UC3M Aerospace Engineering Professor Mario Merino Receives Spain’s National Young Research Award 2026

Professor Mario Merino, from the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), has been awarded the 2026 National Young Research Award “Matilde Ucelay” in the field of Engineering and Architecture by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.

The National Research Awards are Spain’s highest distinction for scientific research, recognising researchers whose work has made outstanding contributions to the advancement of knowledge and society.

Merino has been recognised for his pioneering work in the research and development of plasma-based space propulsion systems, an area that is shaping the future of electric propulsion for satellites and deep-space missions. His research combines theoretical modelling, numerical simulation and experimental validation to develop more efficient, reliable and cost-effective propulsion technologies for next-generation spacecraft.

Since joining the Department of Aerospace Engineering at UC3M after completing his PhD in Aerospace Engineering at the Technical University of Madrid (UPM), Mario Merino has established himself as one of the leading young researchers in the field of electric space propulsion. He became Full Professor in 2024 and is a member of the Department’s Plasmas and Space Propulsion (EP2) research group, internationally recognised for its contributions to plasma physics and advanced propulsion technologies.

Over the past years, his research has received widespread international recognition. Among other distinctions, he was awarded the Young Researcher Medal by the Royal Academy of Engineering of Spain in 2023 and the prestigious Professor Kuriki Award for Young Professionals from the Electric Rocket Propulsion Society in 2022.

This new distinction further reinforces the international visibility of both the EP2 research group and the Department of Aerospace Engineering, highlighting UC3M’s commitment to scientific excellence and its growing leadership in space engineering research.

The recognition also comes at a particularly significant moment for the Department, following its recent designation as a María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence, one of Spain’s highest recognitions for research excellence. Together, these achievements reflect the Department’s ability to attract outstanding talent and conduct internationally competitive research in strategic areas of aerospace engineering.

The Department of Aerospace Engineering warmly congratulates Professor Mario Merino on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to the continued impact of his research on the future of space exploration and electric propulsion.

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