The Director of the IMDEA Energy Institute and Professor of Chemical Engineering at Rey Juan Carlos University, David Serrano, participated on Wednesday, November 12, in the double scientific session for the reception of corresponding academics organized by the physics and chemistry section of the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical, and Natural Sciences of Spain (RAC).

In his inaugural lecture entitled “Plastic waste as an energy resource and source of raw materials,” Prof. Serrano addressed one of today’s major environmental and technological challenges: the sustainable management and recovery of plastic waste.

During his presentation, he highlighted the essential role of plastics in modern life and the difficulty of recycling them due to the complexity of their composition and the presence of multiple additives. In this context, he emphasized the growing interest in chemical recycling processes, which allow the recovery of the material and energy contained in waste, thus contributing to reducing its environmental impact and moving towards a more circular and sustainable economy.

The session also featured a presentation by Prof. Ana María Urtiada Mendia, from the University of Cantabria, who gave a talk entitled “Membrane technology for efficient use of resources.”

At the end of the event, both speakers received a diploma certifying their appointment as Corresponding Members of the Royal Academy of Sciences.

Dr. Serrano, a corresponding member of the Physical and Chemical Sciences Section and head of the energy transition and circular economy area, expressed his gratitude for the appointment, highlighting the “recognition and prestige” of the RAC as an institution.