The Mad for Science (Bojos per l’Energia) course, an initiative led by the Catalan Institute of Energy (ICAEN) with the collaboration of IREC, celebrated the closing ceremony and diploma presentation of its third edition on Friday, May 31st 2024. This educational activity, designed to introduce young people to the world of energy, is part of the “Bojos per la Ciència” program organized by the Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation. During the ceremony, Prof. ICREA Albert Tarancón delivered an inspirational talk to the students related to the future of energy.
The event, held at the ICAEN premisses, featured speeches from representatives of the organizing entities, researchers, and alumni of the program, in addition to the current students. The 21 students of this edition, 9 girls and 12 boys from 4th year of secondary school (ESO) and 1st and 2nd year of high school, attended 15 theoretical and practical sessions between January and May. These sessions allowed the students to delve into various aspects related to energy, with a focus on technological research aimed at renewable energies and optimal energy resource management to help address the energy transition.
Throughout the course, the students explored the basics of energy transition and engaged in cutting-edge technological research necessary for shifting towards a decarbonized society. Topics covered included systems for producing and storing energy from the sun and wind, the application of digital technologies to energy, hydrogen technologies and efficient buildings, among many more.
The involvement of 36 researchers from diverse nationalities, such as Italy, Ecuador, China, the US, Greece, Argentina, and Mexico, was pivotal in providing a rich, educational experience. Their dedication and passion for science were instrumental in inspiring and guiding the students. The course, coordinated by Judith Frutos from ICAEN and Anna Magrasó from IREC, consisted of an introductory session on energy by Lluis Morer from ICAEN, and 14 sessions by IREC researchers from all areas of research, including Alex Jiménez, Marta Miró, Maykel Jiménez, David Payno, Yudania Sánchez, Jacob Andrade and Alejandro Pérez-Rodríguez from the Solar Energy Materials and Systems Department; Alex Morata, Kevin Castelló and Marc Torrell from the Nanoionics and Fuel Cells Department; Andreu Cabot, Yuchuan Ren, Jesus Alejandro Chacón, Lili Gong, Jing Yu and Ke Xiao from the Functional Nanomaterials Department; Sebastián Murcia, Maximiliano Merlo, Elías Martínez, Elena Martín, Alvaro Rolando and Martí Biset from the Energy Storage, Harvesting and Catalysis Department; José Ignacio Rapha, Pol Paradell, Anzhelika Ivanova from the Power Systems Department; Luis Alberto López, Isabella Bulfaro, Maite Etxandi, Dimitrios Lagos and Josh Eichman from the Energy Systems Analytics Department; Angelos Mylonas, Jordi Macià, Elisenda Clèries, Marina Calcagnotto and Joaquim Romaní, from the Thermal Energy and Building Performance Department.
The event also emphasized the importance of promoting scientific and research vocations among young people in fields related to the transition to a new, cleaner, sustainable, and democratic energy model. The course provided students with direct contact with the world of research, helping them assess the possibility of pursuing careers in this field in the near future.
“Bojos per l’Energia” will continue next year, and we look forward to welcoming the next students eager to explore the exciting world of energy research.
A collection of images from the Mad for Science course in 2024 can be found here:
A selection of pictures of the closing ceremony can be found here:
