Myrtle Beach, SC – February 13, 2025 – The Organic Reactions Catalysis Society (ORCS) has awarded the prestigious Paul N. Rylander Award to Prof. Hermenegildo García from HG Energy – ITQ (UPV/CSIC) at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), Spain, during the 29th Biennial ORCS Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
This award recognises three fundamental aspects of his career:
1- His pioneering and exceptionally innovative research in several fields related to organic reactions and catalysis. Prof. García has made significant contributions to synthesising catalysts used in fine chemicals synthesis, pushing forward the boundaries of catalysis in organic reactions.
2️- His key contributions to heterogeneous catalysis, including the use of gold nanoparticles, the application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and graphene chemistry. He has authored and co-authored over 900 original peer-reviewed articles in the best international journals in chemistry and catalysis.
3️- His impact on the scientific community, being one of the most cited chemists worldwide. His work exemplifies the bridge between fundamental research and real-world applications. Beyond journal articles, he holds several patents and has founded multiple spin-off companies, driving scientific advancements towards industrial innovation.
The award was presented during the Award Ceremony last night at the 29th Biennial ORCS Conference, an event that gathered leading scientists from around the world to discuss the latest breakthroughs in catalysis.
Upon receiving the award, Prof. García expressed his gratitude to the ORCS Awards Committee, his research group at HG Energy (UPV/CSIC), and his family, friends, and colleagues:
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award from ORCS. It is a recognition not only of my work but also of the contributions of my research group and collaborators. MXenes represent an exciting new class of solid catalysts with significant potential for sustainable organic synthesis. I sincerely thank the ORCS Committee, my group at HG Energy (UPV), my family, friends, and colleagues.”
Earlier that day, Prof. García delivered his plenary lecture, titled “MXenes as New Solid Catalysts for Organic Reactions,” where he provided insights into how these materials can accelerate innovation in sustainable chemical processes. The session sparked a dynamic and thought-provoking debate, with active participation from researchers worldwide. The exchange of ideas fostered an engaging and stimulating scientific atmosphere, encouraging collaboration and new perspectives on the future of catalysis and green chemistry.
The Paul N. Rylander Award recognises Prof. Hermenegildo García’s contributions to catalysis and highlights the vital role of scientific research in addressing global challenges. His work exemplifies how fundamental discoveries drive real-world innovation, bridging science and industry.
This award underscores the power of collaboration and curiosity in shaping a more sustainable and technologically advanced world. Science transcends borders, inspiring future generations to push the frontiers of knowledge.
More information: https://orcs.org/awards
About the ORCS Conference
Founded in 1965, the Organic Reactions Catalysis Society (ORCS) has been at the forefront of catalysis research for over 50 years. ORCS provides a platform for scientists and industry leaders to exchange ideas, fostering advancements in organic synthesis, sustainable chemistry, and industrial catalysis.
The ORCS Biennial Conference is a major event in the field, attracting researchers from academia and industry worldwide. It serves as a key forum for sharing innovative catalysis research, industrial applications, and emerging technologies.
About the Paul N. Rylander Award
The Paul N. Rylander Award was established in 1988 to recognise outstanding contributions to catalysis in organic synthesis. Sponsored by BASF, it honours Paul N. Rylander (1920–2000), a pioneer in catalytic hydrogenation and the author of several foundational books on precious metal catalysis.
Rylander made significant contributions to industrial catalysis, particularly in fine chemicals and pharmaceutical synthesis. His legacy continues to inspire researchers working on new catalytic processes for sustainable and efficient chemical transformations.
About Prof. Hermenegildo García
Prof. Hermenegildo García Gómez is a full professor at the Instituto de Tecnología Química (ITQ) of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). His research group is at the forefront of CO₂ utilisation, developing catalysts for CO₂ conversion to methanol and higher hydrocarbons.
He has published more than 950 scientific articles, accumulating over 81,000 citations, with an h-index of 136. His name has appeared continuously since 2015 in the annual list of the most cited scientists published by Shanghai-Tomson Reuters.
Several of his publications have defined research fronts in Chemistry, according to the Essential Science Indicators Database, including Photocatalytic CO₂ reduction beyond TiO₂, catalysis by metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and plasmonic photocatalysis.
Awards and Distinctions
National Awards
- Elected Member, Spanish Royal Academy of Sciences (2023)
- Member of the Director Board, Spanish Research Agency (AEI, 2023)
- Severo Ochoa Award – Principal Investigator, Ministry of Science (2021)
- National Research Award Enrique Moles, Ministry of Science and Innovation (2021) – For contributions to photocatalysis
- Rey Jaime I Award for New Technologies (2016, Spain)
- Janssen-Cilag Award, Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry (2011)
- Alpha Gold Award, Spanish Society of Glass and Ceramics (2009)
- Distinction from the Technical University of Valencia (2010) – Research dedication
International Distinctions
- Highly Cited Researcher (2013–2024, Thomson Reuters/Shanghai Jiao Tong University)
- Paul N. Rylander Award (2025, ORCS)
- ERC Advanced Grant (2024, European Commission)
- Yueqi Award (2021, Chinese University of Mining Technology, Xuzhou)
- International Association for Advanced Materials Medal Lecture (2021)
- VDGOOD Professional Association (India, 2021) – International Scientist Award, Lifetime Achievement Award
- ChemPubSoc – Elected Member (2018)
Other Distinctions
- Doctor Honoris Causa, University of Bucharest (2011)
- Honorary Professor, King Abdulaziz University (since 2015)
- Lee Hsun Lecturer, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenyang
- Distinguished Professor, King Abdullah University, Saudi Arabia (2013)
- VIP Visiting Professor, University of Ottawa (2012)
- Fellow of the Japan Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS, 2009)
