Maurizio Prato, Ikerbasque Research Professor and leader of the Carbon Bionanotechnology Group, has been honored with the prestigious Raffaele Piria Medal by the Italian Chemical Society. This award recognizes a scientist who has significantly contributed to the prestige of Italian Organic Chemistry and continues its most distinguished traditions.

Prof. Prato was awarded the medal for his groundbreaking vision that has transformed fundamental Organic Synthesis studies into pioneering interdisciplinary research. His work has had a significant scientific impact, with considerable biomedical and technological potential in areas such as regenerative medicine, nanomedicine, and the development of sustainable materials and processes for solar energy conversion. This recognisition adds further prestige to the Italian School of Organic Chemistry and Organic Materials.

In addition to his current role, Prof. Prato is a National Member of the Accademia dei Lincei and previously served as a Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Trieste. He is globally recognized for his innovative research on carbon-based functional materials, which are applied in material science, nanomedicine, and catalysis.

The Raffaele Piria Medal will be officially presented to Professor Prato on August 26, 2024, during the "XXVIII National Congress of the Italian Chemical Society" in Milan.

This award also reflects the broader success of his research group, complementing honors such as the Ciamician Medal given to Dr. Giacomo Filippini and the National Award for the Best Doctoral Thesis in Organic Chemistry awarded to Dr. Beatrice Bartolomei, showcasing the accomplishments of the Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences.