Environmentally friendly cement

For the first time in the history of the University of Malaga, a scientist from the institution has won one of the ‘ERC Advanced Grants’ awarded by the European Research Council.

Professor of Inorganic Chemistry Miguel Ángel García Aranda who, through this programme – considered one of the most competitive and prestigious of all those granted by the European Commission – will receive €2.5 million over the next 5 years to continue his research into the development of low-carbon cement for construction that will contribute to mitigating climate change; an environmentally friendly cement.

This UMA project, which has been selected after undergoing a complex evaluation process in which thousands of researchers of international repute compete, concerns the production of less polluting cements without compromising their durability.

“This finding will represent a disruptive leap, as there are currently results related to cements with a lower carbon footprint, but with issues which greatly limits their general use,” explained García Aranda.

This European Union grant is awarded only to outstanding research personnel with a track record of significant achievements over the last decade. It was in 2015 when the University of Málaga scientist began to consider the idea of applying.

“It has not been easy, but you must never lose hope. In these nine years I have learned a lot. Perseverance in science, as in many other areas of life, pays off,” he said.

Photo: Wikimedia CC / Bart Everson