The UCAM has been included with three of its researchers in the prestigious Stanford University's Ranking of the World Scientist, which recognises the 2% of the world's most influential scientists in their respective areas of knowledge. They are Dr María Cuartero and Dr Gastón Crespo, co-directors of the first chemical sensor unit in Spain, and the recently deceased Dr Vicente Gómez†, an expert in the field of food technology.

'The three scientists highlighted in this ranking have an excellent track record at international level and have implemented lines of research of interest to society at UCAM. ‘I would like to highlight, in this case, the important research career, as well as the personal and professional stature of Dr Vicente Gómez†, recently deceased, one of the researchers highlighted in this ranking. His scientific legacy, as well as his personal trail, will always be with us', said Estrella Núñez, UCAM Vice-Rector of Research.

Leadership in food technology: Vicente Gómez†

Vicente Gómez has been one of the leading researchers at UCAM, specialising in Food Technology. From 2017 to this year he has been recognised in the Stanford ranking for his contributions in food preservation through emerging technologies. Gómez revolutionised food treatment research with his work using light pulses, a technique that reduces the microbial load and prolongs the shelf life of food. His 2007 review article on this method is the most cited paper in the world in this field.

In his latest research, he not only used this technique in food preservation, but also applied it to improve water purification of emerging contaminants through his participation in the European Life Clean Up project. By combining different degradative processes with pulses of light, he was able to eliminate around 90% of the substances found in wastewater, mainly pharmaceuticals and phytosanitary products. He was also a pioneer in the use of pulsed light technology for the degradation of pollutants from the textile industry. In recent years he created the Research Group Green and Innovative Technologies for Food, Environment and Bioengineering at UCAM, where he was Principal Investigator.

Innovation in chemical sensors: María Cuartero and Gastón Crespo

Meanwhile, María Cuartero and Gastón Crespo, who joined UCAM three years ago, have stood out for the first time in this ranking for their research and development of advanced chemical sensors. These devices measure everything to optimise sports performance, from lactate to glucose in patients in Intensive Care Units. They have also developed technologies for monitoring phosphates in water and the concentration of ions such as potassium and sodium in plants. In addition, their research is a pioneer in the manufacture of sensors using 3D printing. 'At UCAM-SENS we are pursuing chemical digitisation in different areas.

We are making great progress in the study of health by means of microneedles, as well as in the environment with submersible platforms, two subjects of interest to the Region of Murcia,' explained Crespo. 

Since their arrival at UCAM, researchers Cuartero and Crespo have achieved international recognition through several publications that have been on the cover of high-impact scientific journals, such as Analytical Chemistry; outstanding articles such as Hot Papers (most read of the month) and the approval of new prestigious European projects such as IRHIS. In addition, Dr. Cuartero has received several awards and nominations in recent years, such as ‘World's Best Young Researcher of the Year 2022’ by the journal Chemosensors, or the appointment as president-elect of Division 1 of the International Society of Electrochemistry. 'Recognition in the form of awards and appearances in rankings increase the international visibility of the research we undertake at UCAM-SENS, positioning us as leaders in the field of chemical sensors. All this is thanks to great teamwork. We are currently more than 30 researchers working collaboratively in Murcia and Stockholm,’ explained Cuartero.