Cátedra Epifanio Campo Honors Pioneering Circular Economy Research in Galicia
The Cátedra Epifanio Campo has awarded its third research prize recognizing outstanding university projects in Galicia that promote circular economy and sustainable industrial waste use.
- • The first prize of 6,000 euros was awarded to QUIMOLMAR and INGEN groups for innovative carbon emissions and waste valorization research.
- • The second prize of 4,000 euros went to GEAMA group’s CO₂ mineralization project.
- • Nearly 60 researchers from 15 groups participated, evidencing strong research engagement.
- • Leaders highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration and applied science for sustainable development.
Key details
The Cátedra Epifanio Campo awarded its Third Research Prize at a ceremony held on January 15, 2026, at the Center for Innovation and Technology Services (CIS Ferrol). This initiative, established in 2019 by Universidade da Coruña (UDC) and Grupo Rodonita, honors innovative university research promoting the circular economy and industrial waste valorization in Galicia.
The first prize, worth 6,000 euros, was awarded to the QUIMOLMAR and INGEN groups for their project on the revaluation of carbon emissions and textile and packaging waste to develop new refrigeration technologies fully created in Galicia. The second prize of 4,000 euros went to the GEAMA group, represented by Andrea Muñoz Ibáñez, for research on CO₂ mineralization in mafic rocks, turning residual gas into a stable mineral form.
The jury highlighted the outstanding quality of 15 projects involving nearly 60 researchers from A Coruña and Ferrol campuses. Key figures at the event included Diego Calvo Pouso, Conselleiro of Presidency, Justice, and Sports, who emphasized the crucial role of public-private collaboration in advancing the circular economy and sustainable development. Ana Isabel Ares Pernas, Vice-Rector of the Ferrol Campus, praised the strong partnership between UDC and Grupo Rodonita and recognized the applied science efforts benefiting society. Jacobo Campo, CEO of Grupo Rodonita, stressed the company's commitment to Galicia and the importance of linking past, present, and future efforts around sustainability.
The Cátedra Epifanio Campo aims to foster training, research, dissemination, and technology transfer in environmental sustainability and waste management, continuing the legacy of Epifanio Campo, a Galician pioneer in circular economy.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
