Quantum microscopy device.Lance Hayashida/Caltech (Lance Hayashida/Caltech)
Cosmology, elementary particles, optics, new materials and quantum communication are the areas of physics that awarded the BBVA Foundation’s Leonardo grants in 2023. The goal of this special call is to fund each researcher specifically focused on physics with 40,000 euros due to “the particularly productive nature of the scientific community,” explains the foundation.
Winners in the scientific field include exploring the origins of matter and the mysterious dark energy that makes up almost 70% of the universe; the creation of new materials with applications in multiple fields; the development of quantum technologies to strengthen cybersecurity in the online transmission of information; Glasses to correct the eyesight of cataract patients without surgical intervention.
With the express aim of searching for the “Leonardo da Vinci of the 21st century”, the institution’s financial support will be adapted to the needs of scientists, understanding and respecting the differences between specialties as well as the needs of each research project. One of the requirements is that it must be done between 12 and 18 months after receipt.
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The seven projects and the researchers honored for their innovative proposals among the 72 applications received:
- Quantum Technologies for Efficient and Secure Communications, by Carlos Antón Solanas, principal researcher of a project on “Attracting CAM Talent” at the Department of Physics of Materials, Autonomous University of Madrid
- The “cosmic messages” sent by a dead star, by Clara Cuesta Soria, Ramón y Cajal postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Fundamental Research at the Center for Energy, Environment and Technology Research (CIEMAT)
- In search of clues to understanding the dark energy of the Universe, by Héctor Gil Marín, Ramón y Cajal postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Cosmos Sciences, University of Barcelona
- Designing Quantum Materials to Fulfill a Great Physics Dream, by Tobias Grass, Research Associate at Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC)
- Nanomaterials that emit light by Gabriel Lozano Barbero, Senior Scientist at the Institute of Materials Science of Seville (ICMS – CSIC)
- Glasses for cataract correction without surgery, by Alba María Paniagua Díaz, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Murcia Optics Laboratory
- Detecting neutrinos to understand the origin of matter, by Patricia Sánchez Lucas, Juan de la Cierva postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Theoretical Physics and the Cosmos, University of Granada
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The general call for Leonardo grants for 2023 has just opened, it consists of 55 grants in 10 different fields, from science to humanities, and runs until May 31st. The foundation’s economic incentives are aimed specifically at researchers who, despite professional experience, are unable to develop their pioneering projects as they wish. The funding is aimed at people between the ages of 30 and 45 who are looking for an opportunity to “consolidate or advance” their professional development in both scientific research and cultural creativity and at the same time make a contribution to enriching society. Since the award was established in 2014, the BBVA Foundation has financed 551 projects and provided them with more than 22.4 million euros.
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