The distinction, approved by the UNMSM University Council in December 2025, highlights the personal and professional merits of the Spanish scientist, his scientific excellence, and his work in promoting chemistry, as well as his commitment to research in Peru and Latin America.
The ceremony took place on October 12th at the Chapel of Our Lady of Loreto in the San Marcos Cultural Center, attended by the Rector of UNMSM, Jeri Ramón Ruffner de Vega, and other academic authorities.
During the event, Mario Ceroni Galloso, a professor from the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at UNMSM, emphasized Professor García Martínez's contributions to the design and application of advanced materials, particularly catalysts that improve industrial efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions. García Martínez has published over 150 articles and holds 30 patents, many of which have been licensed for industrial exploitation.
The professor, who also directs the Molecular Nanotechnology Laboratory at UA, has received accolades from institutions such as the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chinese Chemical Society. In his acceptance speech, he expressed his emotion at joining the honorary community of the 'Decana de América' and highlighted science's potential to transform Peru's natural wealth into innovation and development opportunities.
García Martínez underscored the fundamental role of chemistry in creating higher value-added products from resources like copper and lithium, recalling the legacy of pioneers such as Mariano Eduardo de Rivero y Ustáriz. He also highlighted his contribution to Peru's accession to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) in 2025, facilitating cooperation and professional development for Peruvian scientists.
In his message to the younger generation, he encouraged young people to broaden their academic horizons, learn from international researchers, and return to their countries to apply their acquired knowledge. He cautioned about the importance of preserving critical thinking, curiosity, and human collaboration in the face of artificial intelligence advancements.
