20 July 2026
Mayu Kamisono, a visiting PhD researcher at CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, has been distinguished with the Poster Prize Award at the XVIII International Postgraduate Summer School on Green Chemistry, held from 6 to 10 July 2026 in Venice, Italy.
The distinction, awarded in memory of Prof. Pietro Tundo, recognises outstanding scientific contributions presented during the international summer school, which brings together early-career researchers and leading experts to discuss innovative approaches towards more sustainable chemistry.
Mayu received the award for her poster entitled “Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Selective Recovery of Platinum Group Metals from Spent Automotive Catalysts”, presenting research focused on sustainable strategies for recovering critical raw materials from end-of-life automotive catalysts. The work contributes to the development of greener separation processes and supports circular economy approaches for the recovery and reuse of valuable platinum group metals.
“I am truly delighted that the research from my PhD studies was recognised through this poster presentation. I feel this recognition is thanks to my supervisor in Japan, Professor Goto, as well as Professor Nicolas and Professor Coutinho at CICECO, who support my research every day. I used to lack confidence in presenting in English, but through daily discussions with Professor Nicolas I was able to build valuable experience in expressing scientific ideas in English, and I believe this award is very much a result of that,” says Mayu Kamisono.
The International Postgraduate Summer School on Green Chemistry, organised by the Green Science for Sustainable Development Foundation in collaboration with PhosAgro, is an international training event dedicated to advancing green chemistry principles and fostering the next generation of researchers committed to sustainable innovation.
During the event, Mayu also highlighted the value of the scientific exchange and international environment created by the summer school.
“Throughout this summer school, leading professors working at the forefront of green chemistry came together and gave us young researchers a series of truly valuable lectures. I was also able to discuss research with the early-career researchers I met, and after classes we explored Venice together. I feel that I built meaningful relationships that go beyond professional connections,” she says.
The award highlights the international relevance of research addressing sustainable resource recovery and reflects the strong collaboration between CICECO and Kyushu University, Japan, where Mayu’s PhD research was developed. This recognition stands as a testament to the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing sustainable materials and technologies that address global environmental challenges.
More about the event: https://www.greenchemistry.school/
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Nicolas Schaeffer
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