The 2021 SPIE President’s Award presented to María J. Yzuel

It is with great pleasure that ICFO congratulates Prof María J. Yzuel for her receipt of the 2021 SPIE President’s Award. The award is a recognition from the SPIE President and Board of Directors of her unique and meritorious service of outstanding benefit to the Society, and cites her scientific accomplishments, as well as her enormous influence on the Society through stellar teaching, commitment to diversity, and SPIE leadership roles.

Prof Yzuel is a respected leader and role model in the international Optics community and ICFO has had the privilege to benefit first hand from many fruitful collaborations with her over the years. ICFO’s Director proudly recalls that she lent her positive support in 2000 to the ambitious ICFO project as he strove to launch the institute and has continued to have an impact on ICFO’s mission ever since. Salient examples include her involvement in the Fellowship Awards program for women undergraduate and postgraduate students at ICFO that bears her name, as well as the position she holds today on ICFO’s Scientific Advisory Board. “Maria’s support has been crucial to us in many roles and occasions; we are deeply grateful for her contributions and support and feel extremely happy with her award,” emphasizes Lluis Torner.

"In addition to the many technical accomplishments for which she is rightly renowned, Maria is a warm and inspirational leader, a true role model for scientists everywhere," notes David Andrews, head of nanophotonics and quantum electrodynamics research at the University of East Anglia, and 2021 SPIE President. "Her commitment to teaching and volunteering - as well as ceaselessly encouraging and advocating for others - secures the position of SPIE as a truly diverse and international professional society. As the Society’s incoming President, I stand in awe of her wonderful legacy."

Congratulations Prof Yzuel!