Polymat – Basque Centre for Macromolecular Design and Engineering (Spain)

Polymat – Basque Centre for Macromolecular Design and Engineering (Spain)

About 

The Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering POLYMAT is an internationally recognized research center of excellence in Polymer Science founded in 2012. The center conducts use-inspired fundamental research on polymer synthesis, processing and characterization, supported by theory and simulation, with the aim of addressing key challenges in energy, sustainability and health. 

Website 

www.polymat.eu 

Location 

POLYMAT is located in San Sebastian (Spain) 

Global rankings, Honours and prizes 

POLYMAT is internationally recognized as one of the leading polymer research centers in Europe and has the strategic objective of consolidating its position among the top three polymer research institutions in Europe. The excellence of the center was formally recognized in 2023 through the award of the María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI). POLYMAT also holds the HR Excellence in Research Award, renewed since its first award in 2017  

Research 

POLYMAT’s research program is structured around six main areas: Polymerization Engineering & Simulation, Polymer Physics and Advanced Manufacturing, Molecular and Supramolecular Materials, Polymers & Energy, Polymers & Health, and Polymers & Sustainability. The research strategy is based on deep expertise in polymer synthesis, polymer physics and theory/simulation, enabling interdisciplinary approaches to global challenges such as decarbonisation, circular economy and sustainable materials development. 

Key Research Facilities, Infrastructure and Equipment 

POLYMAT operates more than 3,000 m² of state-of-the-art laboratory space, recently expanded with two additional floors in the new Ikerbasque building. The center is equipped with advanced facilities for polymer synthesis, processing and characterization, including chromatography, spectroscopy, rheology, microscopy and advanced manufacturing technologies. POLYMAT also benefits from shared high-end equipment through the UPV/EHU General Research Services (SGIKER) and neighboring research centers, ensuring access to cutting-edge infrastructure such as TEM/STEM and advanced AFM systems 

SE4S research area / Supervisors 

Decarbonised energy systems: 

  1. Nerea Casado 
  1. Nicholas Ballard 

Circular Economy: 

  1. Haritz Sardon 
  1. Irune Villaluenga 
  1. David Mecerreyes 

Email contact 

monica.moreno@polymat.eu