Four Venezuelan researchers received the 22nd Premio Fundación Empresas Polar Lorenzo Mendoza Fleury for contributions in biology and chemistry, laprensadelara.com reported.
The award recognizes scientific trajectory and innovation across distinct disciplines. A total of 47 candidates were evaluated in this edition, setting a historic participation record for the program.
Ecologist Douglas Rodríguez Olarte of the Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado received recognition for his work in taxonomy, ecology, and the conservation of freshwater fish and river basins.
Biology and Medical Research Honored
The selection committee also honored Dr. Héctor Rangel of the Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas for molecular biology and genomic surveillance of viruses including HIV and SARS-CoV-2, alongside wastewater tracking, laprensadelara.com reported.
Dr. Marcos Sabino of the Universidad Simón Bolívar was recognized for developing biodegradable polymers and regenerative medicine solutions. Dr. Alírica Suárez of the Universidad Central de Venezuela received the award for leading the design and synthesis of bioactive molecules targeting cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
An anonymous peer-nomination process fed into the evaluation. A multidisciplinary committee comprising Rafael Almeida, Néstor Áñez, and Francisco López Carrasquero from the Universidad de Los Andes; Gloria Buendía from the Universidad Simón Bolívar; Gladis Magris from the Centro de Investigaciones de Astronomía; Jafed Nassar from the Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas; and Neptalí Romero from the Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado determined the unanimous verdict.
Lorenzo Mendoza Fleury Award Honors 107 Scientists
The Lorenzo Mendoza Fleury award has distinguished 107 scientists across 44 years of uninterrupted history, laprensadelara.com reported. Young laureates from national and international science olympiads attended the ceremony as part of an effort to highlight the next generation of researchers.
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