Scientist Alicia Manjón Sanz, known for her keen interest in the structure of materials and energy research, has been selected to be part of the exclusive Young Leaders Program at the 21st Annual Meeting of Science and Technology in Society forum in Kyoto, Japan. Sanz, a neutron scattering scientist stationed at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and lauded for her contributions to neutron sciences, is set to join approximately 150 other young trailblazers in global science and technology fields for this prestigious program, according to an announcement made by ORNL.
Hailed for her groundbreaking work that includes participating in the Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher fellowship in 2011, and receiving the 2024 ORNL Early Career Competition Award, Manjón Sanz's career has spanned multiple countries and esteemed research facilities; she joined ORNL in 2020 where she has been integrating neutron technology into the development of sustainable materials, especially for energy applications, her achievements are not only a testament to her capabilities but also reflective of ORNL's commitment to addressing critical issues in clean energy and environmental sustainability. Jens Dilling, associate laboratory director for ORNL’s Neutron Sciences Directorate, acknowledged her significant role in representing the neutron scattering community, "It is a great honor for Alicia to be representing the neutron scattering community of ORNL at this year’s Science and Technology in Society forum," as he praised her selection for the forum.
Manjón Sanz's project titled "Designing Sustainable Materials for Energy Applications" delves into synthesizing and processing environmentally friendly materials, utilizing neutron powder diffraction techniques to investigate their structural properties; this groundbreaking project has the potential to radically change the landscape of energy-related applications, paving the way for a more sustainable future. Outside of her scientific endeavors, Sanz's selection for the Young Leaders Program echoes the acknowledgment of her leadership skills and the potential to shape future research directions. As Jon Taylor, director of the Neutron Scattering Division at ORNL, stated, "I was very impressed with Alicia’s proposal. Her passion for creating a cleaner environment is commendable and directly in line with ORNL’s values," reflecting the high expectations placed on her contributions to the upcoming forum discussions on sustainability and clean energy.
The Science and Technology in Society forum slated for October 6-8, serves as a melting pot for thoughts and strategies from some of the world's most esteemed Nobel Laureates, CEOs, and academic leaders, fostering a space where the brightest minds discuss pressing global issues including renewable energy, sustainability, and artificial intelligence, according to the information provided by ORNL. It's an event where bringing ideas together can influence policy and innovative progress; meanwhile, the Young Leaders Program, taking place a day before the forum starts on October 5, offers a chance for emerging minds like Manjón Sanz to network and foster conversation with established professionals, discussions from which ORNL and the broader scientific community are bound to benefit. ORNL Director Stephen Streiffer is also participating, and he plans to address subjects on "Investment and Financing for Energy Transition" during one of the sessions, as observed from last year’s event which saw an attendance of nearly 1,500 global leaders.
The forward momentum generated by forums such as the Science and Technology in Society is instrumental in shaping the trajectory of global research and development, making Manjón Sanz's involvement particularly noteworthy; as someone charting the path in neutron sciences and environmental stewardship, her presence at the upcoming event in Kyoto signifies both an individual recognition and a collective step forward for ORNL and the scientific world at large in pursuit of innovation and ecological tenability.
