Seven Colombian students were recognised for outstanding contributions to astronomy, astrochemistry, and astrobiology at the Workshop on Research Frontiers in Astrochemistry and Astrobiology
During the recent workshop Exploring Research Frontiers in Astrochemistry and Astrobiology: Perspectives from Colombia, held in Santiago de Cali, the EuroCol Julio Garavito Award was formally presented to six outstanding Colombian students, along with an honourable mention, in recognition of their significant contributions to scientific research, outreach, and education in astronomy-related fields.
Organised in collaboration with Europlanet and the Sir John Mason Academic Trust and aligned with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (2025), the award celebrates academic excellence and fosters early-career development in Colombia. Each of the six awardees received a monetary prize of one million Colombian pesos, with their projects spanning topics from astrochemistry and astrobiology to ethnoastronomy and science communication.
Awardees and Honourees
1. David Santiago Duque Castaño
“Machine-assisted classification of potential biosignatures in Earth-like exoplanets using low signal-to-noise ratio transmission spectra”
For contributions to computational astrobiology, developing AI tools to detect biosignatures in exoplanetary spectra, pushing the boundaries of life detection beyond the solar system.
2. Jhoan Alejandro Londoño Restrepo
“More π, please: What drives the formation of unsaturated molecules in the interstellar medium?”
For theoretical advances in interstellar chemistry, elucidating mechanisms for the formation of unsaturated molecules and expanding our understanding of molecular complexity in space.
3. Karla Palacio García
“Ancestral Skies of the North of Colombia”
For contributions to ethnoastronomy, preserving Wayúu astronomical knowledge and emphasising the integration of indigenous cosmologies with modern science.
4. Eva Méndez Robayo
“Chemical modeling of methanol as an extragalactic shock tracer”
For astrochemical innovation, modelling methanol as a diagnostic tool for shocks in distant galaxies, aiding the study of dynamic extragalactic environments.
5. Rosa Alejandra Reyes Quiñones
“Proto-biotic Evolution of the Wood–Ljungdahl (WL) Pathway in Hydrothermal Environments during Early Life of the Archean Eon”
For work in theoretical astrobiology, proposing an integrative model linking geochemistry and metabolism during the early evolution of life on Earth.
6. Sofía Guevara Montoya
“Astronomy in Colombia: a bibliometric perspective”
For bibliometric research, mapping the development of astronomy in Colombia and offering data-driven insights to guide academic policy and collaboration.
Honourable Mention: Felipe Ortiz Ferreira
“RECA Education: An initiative to bring astronomy to Colombian schools”
For excellence in science outreach, coordinating nationwide programmes that promote astronomy education and inspire future generations.