Both have been recognized for their research work in fertilizers and their influence on agricultural production.
- The Fertiberia Chair in Agri-environmental Studies Awards comes with a prize of 1,000 euros for each category.
Madrid, October 9th, 2024 – Agro-environmental innovation is again celebrated this year at the graduation ceremony for ETSIAAB students, through the Fertiberia Chair in Agri-environmental Studies Awards of the Technical University of Madrid (UPM). On this occasion, Sara Lacalle Olarte and Paula Isla García have been awarded for their innovative Master’s Thesis and Bachelor’s Thesis, respectively, in the agro-environmental field. With a prize of 1,000 euros per category, these awards promote research and the development of sustainable solutions that improve agricultural productivity without compromising the balance of ecosystems.
In the category “Fertilizers, fertilization, or their influence on plant production,” Sara Lacalle Olarte’s Master’s Thesis, titled “Project for the establishment of a 6-hectare vineyard with high-mechanization conduction and management systems in Cenicero, La Rioja“, was highlighted for it innovative approach to advanced mechanization and efficient crop management.
Meanwhile, in the category “Relationship between agricultural systems and the environment,” Paula Isla García’s Bachelor’s Thesis, titled “Electrolytic green hydrogen and its use in the production of renewable ammonia“, was recognized as a significant advancement in the development of renewable energy applications in agriculture.
Both projects reflect the application of knowledge acquired during their academic training in key areas for developing more sustainable agriculture. The awards ceremony took place at the UPM’s graduation event, held at the Higher Technical School of Agricultural, Food, and Biosystems Engineering, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to agro-environmental research.
During the ceremony, Javier Brañas, R&D Director of the Fertiberia Group, emphasized the importance of research for global progress, as well as the establishment of partnerships between different sector actors: “Collaboration between the academic world and industry is crucial for achieving meaningful advancements. The students we are honoring today have not only acquired knowledge but have also demonstrated a great capacity to apply what they have learned to real-world problems, developing ideas that could transform the way we manage our crops and resources today,” he stated.
About the Fertiberia Chair in Agri-environmental Studies
Established in 2007 as a result of the collaboration between Fertiberia and UPM, the Fertiberia Chair in Agri-environmental Studies’ main mission is to promote research in sustainable fertilization, fostering competitive and environmentally friendly agriculture.
To achieve this, the chair promotes studies on aspects related to efficient and environmentally respectful fertilization, the development of research activity on new fertilizers and new agricultural techniques, and the dissemination of knowledge and technologies on best practices in mineral nutrition. It also promotes cooperation programs involving professionals, students, and graduates from the center.
Based at the Higher Technical School of Agricultural, Food, and Biosystems Engineering (ETSIAAB), the Chair is led by Professor Augusto Arce Martínez and overseen by a Monitoring Committee, responsible for analyzing and executing activities, made up of three representatives from the Technical University of Madrid and three representatives from Fertiberia.
