science, Diana Morant, the president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Ximo Puig, and the mayor of the city, Luis Barcala, among others.