The awards recognize young talent and applied research in agricultural sustainability.
- With a prize of €1,000 per category, the initiative supports projects that contribute to a more efficient and innovative agriculture.
Madrid, October 16, 2025 – Innovation and a strong commitment to sustainability in the agricultural sector took center stage once again at the latest edition of the Fertiberia Chair Awards for Agro-Environmental Studies, organized by the Technical University of Madrid (UPM). In the 2024/2025 edition, Alisson Gabriela Espín Pucha and Miguel Alcantud Izquierdo were recognized for their Master’s Theses, which address key challenges in advancing a more efficient and environmentally friendly agriculture. The awards were presented during the UPM graduation ceremony, held at the School of Agricultural, Food and Biosystems Engineering (ETSIAAB).
With a monetary prize of €1,000 per category, these awards honor academic excellence and the contribution of young researchers to the sustainability of the agricultural sector, promoting collaboration between academia and industry.
In the category “Fertilizers, fertilization, or their influence on crop production,” Alisson Gabriela Espín Pucha received the award for her thesis titled “Comparison of Organic and Synthetic Nitrogen Sources in Relation to GHG and Nitric Oxide Emissions in an Irrigated Crop.” Her research analyzes how different nitrogen sources affect greenhouse gas emissions.
Meanwhile, in the category “Relationship between agricultural systems and the environment,” Miguel Alcantud Izquierdo was awarded for his work titled “Sustainability Indicators in Agricultural Systems,” which proposes a comprehensive framework for assessing and measuring sustainability in farming systems.
During the ceremony, Javier Brañas, Director of R&D at Grupo Fertiberia, emphasized the importance of research as a driving force for the sector and the value of cooperation between industry and academia: “Collaboration between universities and industry is key to driving progress toward a more sustainable agricultural sector. This year’s award-winning students are a great example of what the future holds: talented young people, innovative ideas, and a true commitment to responsible agriculture.”
About the Fertiberia Chair for Agro-Environmental Studies
The Fertiberia Chair for Agro-Environmental Studies was established in 2007 through a collaboration between Fertiberia and the Technical University of Madrid (UPM) with a clear objective: to promote research and training in sustainable fertilization and environmentally responsible agricultural practices. The Chair aims to bridge scientific knowledge with the real needs of the agricultural sector, fostering solutions that enhance productivity while safeguarding natural resources.
Based at the School of Agricultural, Food and Biosystems Engineering (ETSIAAB) and led by Professor Augusto Arce Martínez, the Chair has become a benchmark for collaboration between academia and industry in pursuit of a more innovative, efficient, and sustainable agriculture.
