PhD student Sergio Perez was recognised for his active engagement in science policy and diplomacy with an Outstanding Achievement Award.

The award is given annually by Imperial College London to recognise and commend outstanding achievement in any extramural activity that brings credit to the College. 

Sergio has been actively involved in science policy and diplomacy alongside his studies, serving as Ambassador for Science for the Spanish Embassy. Whilst in this role he collaborated with the Political Counsellor of the Embassy to explore new perspective in policy-making and organised high-profile visits for Spanish diplomats to the College to highlight the role of Spanish students and researchers in the College and across the British Higher Education landscape.

In addition to this role Sergio has served as Director for Science Policy at the Society for Spanish Researchers in the UK.  He coordinated two submissions to the Science and Technology Committee in the House of Commons which detail issues relating to Brexit and researchers’ ability to collaborate across countries. He also organised an ideas lab workshop for researchers to debate Spanish science policy.

Sergio said upon receiving his award: "It's very humbling to receive this distinction from Imperial College London, and I would like to dedicate this award to the inspiring people at the Society of Spanish Researchers in the UK and the Spanish Embassy in London. It has been a sheer pleasure to work with all of them at the interface between science, politics and diplomacy."

Sergio is currently completing a PhD at the interface between Applied Mathematics and Engineering, co-supervised by Professor Jose A. Carrillo, Department of Mathematics, and Professor Serafim Kalliadasis, Department of Chemical Engineering. His research focuses on the construction of finite-volume numerical methods to be applied in fluid dynamics and related fields.

His future plans include continuing his collaboration at the Society of Spanish Researchers in the UK, while also entering in his last year of PhD. For his future career Sergio aims to keep influencing evidence-based policies as he progresses in his engineering and scientific roles.