Avelino Corma: the Spanish chemist chasing a Nobel with clean catalysts
Avelino Corma, XLSemanal 2026 Award winner and Nobel candidate, develops catalysts for cleaner fuels. The tension between applied science and climate scepticism runs through his story.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Avelino Corma: the chemist who turns science into cleaner fuels
"Someone even told me I was selling out to capital." The confession of Avelino Corma, a chemist from Moncofa (Castellón, 1951) and a strong Nobel candidate, reveals the tension between basic and applied science that has shaped his career. Winner of the 2026 XLSemanal Award for Science and Innovation, Corma is the inventor of catalysts that make it possible to produce cleaner fuels, a milestone in the fight against emissions.
Catalysts that change the rules of the game
Corma moves among reactors like a chef among stoves, transforming molecules to estimulante ilegal up chemical reactions with less waste. His patents are key to the energy transition: they allow refineries to produce fuels with a lower carbon footprint. This is not just theory; it is chemical engineering already in use. The scientist recalls that in his circle "turning knowledge into application was frowned upon; some considered it the prostitution of science." That disdainful view of practical innovation has haunted many researchers, but Corma never gave up.
The sceptical echo of an uncomfortable debate
Not everything is applause. While some celebrate his achievements as those of "an eminence in his field", others reduce his work to a "climate scam." The shadow of climate scepticism hangs over any breakthrough that promises to mitigate global warming. Corma embodies the paradox of the scientist seeking real solutions while part of public opinion distrusts the very problem. Can innovation prevail over dogma? The chemist proves it can, but ideological resistance remains.
Related discussions in the forum
"Someone even told me I was selling out to capital." The confession of Avelino Corma, a chemist from Moncofa (Castellón, 1951) and a strong Nobel candidate, reveals the tension between basic and applied science that has shaped his career. Winner of the 2026 XLSemanal Award for Science and Innovation, Corma is the inventor of catalysts that make it possible to produce cleaner fuels, a milestone in the fight against emissions.
Catalysts that change the rules of the game
Corma moves among reactors like a chef among stoves, transforming molecules to estimulante ilegal up chemical reactions with less waste. His patents are key to the energy transition: they allow refineries to produce fuels with a lower carbon footprint. This is not just theory; it is chemical engineering already in use. The scientist recalls that in his circle "turning knowledge into application was frowned upon; some considered it the prostitution of science." That disdainful view of practical innovation has haunted many researchers, but Corma never gave up.
The sceptical echo of an uncomfortable debate
Not everything is applause. While some celebrate his achievements as those of "an eminence in his field", others reduce his work to a "climate scam." The shadow of climate scepticism hangs over any breakthrough that promises to mitigate global warming. Corma embodies the paradox of the scientist seeking real solutions while part of public opinion distrusts the very problem. Can innovation prevail over dogma? The chemist proves it can, but ideological resistance remains.
Related discussions in the forum
- To the forum members of Oviedo · 35 replies
- Boom! Electric cars sweep the board in May, never so many sold in Spain · 22 replies
- Refreshing drinks for the summer · 71 replies
- Kebab Durum = rolled pizza and costs 40-50% less · 20 replies
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (4 replies).
More summaries
-
Does anyone actually know a big Bonoloto winner in Spain?
Forum users debate whether anyone knows a Bonoloto winner and the constant suspicion of rigging in Spain's state lottery draws. Chance or system?
-
Restora de Montó and other paints: which brands are worth it
Pinturas Montó's Restora Professional Premium costs 14 euros for a 4-litre can and no one confirms its quality, compared to Juno, Bruguer or Valentine.
-
Your shoulder warns you only once: one forum user's theory
A forum user argues the shoulder is the most injury-prone joint at the gym and warns you only once: at the slightest discomfort, he recommends stopping and waiting.
-
Man describes his physical decline online and readers push him to the ER
A 34-year-old man describes blood in urine and stool, hypercalcemia and vision loss; the internet pushed him to go to the ER, and he confirms he did.
-
Longevity signals vs early mortality: what your body reveals
Grip strength, rising from a chair without using your hands, and balancing on one leg are linked to longer life. Prolonged loneliness and a sedentary lifestyle work against it.
-
Specialty coffee: a waste of money
A double espresso concentrates enough caffeine to disrupt sleep, and café coffee with sugar and milk delivers the same habit for far less money. Come in and see the numbers.