The Spanish Association of Scientists (AEC) has honoured Professor Josep M. Guilemany (Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering) with the AEC's Honorary Plaque 2011. The ceremony will take place on the occasion of the Association's annual dinner on 25 November. The AEC award is given to individuals and companies that have excelled for their research achievement in basic or applied science and technological innovation. In this case the AEC emphasizes Guilemany’s contribution to the research of materials and «his outstanding contributions to the beginnings of electronic microscopy applied to metallurgy in Spain». According to the association, the researcher’s work is also remarkable in the areas of coatings technology and plasma technology.

Josep M. Guilemany is the Director of the UB Thermal Spray Centre (CPT) since its creation in 1994. Among the priority goals of the CPT there is research in the engineering of new surface coatings to prevent corrosion, wear or impact by means of thermal spraying and other techniques. Using these technologies, advice on technology and the constant collaboration with the world of industry to achieve a higher level of competitiveness and obtain quality products and services are some of the reasons that have brought us to an active cooperation with industries internationally. Besides, since 1999 there has been collaboration with Chinese research groups too, and this is why Professor Guilemany is recognized now with this award.

The CPT has a leading activity in the State regarding the development of technologies to obtain coatings. It is a centre of technological innovation within the TECNIO group of the Generalitat of Catalonia. Josep M. Guilemany is the author of numerous scientific articles of international cover in the field of materials engineering and received the City of Barcelona Award for technology research as well.