Early Academic Pursuits
Gemma Fargas Ribas embarked on her academic journey in the field of Materials Science and Engineering in the late 1990s. She obtained her degree in Chemistry from the University of Barcelona, followed by a Master's degree in Experimental Chemistry from the same institution. Her Master's thesis, conducted at the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy (CMEM) of Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), focused on the thermal shock behavior of yttria-stabilized zirconia. This early research laid the foundation for her future work in materials science and engineering.
Fargas Ribas then pursued doctoral studies at UPC under the guidance of Professor Antonio Mateo and Professor Marc Anglada. Her doctoral research centered on enhancing the mechanical properties of rolled duplex stainless steels, a project funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology and supported by OCAS and ARCELOR's research center. Her thesis received the distinction of "cum laude" and resulted in the publication of fifteen articles in JCR indexed journals.
Professional Endeavors
Following her Ph.D., Fargas Ribas transitioned into an academic career. In February 2009, she joined the CMEM department as a lecturer professor and later achieved the position of associate professor in February 2014. She obtained accreditation as an associate professor from both the Catalan University Quality Assurance Agency (AQU) and the National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation of Spain (ANECA).
Throughout her career, Fargas Ribas has been actively involved in various research projects spanning metallic materials, cemented carbides, titanium alloys, maraging steels, and 3D printing of ceramic materials. She has collaborated with international institutions such as Luleå University of Technology in Sweden and Universidade Federal do Ceará in Brazil, showcasing her commitment to global research partnerships.
Contributions and Research Focus
Fargas Ribas's research contributions are reflected in her extensive publication record, with numerous articles published in high-impact journals. Her research has delved into topics such as the phase transformation in metastable austenitic stainless steels, the effect of thermal treatments on titanium alloys, and the influence of corrosion-induced damage on cemented carbides' properties.
Additionally, her involvement in projects like the AMITIE European Project and the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación grant highlights her dedication to advancing additive manufacturing technologies, specifically in the biomedical and energy sectors.
Accolades and Recognition
Fargas Ribas has garnered significant recognition throughout her career, receiving accolades for her research work and academic excellence. Her contributions have been acknowledged with multiple periods of recognition for research and academic/teaching activity, showcasing her impact and leadership in her field.
Impact and Influence on Strategic Leadership Award
Beyond her research and academic pursuits, Fargas Ribas has made substantial contributions to institutional management and social responsibility. Her roles as assistant director and vice-rector at UPC demonstrate her commitment to fostering research, knowledge transfer, mobility, and promoting gender equality and social inclusion within STEM fields.
The Strategic Leadership Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional vision, foresight, and execution in guiding organizations towards their long-term goals and objectives. Recipients of this prestigious award have distinguished themselves through their ability to formulate and implement innovative strategies that drive growth, enhance competitiveness, and create sustainable value. Their leadership style is characterized by strategic thinking, effective decision-making, and a deep understanding of market dynamics and industry trends.
Legacy and Future Contributions
As she continues to lead research initiatives and academic programs, Fargas Ribas's legacy lies in her interdisciplinary approach to materials science and engineering, her dedication to mentorship and supervision of doctoral students, and her advocacy for societal impact through research and education. Her future contributions are poised to further advance the boundaries of materials science and engineering while advocating for sustainable and inclusive practices in academia and industry.
Notable publications