Miguel A. Blanco (1969–2010) was a Spanish theoretical chemist and crystallographer who made important contributions to the understanding of electron density and chemical bonding in crystals. Based at the University of Oviedo, he worked within a distinguished research group investigating the quantum-mechanical foundations of crystalline materials. His research focused particularly on charge-density topology, interatomic interactions, and the application of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM).
Blanco was a co-author of influential studies on electron-density topology and chemical bonding, including research into group III nitrides and the nature of bond paths as quantum-mechanical exchange channels. His work demonstrated how sophisticated theoretical methods could provide deeper insight into the structure and bonding of crystalline materials.
Although his career was tragically short, Blanco left a lasting scientific legacy. The M.A. Blanco Prize recognizes his contribution to charge-density research and his exceptional promise as a theorist.
The Prize
- A framed Prize Diploma issued by the IUCr with signatures of the Commission Chair and the President of the IUCr, including a short citation explaining the basis upon which the prize has been awarded in relation to the contributions of the winner.
- A 30-minute Award Lecture at the upcoming Sagamore Conference.
- A wide announcement to the community via email, social media, news outlets etc. The announcement of the winner is to be made before the upcoming Sagamore Conference.
- An “Invited Award Paper” in one of the IUCr journals, to highlight the work of the winner.
- Waiver of the registration fee for the upcoming Sagamore Conference.
Eligibility
- This prize is open to any person regardless of national origin, gender, age, etc.
- The nominee should be an “early-career scientist”, typically no more than 10 years from receiving their Ph.D. Family /maternity leave or other delays in a person’s research career can be considered if clearly indicated in the nomination letter.
- Self-nomination or nomination by others are accepted.
- Topics considered for this award fall under “Quantum Crystallography” broadly defined. Specifically, this includes, but is not necessarily limited to, experimental and theoretical determination and analysis of the charge, spin, or momentum densities in crystals and/or in isolated molecules, Quantum Chemical Topology, Bader’s Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM), experimentally constrained wavefunctions or density matrices, etc., with emphasis that could range over fundamental aspects, method development, and/or applications.
- Emphasis will be on originality, high quality, and impact of the work.
Nomination guidelines & procedures:
- A cover letter of at most 2 pages, explaining the significance of the nominee’s research in the context of this award, and the contribution of the nominee to work that was co-authored with others. The innovation and potential impact of the work should be clearly indicated, and the potential of the nominee to become a leading scholar should be addressed.
- A CV of the nominee with a full list of publications.
- Three sample publications that represent the best work by the candidate.
- Up to a maximum of two additional letters of support from recognized scientists in the field.
- All the above material should be sent directly under confidential cover to the Chair of the Commission on Quantum Crystallography, Associate Professor Philip Nakashima (philip.Nakashima@monash.edu), as one pdf file of a reasonable (email-able) size.
- It is the responsibility of the nominator to ensure that the whole package including the letters of support are received by the 30th November 2026 DEADLINE.