This project is part of the eleven initiatives that make up the Quantum Communication Plan, with a total budget of 76 million euros.

Imagining a computer capable of solving, much more quickly, calculations that are impossible for today’s machines may seem incredible, but it might be closer than we think. The Universitat de València (UV) is working on a project that aims to develop the “brain” of future quantum computers by combining magnetic molecules with superconducting resonators to create a new generation of hybrid processors.

The QMol project is part of the Quantum Communication Plan of the Valencian Community, which involves the Universitat de València, the Universitat Politècnica de València, the University of Alicante and CEU Cardenal Herrera University. Together, these institutions are driving a new wave of innovation to establish the Valencian Community as a benchmark in quantum technologies applied to areas such as telecommunications, cybersecurity and health.

The ultimate goal of QMol is to develop a hybrid quantum processor based on magnetic molecules coupled to superconducting resonators.

“We want to harness the unique properties of molecules to build key components for the quantum future,” explained Coronado, principal investigator of QMol. “Each molecule can behave like a quantum bit, and by linking many of them together we could create a system capable of performing calculations that current computers simply cannot handle.”

The approach is as innovative as it is promising: using tailor-made molecules designed to behave as qubits—the quantum bits that store and process information. The idea is for these magnetic qubits to couple with photons in superconducting resonators, which act as communication bridges between them. The result could be a more stable, scalable and magnetically noise-resistant processor than current quantum systems. However, developing a quantum processor based on magnetic qubits faces a major limitation: the weak coupling between the qubit and the photon, which makes it impossible to detect and connect these molecules individually. In this regard, QMol has recently found an alternative solution that could overcome this problem: using magnons instead of photons to achieve strong coupling between the magnetic qubit and the magnon. Magnons are excitations in a magnetic material that can be used to transfer information, similar to how electronics use electrons.

“What is fascinating about working with molecules is that we can almost custom-design them to couple not only with photons but also with the magnons generated in a magnetic material,” added Coronado. “This approach, based on a new concept—the magnonic resonator—gives us enormous flexibility to create quantum systems with greater capacity, fewer errors and enormous potential for the future.”

Beyond its technological potential, the project represents an exercise in multidisciplinary collaboration, involving experts in chemistry, physics, materials science and nanoscience from various Spanish and European centres, such as the Institute of Nanoscience and Materials of Aragón.

“Every step we take in this direction brings us closer to making quantum computers a reality,” Coronado concluded. “A few years ago it seemed like science fiction, but today we are building the foundations to make it possible.”

A university looking to the future through research

This project is one of the eleven initiatives that make up the Quantum Communication Plan, led in the Valencian Community by four prestigious universities: the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), the Universitat de València (UV), the University of Alicante (UA) and CEU Cardenal Herrera University (CEU-UCH).

Together, these initiatives cover a wide range of research and development lines aimed at driving quantum technologies and their applications in strategic areas such as computing, telecommunications and cybersecurity, thus establishing the Valencian Community as a benchmark in technological innovation at both national and international levels.

With more than five centuries of history, the Universitat de València has consolidated its position as a leading institution in research, teaching and knowledge transfer. Its participation in the Quantum Communication Plan reinforces its commitment to scientific excellence and innovation, positioning the Valencian Community as a hub of technological and scientific development nationally and internationally.

About the Valencian Quantum Communication Plan

The Complementary Plan for Quantum Communications is part of the EUÂ’s Recovery Plan and has a total budget of 76 million euros. This plan aims to promote research and development in the field of quantum communications, a key technology for the future of telecommunications.

The Valencian Community is one of the regions participating in this project since 2022, together with Castilla y León, Catalonia, the Basque Country, Galicia and the Community of Madrid, as well as the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).

In the case of the Valencian Community, funding for this plan comes primarily from the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, which provides 65% of the resources—equivalent to €1,169,671.10—while the remaining 35%, approximately €629,822.90, is financed by the Regional Ministry of Education, Culture, Universities and Employment.

Samuel Mañas Valero has received the 2026 IEEE Magnetics Society Early Career Award, a distinction granted to young scientists within five years of completing their PhD who have demonstrated outstanding scientific achievements.

Mañas Valero, has been recognized for his contributions to the advancement of two-dimensional magnetism, particularly through the discovery of molecular and inorganic van der Waals magnets and new heterostructures exploring phenomena related to molecular engineering and stacking control.

The IEEE Magnetics Society highlights the international impact of these results in a rapidly expanding field with potential applications in emerging technologies.

More information about the award and previous recipients can be found on the official IEEE Magnetics Society website: https://ieeemagnetics.org/

Professor Eugenio Coronado, Director of the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) at the University of Valencia, has been recognised among the 100 most cited researchers in Spain and among the top 2% most cited scientists worldwide in 2024, according to the prestigious Stanford University ranking published in PLOS Biology.

Coronado, an expert in Inorganic Chemistry, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, ranks 83rd in Spain and 6,010th worldwide in the list reflecting the impact of scientific publications during 2024. In addition, in the classification assessing citations across an entire research career, he holds the 40th position in Spain, confirming his long-standing scientific leadership and international recognition in the field of molecular science.

The Stanford University – World Ranking of Scientists analyses data from the Scopus database covering 236,313 researchers representing the top 2% most cited worldwide across 22 scientific fields and 174 subfields. The study provides standardised indicators including total citations, h-index, co-authorship-adjusted impact and composite metrics.

Overall, 129 researchers from the University of Valencia are included among the top 2% most cited worldwide in 2024, while 99 of them are also recognised for their impact over their full scientific careers.

The ICMol celebrates this new distinction awarded to its Director, whose pioneering work in Molecular Nanoscience, molecular magnetism and quantum materials has been instrumental in positioning both the institute and the University of Valencia as international references in advanced materials research.

Professor of Inorganic Chemistry and Director of the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) at the University of Valencia, Eugenio Coronado, has been awarded the JSCC International Award, granted by the Japan Society of Coordination Chemistry (JSCC). The award, one of the most prestigious honors in the field, recognizes the outstanding scientific career of the Valencian researcher and his contributions to the advancement of molecular materials chemistry.

The award was officially presented today, September 16, 2025, during a recognition ceremony held at Nagasaki University (Japan), as part of the 75th Annual Conference of the JSCC. Eugenio Coronado is the first Spanish chemist to receive this distinguished award.

The JSCC International Award has previously been granted to world-renowned researchers such as Michael Grätzel, Jean-Pierre Sauvage (2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry), Omar M. Yaghi, and Joel S. Miller, consolidating its status as a top-tier distinction in the field of coordination chemistry.

Eugenio Coronado is Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Valencia and Director of ICMol, a leading research center in nanotechnology and advanced molecular materials. His research focuses on the development of materials with innovative electronic and magnetic properties, with applications in quantum technologies, spintronics, and information storage.

The program is coordinated by the Institute of Molecular Science of the Universitat de València

Nine Spanish universities launch the Máster Universitario en Materiales Avanzados (Master in Advanced Materials), an official, interdisciplinary postgraduate program taught entirely in English, aiming to become a national and international benchmark in the field of functional materials.

This pioneering master's degree in Spain is deeply interuniversity and research-oriented, and is coordinated by the Instituto de Ciencia Molecular (ICMol) of the Universitat de València. It also includes participation from the Universidad de Alicante, Universitat Politècnica de València, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Universitat de Barcelona, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Universidad de Málaga, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, and Universidad de Zaragoza.

The degree was officially approved on July 21, 2025, by the University Council of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, which enables its implementation as an official master's program within the Spanish university system. Today, July 29, the Plenary of the Consell de la Generalitat Valenciana has approved the decree authorizing its launch.

The initiative is part of the Complementary Plan on Advanced Materials within the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan of the Government of Spain. Coordinated by Professor Eugenio Coronado of the Universitat de València, the plan aims to strengthen collaboration among autonomous communities and to consolidate a high-level scientific and technological ecosystem in Spain, with application areas including energy, health, the environment, and quantum technologies.

The program combines solid scientific training with an innovative teaching structure based on intensive, rotating courses held across the different university campuses and taught in English. This format fosters the creation of a scientific community in Materials Science in Spain by promoting mobility and direct contact with prestigious Spanish and European research groups. The master's also includes the European School on Advanced Materials (ESAM), an international school featuring renowned European researchers.

The program offers 56 places and is aimed at students with a background in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Biotechnology, Engineering, and related fields who wish to specialize in the design, development, and characterization of advanced materials and their application in areas such as energy, environment, electronics, ICT, and health.

Graduates of the program will be qualified to pursue doctoral studies or to join R&D departments in companies, technology centers, research institutes, or universities, with professional profiles ranging from research and scientific consulting to entrepreneurship in emerging technologies.

With this launch, the participating universities reaffirm their commitment to academic excellence, collaborative science, and the training of new generations of professionals capable of tackling the technological challenges of the 21st century.

MasterÂ’s website: www.icmol.es/master/materials

The Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) has been accredited as a ‘María de Maeztu’ Unit of Excellence 2024, a distinction awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU) through the State Research Agency (AEI). This recognition places the ICMol among Spain’s leading research institutions, reinforcing its international scientific leadership and commitment to frontier research in molecular nanoscience and materials.

ICMol is the only research center in the Valencian Community to receive this distinction, further strengthening its role as a national and international scientific benchmark in the fields of nanoscience and molecular materials. This accreditation is valid for four years and comes with funding of €2.25 million, which will be used to consolidate its scientific and management structure, attract young talent, boost internationalization, and reinforce its outreach, training, and technology transfer activities.

Since its foundation in 2000, ICMol has pioneered a research approach exclusively focused on the molecular aspects of nanoscience, with research lines ranging from the chemical design of materials with advanced functionalities to the development of their applications in strategic areas such as energy, environment, electronics, molecular spintronics, and health.

The official award ceremony took place at the University of Zaragoza and was chaired by the Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant. During her speech, the Minister highlighted that these accreditations “represent a significant boost to the quality of Spanish scientific research” and praised the “undeniable international scientific leadership” of the selected centres and units. “You are the vanguard of a Spain that embraces science as a core element of its democratic, social and economic model,” she said.

Professor Eugenio Coronado, director of ICMol, attended the event on behalf of the institute, which now joins the exclusive group of research units recognised for their excellence and strategic vision.

In the 2024 call, a total of €75.7 million has been allocated to support 9 Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence and 8 María de Maeztu Units, each selected for their outstanding impact and leadership. Each María de Maeztu Unit will receive €2.25 million over four years to strengthen its strategic research programme.

The programme also includes funding for 138 new predoctoral researchers, who will be trained within the selected centres and units in strategic research areas. Evaluations are carried out independently by an international committee of highly respected scientists.

The María de Maeztu and Severo Ochoa accreditations aim to enhance the organisational capacity, strategic planning, and international visibility of research institutions, while promoting best practices in research management and talent recruitment.

Minister Morant also announced that the 2025 call has already been launched with increased funding of €78 million, reflecting the Government of Spain’s continued commitment to science and innovation. “This is the best moment in our history for science and research in Spain,” she concluded.

The ICMol celebrates this milestone as a collective achievement of its entire research community and a step forward in its mission to advance scientific knowledge for the benefit of society.

The Spanish Chapter of the IEEE Magnetic Society has awarded the 2024 Best PhD Thesis Prize to Carla Boix Constant, PhD in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology from the Universitat de València, in recognition of the excellence and originality of her research in the field of magnetism.

Her thesis, Tuning the Properties of Two-Dimensional Magnetic Heterostructures via Interface Engineering with Molecular and Inorganic van der Waals Crystals, represents a pioneering contribution to the study of two-dimensional magnetic materials. Carla Boix Constant’s work lies at the intersection of condensed matter physics, crystal growth, and device nanofabrication. With a background in chemistry, she has developed strong expertise in the synthesis of layered materials and in the study of magnetic systems at the two-dimensional limit (2D), seeking new synergies in the field of twistronics and by incorporating molecular materials responsive to external stimuli in miniaturized electronic devices.

This recognition highlights the scientific quality of the research carried out at the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol), a centre of excellence of the Universitat de València, and its contribution to the advancement of next-generation functional materials.

The jury also highlighted the high scientific level and quality of the theses submitted by all the candidates, making the final decision especially challenging.

The decision was communicated by Patricia de la Presa, President of the Spanish Chapter of the IEEE Magnetic Society, and José Ángel de Toro, Secretary of the Chapter.

The Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) held its traditional Scientific Conference this Wednesday, June 4. This year’s edition commemorates the 25th anniversary of the founding of this research center at the University of Valencia (UV), which has been recognized as a María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence. Featuring a program focused on molecular nanoscience and advanced materials, and a distinguished lineup of speakers — including two Nobel Laureates in Chemistry — the event was inaugurated by UV Rector M. Vicenta Mestre in the presence of Minister Diana Morant and key representatives from educational and scientific institutions.

Topics such as two-dimensional (2D) materials for environmental and biomedical applications, optoelectronic devices, organic solar cells, molecular nanomotors, and other cutting-edge advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology were presented and discussed in the Joan Plaça Auditorium at the University of Valencia’s Botanical Garden. This event is part of ICMol’s annual Scientific Conference, a science outreach initiative the center has been organizing since its inception in 2000.

The day began with a commemorative ceremony marking the Institute’s 25th anniversary, featuring remarks from UV Rector M. Vicenta Mestre; Minister of Science, Technology and Universities, Diana Morant; Director General of Science and Research, Rafael Sebastián; Executive President of the Rey Jaime I Awards Foundation, Javier Quesada; and ICMol Director Eugenio Coronado, who was praised by the panel “not only for his current leadership, but for being the visionary founder of the institute and for making it an international benchmark in molecular science and advanced materials research,” as highlighted by the Rector. “Success is the result of hard work and perseverance,” added Rafael Sebastián, who thanked the ICMol leadership for building an internationally connected scientific community from Valencia.

Rector Mestre took the opportunity to emphasize the urgent need to support science with more financial and human resources and more agile and efficient management tools. “The world ahead demands more science, more knowledge, more innovation. Global challenges like climate change, energy transition, health, and digitalization require solutions based on knowledge, collaboration, and foresight. Supporting centers like ICMol is supporting a model of university committed to society and to its time,” she concluded.

“Science is a remedy against intolerance and scientific denialism,” said Diana Morant, quoting Javier Quesada. “Everyone here represents a space of resistance and democratic values,” the minister added, after reviewing recent crises that have affected science and the emergency and resilience measures taken to overcome them. “Investing in science works — it makes us a stronger and more productive country. That’s why we must continue working until we recover the position we held before the financial crisis.”

In his commemorative presentation, Eugenio Coronado expressed his gratitude to former UV Rectors — Pedro Ruiz, Francisco Tomás, and Esteban Morcillo — for their roles in the creation and development of ICMol. He highlighted the institute’s current standing as a María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence — a distinction it has received for the third consecutive time — and noted its growth to nearly 300 members, with 15 Ramón y Cajal contracts and a high concentration of ERC grants, among other achievements.

Also in attendance were Luis Viña, Director of the Royal Spanish Society of Physics (RSEF), and Mª �ngeles Herranz, Chair of the Specialized Group on Nanoscience and Molecular Materials of the Royal Spanish Society of Chemistry (RSEQ), representing their respective institutions.

The session continued with the traditional scientific talks, featuring seven presentations from renowned experts in fields related to molecular nanoscience, in a format aimed at high-level scientific dissemination.

The program, expanded from previous editions — extending to the afternoon prior to the main event — included the participation of two Nobel Laureates in Chemistry, Jean-Marie Lehn and Jean-Pierre Sauvage, both of whom have longstanding collaborations with ICMol and are regular contributors to UV events.

 

Other prominent speakers included Pablo Jarillo, a leading physicist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) known for his work on graphene and other materials; Petra Rudolf, former president of the European Physical Society and an active researcher on 2D materials for medical and environmental applications; Daniel Maspoch, Rei Jaume I Award winner in New Technologies, recognized for balancing basic and applied research in porous materials; Elvira Fortunato, a renowned researcher in sustainable electronics, two-time ERC Advanced Grant awardee, and former Portuguese Minister of Science and Technology; and Jean-Luc Brédas, one of the most respected theoretical physicists in the field of optoelectronic devices such as solar cells and OLEDs.

Today, the Institute of Molecular Science had the honor of taking part in an exceptional event: the Nobel Colloquium, held at the Marie Curie Auditorium in the Parc Científic of the University of Valencia. The session brought together two towering figures of modern chemistry:

• Morten P. Meldal, Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 2022
  
  

• Jean-Marie Lehn, Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 1987
  
  

They were joined by Jean-Luc Brédas and Tatiana Vogt.

For more than two hours, students and researchers from the Parc Científic had the unique opportunity to ask questions directly to the Nobel Laureates in an open and stimulating dialogue. The event began with a coffee reception at 10:00, followed by the main debate from 10:30 to 12:30.

The colloquium left a lasting impression on all attendees, who experienced an inspiring morning of science, reflection, and intergenerational exchange. At ICMol, we are proud to support initiatives that connect us with global scientific leaders and reaffirm our commitment to research excellence.

The Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) of the University of Valencia will host the eighteenth edition of the European School on Molecular Nanoscience (ESMolNa) from 18 to 23 May in Santa Pola (Alicante). This multidisciplinary event is aimed at encouraging interaction and debate between leading scientific research and the younger generation of researchers. The School is held annually as part of the Master's Degree in Molecular Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

On June 2 at 10:00 a.m., the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) will host a special meeting featuring three Nobel Laureates in Chemistry: Jean-Marie Lehn (1987), Jean-Pierre Sauvage (2016), and Morten P. Meldal (2022).

The event will take place at the Marie Curie Auditorium of the Parc Científic of the University of Valencia and is open to the entire university community. During the session, the three award-winning scientists will share their research journeys, key contributions to the field, and their views on the current and future challenges in chemistry.

In addition, students will have the chance to engage in conversation and ask questions in an open and interactive format designed to encourage dialogue with leading international researchers.

Jean-Marie Lehn is a pioneer in supramolecular chemistry; Jean-Pierre Sauvage is recognized for his work on molecular machines; and Morten Meldal for his key role in the development of click chemistry.

Program: 
10:00 - 10:30 Coffee
10:30 - 12:30 Nobel Debate

Admission is free until full capacity is reached.

• Parc Científic - MAY 14 2025

The Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) of the University of Valencia will host the eighteenth edition of the European School on Molecular Nanoscience (ESMolNa) from 18 to 23 May in Santa Pola (Alicante). This multidisciplinary event is aimed at encouraging interaction and debate between leading scientific research and the younger generation of researchers. The School is held annually as part of the Master's Degree in Molecular Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

Honorable Mention for Carla Boix Constant in the GENAM 2024 Awards for her Doctoral Thesis at ICMol

The doctoral thesis of Carla Boix Constant, titled "Tuning the Properties of Two-Dimensional Magnetic Heterostructures via Interface Engineering with Molecular and Inorganic van der Waals Crystals", has been awarded an honorable mention in the GENAM Awards for the Best Doctoral Theses presented in 2024, a recognition that highlights outstanding research in the field of nanoscience and advanced materials.

The thesis was defended in September 2024 at the University of Valencia, and was carried out at the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) under the supervision of Prof. Eugenio Coronado (ICMol-UV) and Dr. Samuel Mañas-Valero (TU Delft).

The work focuses on the design and characterization of magnetic van der Waals heterostructures based on two-dimensional (2D) materials - both inorganic and molecular - with the objective of tuning their electronic properties by interface engineering due to proximity effects. The research combines the synthesis of crystals by solid state techniques with the fabrication of nano-devices, characterized by magneto-transport measurements at low temperatures. Among the most notable achievements, the thesis reports for the first time an orthogonally-twisted magnetic bilayer based on monolayer CrSBr twisted 90º, observing a hysteresis opening and a multistep switching in presence of an external magnetic field - not observed in the pristine material [Nat. Mater. 23, 212–218 (2024)].

Carla Boix Constant holds a PhD in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology from the University of Valencia. Her research focuses on the symbiosis between condensed matter physics, crystal growth, and nanofabrication of electronic devices. With a strong background in chemistry, she has gained solid experience in the synthesis of crystalline layered materials and in the study of magnetic systems, ranging from bulk crystals to the 2D limit. Her work explores new synergies in the field of twistronics as well as the integration of stimuli-responsive molecular materials in electronic nano-devices.

This recognition highlights the scientific excellence of the research conducted at ICMol and its contribution to the development of next-generation functional materials.

 

Nature Chemistry publication with ICMol participation reports a molecular complex featuring a ligand-free nickel anion

The Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) is pleased to announce the publication of a high-impact article in the prestigious journal Nature Chemistry, the result of an international collaboration between research institutions in China and Spain, with the prominent contribution of Professor Eugenio Coronado, Director of ICMol.

The study, entitled “Lanthanide–nickel molecular intermetallic complexes featuring a ligand-free Ni²? anion in endohedral fullerenes”, presents a breakthrough in transition metal chemistry by successfully isolating and stabilizing a nickel anion in the ?2 oxidation state (Ni²?)—an extremely rare and challenging species to obtain under standard conditions—confined within a carbon fullerene cage (C??).

Specifically, the researchers have synthesized intermetallic complexes containing a Tb?Ni cluster encapsulated inside a C?? nanostructure, resulting in the molecular compound Tb?Ni@C??. The core innovation of this work lies in the spatial confinement of the ligand-free Ni²? anion—a strategy that not only enables its stabilization but also challenges conventional paradigms of coordination chemistry and transition metal reactivity.

Using a combination of advanced techniques, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy and multireference theoretical calculations, the team confirmed that the nickel atom retains its ?2 oxidation state, forming strongly polarized covalent bonds with the surrounding terbium atoms. This discovery offers a new conceptual framework for understanding and designing nucleophilic transition-metal species with potential applications in catalysis, molecular materials, and quantum technologies.

The significance of this work extends beyond the isolation of such an unusual anion; it also highlights the innovative use of fullerenes as “molecular cages” to protect and study highly reactive chemical species. This approach represents a powerful tool for exploring new frontiers in supramolecular and inorganic chemistry.

Professor CoronadoÂ’s participation reinforces ICMolÂ’s leadership in cutting-edge research and underscores the instituteÂ’s strong commitment to international collaboration and scientific excellence. This contribution aligns with ICMolÂ’s strategic focus on developing new molecular nanomaterials with advanced electronic and magnetic properties.

Read the full article here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41557-025-01802-2

ICMol is accredited for the third consecutive time as a María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence in the provisional resolution of the AEI

The Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) of the University of Valencia has been accredited, for the third consecutive time, as a ‘María de Maeztu’ Unit of Excellence in the provisional resolution of the CEX2024 call, published by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI), which reports to the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.

ICMol is the only research center in the Valencian Community to receive this distinction, further strengthening its role as a national and international scientific benchmark in the fields of nanoscience and molecular materials. This accreditation is valid for four years and comes with funding of €2.25 million, which will be used to consolidate its scientific and management structure, attract young talent, boost internationalization, and reinforce its outreach, training, and technology transfer activities.

Since its foundation in 2000, ICMol has pioneered a research approach exclusively focused on the molecular aspects of nanoscience, with research lines ranging from the chemical design of materials with advanced functionalities to the development of their applications in strategic areas such as energy, environment, electronics, molecular spintronics, and health.

With an annual budget of nearly €14 million, 22% of which comes from European projects—ICMol has shown strong competitiveness at both national and international levels. Its scientific excellence at the European level is reflected in 17 European Research Council (ERC) grants, including Starting, Consolidator, Advanced, and Proof of Concept grants. In addition, the institute has significantly intensified its knowledge transfer activity over the past four years through a Business Innovation Scientific Unit (UCIE), funded by the Valencian Government, and through collaborations with companies such as Airbus, Power Electronics, Oxford PV, and Graphenano.

The instituteÂ’s director, Prof. Eugenio Coronado, has been a key figure in this development. He also serves as the Scientific Director of the European Institute of Molecular Magnetism since its foundation in 2008. Under his leadership, ICMol has maintained a strong commitment to exploring matter at the nanoscale to build a more sustainable and technologically advanced future. Prof. Coronado also acts as the national coordinator of the Complementary Plan on Advanced Materials, a strategic national collaboration initiative that promotes cutting-edge research in materials to address future technological and societal challenges.

This third María de Maeztu accreditation confirms that ICMol continues on the path of scientific excellence and encourages us to redouble our efforts to consolidate ourselves as a European benchmark center in molecular nanoscience, said Prof. Eugenio Coronado.

In addition to its research excellence, ICMol promotes advanced and specialized training, leading and coordinating inter-university masterÂ’s programs such as the Master in Nanoscience and Molecular Nanotechnology, the Master in Advanced Materials, and the Erasmus Mundus Master in Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling, as well as associated doctoral programs. It also organizes the European School on Molecular Nanoscience (ESMolNa), a flagship academic forum that gathers young researchers and international experts each year to discuss the latest developments in the field.

With a clear vision for the future, ICMol reaffirms its commitment to cutting-edge research and the application of molecular knowledge to build a more sustainable, intelligent, and connected world.

The prestigious Master's in Molecular Nanoscience and Nanotechnology has opened its registration for the upcoming academic year. Designed for graduates in Chemistry, Physics, Biotechnology, Engineering, and related fields, this program aims to train students in nanoscience and nanotechnology, preparing them for a professional career or research activity in these areas.

A Multidisciplinary Program of Excellence

The master's program covers various disciplines such as chemistry, physics, engineering, materials science, biochemistry, pharmacy, and medicine, providing comprehensive training in this rapidly growing field. Its main objectives include:

• Creating a multidisciplinary and competitive scientific community in Spain.

• Promoting mobility and interaction among students from different scientific backgrounds.

• Establishing a national standard of excellence in molecular research.

• Equipping students with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in high-tech companies or continue with doctoral studies.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Leading Institutions

The master's program is offered at several prestigious universities in Spain, providing access to cutting-edge research facilities and laboratories. The institutions responsible for the program are:

• Universitat de València (UV) - Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol)

• Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) - Faculty of Sciences and IMDEA Nanoscience

• Universidad de Alicante (UA) - Faculty of Sciences and University Institute of Materials (IUMA)

• Universidad de Valladolid (UVA) - Doctoral School and Institute of Bioeconomy (BioEcoUVa)

• Universidad de La Laguna (ULL) - Doctoral and Postgraduate Studies School, IUDEA, and Institute of Materials and Nanotechnology

• Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) - Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry, and INAMOL

• Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH) - Faculty of Experimental Sciences and Institute of Bioengineering

Registration Now Open

Interested candidates can find more information and complete their registration through the master's program website.

Don't miss the opportunity to train in one of the most promising and innovative disciplines!

Eugenio Coronado, Director of ICMol, Receives the Prestigious JSCC International Award from the Japan Society of Coordination Chemistry

The Director of the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) at the University of Valencia, Professor Eugenio Coronado, has been awarded the JSCC International Award, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field of coordination chemistry, granted by the Japan Society of Coordination Chemistry (JSCC).

The award acknowledges Professor CoronadoÂ’s outstanding scientific career and his contributions to the advancement of molecular materials chemistry. After a rigorous evaluation process, the JSCC committee selected him as the recipient of this distinction, which will be officially presented at the 75th Conference of the Japan Society of Coordination Chemistry, to be held from September 15 to 17, 2025, at Nagasaki University, Japan. As part of the recognition, Professor Coronado will deliver a plenary lecture at the event.

A Highly Prestigious Recognition

The JSCC International Award has previously been awarded to globally renowned researchers such as Michael Grätzel, Jean-Pierre Sauvage (2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry), Omar M. Yaghi, and Joel S. Miller, consolidating its status as a top-tier honor in the field of coordination chemistry.

Eugenio Coronado is a Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Valencia and the Director of ICMol, a leading institute in nanotechnology and advanced molecular materials. His research focuses on the development of materials with innovative electronic and magnetic properties, with applications in quantum technologies, spintronics, and information storage.

At ICMol, we celebrate this significant international recognition of our DirectorÂ’s career, reinforcing the impact of molecular chemistry on scientific progress and its projection within the research community.

More information about the JSCC International Award and the conference: JSCC website