Nearly half a century after beginning his studies, Prof. Javier LLorca was honoured at his Alma Mater, the Technical University of Madrid (UPM) last Friday, as he was added to the university’s School of Engineering (Caminos UPM) Hall of Distinguished People.
Prof. LLorca was recognised as a pioneer in computational materials engineering, with his portrait now hanging among some of Spain’s famed scientists, engineers, politicians, entrepreneurs, writers, etc. who graduated as Civil Engineers from the school, founded in 1802.
He was introduced at the event by Caminos UPM Director, Prof. José Miguel Atienza, Director of the Department of Materials Science, Prof. Francisco Gálvez, and by IMDEA Materials Director, Prof. Jon Molina.
During the ceremony, Prof. Atienza remarked: “Today, as we place his photograph in this Hall, we are not only recognising his objective merits. We are recognising a way of understanding the profession of university professor: rigorous, committed, open to the international sphere, and deeply aware of the ethical dimension of engineering and research.”
“Javier has represented for many years a very particular way, and one that is uncommon in our environment, of understanding research. In a sense, he has been a researcher with a profoundly international mindset, strongly influenced by the American academic model, with everything that entails: high standards, meritocracy, intellectual ambition, and a great intolerance for mediocrity.”
“This has led him, on more than a few occasions, to go against the grain and confront the inertia of the Spanish university and scientific system. And surely that path has not always been easy. I correct myself, it has certainly been very difficult. But my impression, seen with the perspective of time, is that after many battles and not a few frustrations, overall he has won.”
“You have won, Javier.”
During his speech to mark the occasion, meanwhile, Prof. LLorca noted next year would mark the 50th anniversary of the start of his association with the UPM as a then 17-year-old student. In doing so, he highlighted the significance of the honour, given his long history with the institution.
After completing his bachelor’s studies in 1983, Prof. LLorca completed his doctorate at the university in 1986, before beginning his teaching career in the Department of Materials Science in 1987.
In 1995, he was named a Full Professor. 12 years later, he would go on to be the founding Director of IMDEA Materials Institute, where he has held the position of Scientific Director since 2017.
In 2023, LLorca was awarded the Leonardo Torres Quevedo National Prize in Engineering and Architecture by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, before becoming the first Spanish scientist to receive the Morris Cohen Award of The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society in 2024.
Last year, he was recognised by the Community of Madrid with the Research Prize Miguel Catalán 2025 for his scientífic career.
In receiving that award, he was noted as: “a pioneer in the systematic application of computational tools and multiscale simulation strategies for the design and processing of structural materials.”
