UC3M Aerospace Engineering Professor Mario Merino Receives Spain’s 2026 National Research Award at Royal Ceremony

Professor Mario Merino, from the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), formally received the 2026 National Research Award “Matilde Ucelay” in Engineering and Architecture at the official ceremony held at the Palacio de Congresos de Europa in Vitoria-Gasteiz, presided by H.M. King Felipe VI.

Organised by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU), the National Research Awards are Spain’s highest distinction for scientific excellence, honouring researchers whose work has achieved international relevance and contributed significantly to the advancement of knowledge. For the first time in the history of these awards, the ceremony was held in the Basque Country.

Professor Merino was recognised for his pioneering work in plasma-based space propulsion systems. A Full Professor since 2024 and member of the Department’s Plasmas and Space Propulsion (EP2) research group, his research combines theoretical modelling, numerical simulation, and experimental validation to develop more efficient electric propulsion technologies for next-generation spacecraft.

This distinction further reinforces the international visibility of both the EP2 group and the Department of Aerospace Engineering, and comes shortly after the Department’s accreditation as a María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence by the Spanish State Research Agency.

The Department of Aerospace Engineering warmly congratulates Professor Mario Merino on this well-deserved recognition.