Ms. Eva Martínez Ibáñez | Life Cycle Assessment | Best Researcher Award
Researcher at University of Cantabria, Spain
Eva Martínez Ibáñez is a driven and dedicated early-career researcher specializing in environmental sustainability and chemical engineering. With a foundational education in chemical engineering from the University of Cantabria (UC), she has developed a keen interest in addressing real-world issues through scientific analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA). Her academic journey is marked by excellence, innovation, and a commitment to creating sustainable solutions within the Spanish food sector. Since joining the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at UC in 2022, she has become an integral member of the DEPRO group (Development of Chemical Processes and Pollution Control), where she actively contributes to national and European-level projects. Currently pursuing her PhD in Chemical Engineering, Energy, and Processes, Eva is immersed in cutting-edge research that combines technical precision with environmental ethics. Her scholarly output already includes four high-impact journal articles and participation in five major scientific conferences. Eva’s work aims to reshape how we approach food production, nutrition, and environmental sustainability through informed scientific practices. Her profile reflects a blend of academic excellence, research ambition, and a clear vision for the future of sustainable food systems and environmental impact reduction.
Profile
Education
Eva Martínez Ibáñez holds both undergraduate and master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cantabria (UC). She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering in 2022, building a strong foundation in process design, thermodynamics, and environmental technologies. Following this, she completed an Interuniversity Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering in 2023, a joint program between UC and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). This advanced study provided her with specialized knowledge in sustainable process engineering, pollution control, and lifecycle analysis, equipping her with the tools necessary for high-level research and technical development. Her academic performance and growing expertise led her to join the PhD program in Chemical Engineering, Energy, and Processes at UC in March 2024. Through this doctoral training, she is deepening her understanding of environmental impact assessment and its applications to industrial processes—especially within the Spanish food sector. Her education has been both rigorous and interdisciplinary, preparing her to tackle complex environmental challenges through scientific rigor and innovation. Eva’s educational path reflects a continuous pursuit of excellence and a clear commitment to integrating chemical engineering with sustainable development goals.
Professional Experience
Eva Martínez Ibáñez began her professional research career in October 2022 when she joined the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Cantabria. She became part of the DEPRO research group, focusing on the Development of Chemical Processes and Pollution Control. In this role, she has contributed to national and European research projects aimed at improving environmental outcomes through chemical engineering solutions. As a PhD student since March 2024, Eva continues to work on projects that assess the environmental and nutritional impact of the Spanish food sector. Her responsibilities include conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), participating in scientific dissemination, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Eva’s work has already resulted in four published articles in high-impact journals, along with five presentations at scientific conferences. Her practical experience in designing and analyzing sustainable systems has been key to her contribution in both academic and professional circles. Her career demonstrates an effective blend of academic training, real-world application, and forward-looking research. Her growing professional portfolio and active engagement in collaborative research projects have positioned her as an emerging expert in environmental assessment and chemical engineering.
Research Interests
Eva Martínez Ibáñez’s research interests are rooted in the intersection of chemical engineering and environmental sustainability. Her primary focus lies in the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods to quantify the environmental and nutritional impacts of the Spanish food sector. She is particularly interested in identifying strategies to minimize ecological footprints while improving public health outcomes through sustainable dietary choices. Eva is also involved in broader topics related to food security, sustainable resource use, and pollution control. As part of her doctoral studies, she explores innovative chemical process designs that align with circular economy principles. Additionally, she is interested in developing environmental indicators that can guide industrial and policy decisions. Her multidisciplinary research approach involves integrating chemistry, engineering, environmental science, and systems thinking. Eva is also passionate about using her findings to inform stakeholders and policymakers on the benefits of sustainable food production and consumption practices. Her commitment to sustainability drives her to engage in projects that bridge academic research and real-world implementation. In the long term, she aims to contribute to the development of more resilient and sustainable food systems that address both environmental and social challenges.
Research Skills
Eva Martínez Ibáñez possesses a strong set of technical and analytical skills essential for modern environmental research. Her expertise includes Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), environmental modeling, data interpretation, and process optimization. She is proficient in using LCA software and related computational tools to assess the environmental impacts of industrial and food-related processes. Eva also has strong knowledge of chemical process design, mass and energy balance calculations, and pollution control techniques. Her research requires critical thinking, problem-solving, and a capacity to synthesize large datasets for meaningful conclusions. Furthermore, she is skilled in academic writing and scientific communication, as evidenced by her four publications in high-impact journals and participation in international conferences. Eva’s ability to work collaboratively across disciplines enhances her capacity to deliver impactful results in team-based projects. She also demonstrates project management skills through her involvement in European and national research initiatives. Her scientific rigor and ethical approach underpin her capacity to contribute effectively to the global sustainability agenda. These research competencies make her a valuable contributor to ongoing efforts in reducing environmental impacts and advancing sustainable engineering practices.
Awards and Honors
Eva Martínez Ibáñez’s academic and research accomplishments are indicative of a high-achieving early-career scholar. Her acceptance into a competitive PhD program and active involvement in funded national and European projects underscore the recognition of her potential by her academic peers and institutional leadership. Publishing four papers in high-impact journals and presenting at five scientific conferences further reflects her growing influence and visibility in the field of chemical engineering and environmental sustainability. Participation in the DEPRO group at the University of Cantabria—a respected research collective focused on pollution control and sustainable processes—also highlights the esteem in which she is held as a researcher. Her early contributions to important research in food sustainability and environmental assessment are commendable and signal the likelihood of future recognitions. As her academic career progresses, Eva is well-positioned to earn formal accolades, research grants, and institutional honors for her innovative work. These achievements collectively serve as an informal but powerful acknowledgment of her dedication and scholarly excellence in her chosen field.
Publications
Eva Martínez Ibáñez has contributed significantly to scientific literature despite being in the early stages of her career. She has authored or co-authored four research papers published in high-impact scientific journals, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence and knowledge dissemination. These publications focus on life cycle analysis and environmental assessment of food systems, reflecting her dedication to sustainability and public health. Her work bridges theoretical analysis and practical application, offering actionable insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers. In addition to journal articles, Eva has presented her findings at five scientific conferences, further amplifying her academic visibility and contributing to ongoing dialogues in environmental and chemical engineering communities. Her participation in national and European projects has also likely involved the preparation of technical reports, project deliverables, and co-authored research outputs. These scholarly activities not only validate her expertise but also contribute to building a robust and credible academic profile. With her ongoing doctoral research, Eva is expected to produce further peer-reviewed work that deepens understanding in sustainable engineering and environmental impact assessment.
Conclusion
Eva Martínez Ibáñez exemplifies the qualities of a passionate and capable researcher in the fields of chemical engineering and environmental sustainability. Her academic journey—from undergraduate studies to a competitive PhD program—illustrates her commitment to lifelong learning and scientific advancement. Through her role in the DEPRO group at the University of Cantabria, she engages in impactful research focused on reducing environmental and nutritional problems in the Spanish food sector. Her expertise in Life Cycle Assessment and environmental modeling places her at the forefront of sustainable development initiatives. Eva’s publications and conference contributions underscore her ability to translate complex research into actionable insights. Though still early in her career, she has already built a foundation of excellence, credibility, and influence. As she continues her doctoral studies and contributes to research at both national and European levels, she is poised to become a leading voice in sustainable process engineering and food system reform. Her work not only advances academic knowledge but also offers tangible solutions for real-world environmental challenges.