Gerhard Alfred Holzapfel Receives Laurea Magistrale ad Honorem in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Parma

Gerhard Alfred Holzapfel Receives Laurea Magistrale ad Honorem in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Parma

The European Academy of Sciences is proud to announce that Prof. Gerhard Alfred Holzapfel, Fellow of the Engineering Division, has been awarded a Laurea Magistrale ad Honorem in Mechanical Engineering by the University of Parma, in recognition of his outstanding scientific achievements and global impact in the field of biomechanics.

The degree was conferred on 20 May 2025 in Parma, Italy, as a tribute to what the university described as “the research and career of one of the greatest contemporary scholars in biomechanics.” Prof. Holzapfel is currently Professor of Biomechanics and Director of the Institute of Biomechanics at Graz University of Technology, and Adjunct Professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

A prolific and influential researcher, Prof. Holzapfel is the author of 9 monographs, over 30 textbook chapters, and more than 370 scientific publications, which have collectively garnered over 26,000 citations. He is especially renowned for his contributions to the development of the GOH model—a constitutive model for the mechanical behaviour of human arteries, developed with collaborators Gasser and Ogden. This model has become a cornerstone in arterial biomechanics, with transformative applications in diagnostics, pathology research, and the design of next-generation vascular prosthetics.

In their formal remarks, Prof. Rinaldo Garziera, Director of the Department of Systems Engineering and Industrial Technologies, and Prof. Luca Collini, President of the Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, praised Prof. Holzapfel’s scientific depth, academic leadership, and the societal impact of his research. Particular attention was given to the implications of his work in patient-specific modelling and the integration of vascular dynamics with cardiocirculatory systems.

The university’s Rector, Prof. Paolo Martelli, stated:

“Prof. Holzapfel is one of the most authoritative and influential minds in his field. Scientific research, as embodied by his work, is a value not only for academia but for society. This recognition is our tribute to a career of extraordinary contributions.”

In his lectio magistralis, titled “The Power of Interdisciplinary Research: Biomechanics as an Example”, Prof. Holzapfel reflected on the evolution of biomechanics—from Leonardo da Vinci’s anatomical studies to today’s mechanobiological challenges—highlighting the importance of cross-disciplinary integration:

“Today, biomechanics is the development, extension and application of mechanics to answer weighty questions in biology and medicine. The future lies in interdisciplinary research.”

Before the ceremony, Prof. Holzapfel signed the Book of Honour of the University of Parma, leaving a message of gratitude and humility for this academic distinction.

EurASc warmly congratulates Prof. Holzapfel on this prestigious recognition, which celebrates not only his scientific excellence but also his lifelong commitment to improving human health through engineering and applied research.

📸 News and photos courtesy of the Università degli Studi di Parma.
🔗 Official Announcement

EurASc and Brazilian Academy of Sciences Strengthen Ties Through Establishment of Cooperation Agreement

EurASc and Brazilian Academy of Sciences Strengthen Ties Through Establishment of Cooperation Agreement

The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) is pleased to announce the signing of a Cooperation Agreement with the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC), marking a significant step toward fostering international collaboration in science and technology.

The agreement was officially signed by Prof. Rodrigo Martins, President of EurASc, in Lisbon on 1 May 2025, and by Prof. Helena Bonciani Nader, President of ABC, during a ceremony held on 6 May 2025 at the Museu do Amanhã, within the framework of the Reunião Magna of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences in Rio de Janeiro.

This agreement aims to promote cooperation between the two Academies in multiple scientific fields, including Chemistry, Engineering, Materials Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Medicine and Life Sciences, among others. Joint activities will encompass scientific workshops, conferences, publications, and the dissemination of research findings, based on principles of equality, reciprocity, and mutual benefit.

During the same event, Prof. Armando Pombeiro, EurASc Agreement Coordinator, represented the Academy and participated in the signing ceremony alongside Prof. Helena Nader.

In addition to this important milestone, EurASc is proud to share that Prof. Armando Pombeiro was formally welcomed as a Member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC) during a special welcoming ceremony held on 8 May 2025 at the Escola Naval, Rio de Janeiro.

At the ceremony, Prof. Pombeiro received his diploma directly from Prof. Helena Nader. Also present at the official table were distinguished figures including Prof. Ricardo Galvão, President of the CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development), and Prof. Luís Rebelo Fernandes, Interim Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Brazil.

These events reflect EurASc’s growing international engagement and its commitment to fostering scientific collaboration beyond European borders.

Reuniao Magna-signature of EURASC-ABC Agreement

Mioara Mandea Honoured with the 2024 Dolomieu Prize and Elected AGU Fellow

Mioara Mandea Honoured with the 2024 Dolomieu Prize and Elected AGU Fellow

The European Academy of Sciences is proud to congratulate Prof. Mioara Mandea, member of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Division, on receiving two prestigious recognitions for her outstanding scientific contributions.

 

🏅 2024 Dolomieu Prize – BRGM

Prof. Mandea was awarded the Dolomieu Prize 2024, granted by BRGM (Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières) under the auspices of the French Academy of Sciences. This annual prize honours geoscientists whose work has significantly advanced the understanding of geological and environmental processes. Prof. Mandea was recognised for her internationally acclaimed career in geophysics, particularly her innovative research on the Earth’s magnetic field.

More information available on the BRGM website.

 

🌍 Elected Fellow of the American Geophysical Union (AGU)

In parallel, Prof. Mandea has been elected as a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) – one of the highest honours bestowed by the global geoscience community. This distinction recognises scientists who have made exceptional contributions to Earth and space sciences and who have demonstrated visionary leadership and impact. She joins a distinguished circle of international experts who are shaping the future of geophysical research.

Read more on the CNES press release.

 

 

The EurASc community extends its warmest congratulations to Prof. Mandea for these remarkable achievements, which reflect the excellence and global impact of European science.

Federico Rosei Honoured with 2025 IEEE Nanotechnology Council Distinguished Lectureship

Federico Rosei Honoured with 2025 IEEE Nanotechnology Council Distinguished Lectureship

The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) is pleased to share that Professor Federico Rosei, EurASc Fellow, Current Head of Materials Science Division and renowned expert in nanomaterials and energy conversion technologies, has been named a 2025 Distinguished Lecturer by the IEEE Nanotechnology Council (NTC).

This prestigious honour recognises Professor Rosei’s exceptional contributions to the field of nanotechnology and his sustained efforts in scientific outreach and international collaboration.

Currently holding the UNESCO Chair in Materials and Technologies for Energy Conversion, Saving and Storage, Prof. Rosei is internationally known for his work on multifunctional materials and their applications in emerging solar technologies and optoelectronics.

As part of the NTC Distinguished Lecturers programme, he will deliver a series of lectures worldwide, including:

  • “Multifunctional Materials for Emerging Solar Technologies”

  • “2D Conjugated Polymers: Organic Analogues of Graphene”

This recognition follows his recent election as a Fellow of the Materials Research Society (MRS) in 2024.

The Academy extends its warmest congratulations to Prof. Rosei for this new international distinction and celebrates his continuous impact on science and society.

📄 Source:
This announcement is based on the original article published by INRS – Institut national de la recherche scientifique, accessible via:
🔗 https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/F-3iactOfUU81mV6cQkpcQ

Aldo R. Boccaccini Receives Honorary Doctorate from Riga Technical University

Aldo R. Boccaccini Receives Honorary Doctorate from Riga Technical University

The European Academy of Sciences is pleased to share that Professor Aldo R. Boccaccini, Fellow of EurASc and Head of the Institute of Biomaterials at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Riga Technical University (RTU).

The ceremony took place on January 20, 2025, during the official opening of the new building of the Baltic Biomaterials Center of Excellence (BBCE) in Riga, Latvia. Prof. Boccaccini has been closely engaged with the BBCE as an international partner since its foundation in 2020, and currently serves as a member of its Steering Committee.

The honorary title was conferred in recognition of Prof. Boccaccini’s remarkable contributions to the scientific development of RTU and his active involvement in strengthening the research capacity and international visibility of the BBCE.

In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Boccaccini expressed his appreciation for the long-standing and fruitful collaboration with RTU and BBCE, underlining the global impact of their joint efforts in the field of biomaterials.

The European Academy of Sciences warmly congratulates Prof. Boccaccini on this prestigious and well-deserved recognition.

📄 Source:
This announcement is based on the official news release published by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU).
🔗 Read the original article

Cato T. Laurencin Appointed Knight Commander of the Order of St. Lucia

Cato T. Laurencin Appointed Knight Commander of the Order of St. Lucia

The European Academy of Sciences is proud to celebrate a prestigious recognition granted to one of its distinguished Fellows. Professor Cato T. Laurencin, EurASc Member since 2022, has been appointed Knight Commander of the Order of St. Lucia, one of the highest national honours of the Caribbean island, established by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and awarded under the auspices of His Majesty King Charles III.

This title was conferred upon Prof. Laurencin in recognition of his outstanding scientific, medical, and societal contributions, particularly as the founder of the field of regenerative engineering — an interdisciplinary domain that bridges materials science, nanotechnology, stem cell science, and clinical translation to revolutionise tissue regeneration and orthopaedic care.

Prof. Laurencin is internationally renowned as a visionary in translational science and equity-driven innovation. His work has influenced not only the scientific community but also the lives of countless patients through novel technologies and treatments. Among his many distinctions, he holds the rare honour of being the only surgeon elected to all four major U.S. National Academies:

  • National Academy of Sciences

  • National Academy of Engineering

  • National Academy of Medicine

  • National Academy of Inventors

At the University of Connecticut (UConn), Prof. Laurencin serves as:

  • Chief Executive Officer, The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering

  • University Professor (the highest academic title at UConn)

  • Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

He also holds professorships in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering.

In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Laurencin reflected on the honour with humility and pride:

“St. Lucia is an extraordinary country, with extraordinary people. In being Knighted through the auspices of King Charles III, I am proud to be included among fellow Knights such as the late Sir Derek Walcott, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature.”

This distinction is not only a celebration of Prof. Laurencin’s scientific legacy but also a tribute to his tireless efforts to inspire future generations, promote diversity and inclusion in science, and foster global collaboration in service of humanity.

The European Academy of Sciences warmly congratulates Prof. Laurencin for this well-deserved honour, which perfectly reflects EurASc’s values of excellence, impact, and service to society.

 

 

📄 Source: University of Connecticut News
📸 Photo credits: University of Connecticut
🔗 Read the full article on UConn Today

CERN LHC Collaborations Awarded the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics

CERN LHC Collaborations Awarded the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics

The European Academy of Sciences is proud to highlight the recent Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics awarded to the ALICE, ATLAS, CMS and LHCb collaborations at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN — a distinction that recognises major contributions to our understanding of the universe at the most fundamental level.

The award celebrates their work using data from the LHC Run-2 (up to July 2024), including:

  • Precision measurements of Higgs boson properties confirming the mass generation mechanism.

  • Discoveries of new strongly interacting particles.

  • Exploration of matter-antimatter asymmetries and fundamental symmetries.

  • Studies under extreme physical conditions replicating the early Universe.

“It is a beautiful recognition of the collective efforts, dedication, competence and hard work of thousands of people from all over the world who contribute daily to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.”
– Prof. Fabiola Gianotti, Director-General of CERN, and EurASc Fellow.

This recognition resonates strongly with EurASc’s mission to promote scientific excellence, foster cross-border collaboration, and support fundamental science with societal relevance.

 

A Prize That Gives Back

In agreement with the experiment leaders, the $3 million award will be donated to the CERN & Society Foundation to fund doctoral research grants for students from the collaborating institutes — further strengthening the next generation of scientific leaders.

 

A Timely Recognition

This award comes in a special year for the Academy, as CERN will host the EurASc 2025 Annual Symposium and Awards Ceremony, taking place on 17–18 December 2025, in Geneva. The celebration of LHC’s achievements adds meaningful context to the event, which will focus on the theme:

 “Societal Impact of Fundamental Sciences”

EurASc warmly congratulates all collaborators, including the many Fellows involved, on this outstanding recognition that reflects the power of collective science in shaping the future.

Martin Carrier Awarded Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Athens

Martin Carrier Awarded Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Athens

The European Academy of Sciences is delighted to announce that Professor Martin Carrier, esteemed Fellow since 2014 and Head of the EurASc Division of Social Sciences and Humanities from 2016 to 2024, has been awarded the prestigious title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).

The honorary ceremony took place on Thursday, 20 March 2025, in the Great Hall of NKUA. The event commenced with an address by the Rector of NKUA, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, who highlighted Prof. Carrier’s significant research contributions and his pivotal role in bridging philosophy with practical scientific research. Following this, Professor Chrysostomos Mantzavinos, also EurASc Fellow and Professor of Theoretical Philosophy at NKUA, presented an overview of Dr. Carrier’s work and impact.

The formal conferral of the honorary doctorate was conducted by Professor Anthony Hatzimoysis, Chair of the Department of History and Philosophy of Science, who read the Department’s Resolution, the Award, and the Honorary Diploma. Subsequently, the Dean of the School of Science, Professor Aristeidis Parmakelis, adorned Dr. Carrier with the academic gown of the School. The ceremony concluded with Dr. Carrier delivering a lecture titled ‘Science Under Attack: Dealing With Failure in Science and With Science Denial’, addressing contemporary challenges faced by the scientific community.

In his address, Rector Siasos remarked:

“Dr. Carrier’s academic career is distinguished by significant research in key areas of expertise. His contribution to the study of the dynamic evolution of scientific theories and the interconnection between philosophy on the one hand and practical and applied scientific research on the other has been decisive.” 

Professor Carrier, currently serving as Professor of Philosophy at Bielefeld University in Germany, has garnered international acclaim for his extensive work in the philosophy of science, particularly concerning scientific reasoning, the science-policy interface, and the societal role of science. His research has profoundly influenced the discourse on how scientific knowledge addresses global challenges.

The European Academy of Sciences extends its heartfelt congratulations to Professor Carrier on this distinguished recognition, underscoring his exceptional contributions to both science and society.

For more details on the ceremony, please refer to the official announcement by the University of Athens >>HERE<<

📸 Photo credits: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)
📝 This article was prepared by the EurASc Secretariat based on the official announcement published on the University of Athens website. 

Avelino Corma and Helmut Schwarz Win 2024 BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Basic Sciences

Avelino Corma and Helmut Schwarz Win 2024 BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Basic Sciences

The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) is honoured to announce that two of its distinguished Members, Prof. Avelino Corma and Prof. Helmut Schwarz, have been awarded the 2024 BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Basic Sciences, jointly with Prof. John F. Hartwig, for their seminal contributions to the field of catalysis.

The jury praised the laureates for their “fundamental advances that have made it possible to control and accelerate chemical reactions”, thereby improving the efficiency of key industrial processes while significantly reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. Their combined work covers the entire spectrum of catalysis — from heterogeneous to homogeneous to gas-phase reactions — and is driving progress in areas ranging from sustainable fuel production to pharmaceutical synthesis.

This international recognition is yet another testament to the scientific leadership and global impact of EurASc Fellows within the worldwide research community.

 

Catalysis as a Pillar of a Sustainable Chemical Future

Prof. Avelino Corma

Institute of Chemical Technology (ITQ), Universitat Politècnica de València – CSIC, Spain

Prof. Corma is a pioneer in the field of heterogeneous catalysis, having developed solid catalysts based on porous materials that are now extensively used in industrial processes to produce cleaner fuels and chemicals with greater energy efficiency. His catalysts are implemented globally in over 22 refineries, and his work has led to the replacement of petroleum-based feedstocks with biomass-derived alternatives, enabling a circular approach to chemical production.

“This technology allows us to reduce the use of fossil hydrocarbons and to prevent the release of pollutants into the atmosphere,” said Prof. Corma. “Catalysts will also help us capture CO₂ and develop processes with far less environmental impact.”

He holds more than 100 patents and his innovations have applications in the production of fuels, plastics, cosmetics and even food.

Prof. Helmut Schwarz

Technische Universität Berlin, Germany

Prof. Schwarz has transformed the understanding of gas-phase catalysis, using advanced mass spectrometry techniques to track chemical reactions atom by atom. His work provides deep mechanistic insights into catalytic processes that were previously poorly understood.

A notable industrial application of his research helped optimise a catalyst at the Degussa chemical plant, solving problems with catalyst fouling in methane-ammonia coupling, a critical step for producing key compounds in the energy sector.

“We show how basic research can lead to very practical improvements in industrial chemical processes,” stated Prof. Schwarz.

 

From Molecular Design to Industrial Impact

The third laureate, Prof. John F. Hartwig (University of California, Berkeley), was honoured for his development of metal-based catalysts that have revolutionised homogeneous catalysis, particularly in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds. Many FDA-approved drugs, including those for cancer, HIV, and hepatitis, rely on chemical transformations developed in his lab.

Together, the three laureates have covered the full landscape of catalysis, providing tools and insights that are shaping the future of green chemistry and resource-efficient manufacturing.

 

A Recognition of Global Scientific Excellence

The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards are regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious recognitions of scientific achievement. Over the past 15 editions, 31 laureates have gone on to win Nobel Prizes, positioning this award as a leading indicator of global scientific excellence.

The European Academy of Sciences warmly congratulates Prof. Corma and Prof. Schwarz for this exceptional distinction. Their recognition reinforces EurASc’s mission to support and promote scientific excellence with impact on society, innovation, and sustainability.

 


📝 Sources and images:

Gary J. Schrobilgen Honored with the 2025 M. Frederick Hawthorne Award in Main-Group Inorganic Chemistry

Gary J. Schrobilgen Honored with the 2025 M. Frederick Hawthorne Award in Main-Group Inorganic Chemistry

The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Prof. Gary J. Schrobilgen, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at McMaster University, who has been honored with the 2025 M. Frederick Hawthorne Award in Main-Group Inorganic Chemistry, presented by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

 

Recognition for Excellence in Main-Group Inorganic Chemistry

Prof. Schrobilgen has been named the recipient of this prestigious award in recognition of his pioneering contributions to the synthetic chemistries of Group 13–18 elements, including strong oxidizers, hypervalent species, high-oxidation-state compounds, and polyatomic anions.

Supported by an endowed fund established by M. Frederick Hawthorne, UCLA, and colleagues, the award will be presented at the ACS Spring National Meeting in San Diego, California (March 23–27, 2025). A dedicated symposium in his honor, jointly organized by the ACS Divisions of Fluorine Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry, will take place at the ACS Fall 2025 National Meeting in Washington, D.C. (August 17–21, 2025).

Prof. Schrobilgen has confirmed that he will receive the Hawthorne Award later this month in San Diego and will share official photos from the event upon his return to Canada in early April.

A Legacy of Scientific Excellence

Prof. Schrobilgen’s work has profoundly expanded the boundaries of synthetic and structural inorganic chemistry, particularly in noble-gas compounds, multinuclear magnetic resonance, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. His pioneering research in fluorine chemistry continues to inspire new discoveries and advancements in the field.

EurASc extends its warmest congratulations to Prof. Schrobilgen for this exceptional achievement, further solidifying his legacy as a global leader in chemistry.

🔗 Stay tuned for event photos and updates in the coming months!

#EurASc #ScientificExcellence #FluorineChemistry #InorganicChemistry #ACS #GarySchrobilgen