María González joins the ICMM as the new Project Manager for the Severo Ochoa and Max projects

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María is, since last 1st September, our new project manager for the Severo Ochoa and Max projects. Madrilenian with an Extremaduran  soul, as she defined herself, and a great lover of reading and countryside walks, she will have the challenge of managing and monitoring this excellence program in which the Materials Science Institute of Madrid (ICMM-CSIC) is recently involved.

Where do you come from?

Born in Madrid, but with an Extremaduran soul, my life has been a blend of city living and countryside experiences. Years of work and study have allowed me to explore different fields within chemistry and research, eventually leading me to the environmental sector, where I specialised and gained the skills I now bring with me.

What have you worked on so far?

Over the past eight years, I have worked simultaneously as a researcher in environmental chemistry and as a manager of research and development projects.

What will you work on? With whom?

I will be in charge of managing and monitoring the Severo Ochoa 2024 excellence project, awarded at the beginning of 2025. I will carry out this work alongside the management team and all the staff at the centre, as everyone plays a part in this project.

This initiative is part of the scientific excellence programs accredited by the Spanish State Research Agency (Agencia Estatal de Investigación, AEI), which recognize research centers and units with international leadership, high scientific impact, and strong capacity to attract talent. The Severo Ochoa program designates institutions as "Centers of Excellence," while MAX-CSIC is a strategic institutional effort aimed at strengthening cutting-edge research within Spain’s science and technology ecosystem.

Why ICMM?

It was my home during my undergraduate final Project, more than ten years ago now. It helped me grow both professionally and personally, so I didn't hesitate to return when this opportunity arose.

What would you like to contribute to the institute?

Beyond my professional abilities, I consider myself a cheerful and fun person, so I hope to contribute to and help strengthen the positive atmosphere already present here.