Wednesday, June 25, 2025

UNAM researcher named one of world’s most promising young scientists

A researcher at the National Autonomous University has been named one of the world’s 15 most promising young scientists by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Ana Sofía Varela Gasque, a researcher in the university’s chemistry department, was recognized along with 14 others in a ceremony yesterday at the organization’s headquarters in Paris.

Varela said she was singled out for her work on new materials that could allow carbon dioxide to be transformed into non-pollutants.

“What I do is basic science. I am working to understand a chemical process that in the future will help to convert CO2 emissions and reduce its presence in the atmosphere. We work with hydrogen batteries, which is to say that we fuel a battery with hydrogen and transform it using an electrical current. We are looking for materials to make this process as efficient as possible.”

She said the challenge was to find low-cost alternatives to carbon as the catalyst in the reaction. Metals such as copper, gold and silver could be used, for example, but carbon is much more abundant.

Varela said she hoped her research would demonstrate how to best reduce carbon dioxide during the long transition from the burning of fossil fuels to the use of renewable energy sources.

Along with the international exposure to help their professional careers, the young scientists also receive a grant for their research. The awards, which are offered through a partnership with the L’Oréal Foundation, have been presented to 107 promising young scientists since their inauguration.

Another 3,000 scientists have been awarded research scholarships.

The goal of the UNESCO-L’Oréal partnership is to attract more women to a career in science by supporting and recognizing accomplished women researchers, encouraging more young women to enter the profession and to assist them once their careers are in progress.

Source: Notimex (en), ContraRéplica (sp)

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
mass grave near Jojutla, Morelos

Officials minimize search collective’s report of 60 bodies found in Morelos mass grave

0
On Tuesday, Amnesty International expressed its "profound concern" over the "alleged irregular burial" of at least 60 people, including 10 babies, in a mass grave in the central Mexican state of Morelos.
a woman gets caught in the rain in Oaxaca

Mexico City has rainiest June in 21 years

1
In the past 25 days, more than 220 million cubic meters of water have fallen on the capital, which has caused capitalinos to consider adding a new umbrella to their weekly grocery list.
Aerial view of a winding pier with a circular end extending into clear blue-green ocean, with a sandy beach and a city skyline visible beyond.

MND Local: Puerto Vallarta June news roundup

0
The latest news from Puerto Vallarta includes plans for an ambitious ecopark complex, the impending opening of new luxury hotels and a U.S. security alert about using dating apps.