Prof. Martha G. Pamato, Associate Professor at the Department of Geosciences, University of Padua, has been awarded the 2024 Research Excellence Medal by the European Mineralogical Union (EMU). This recognition is given for outstanding contributions in the fields of mineralogy and crystallography.

Academic profile and research activities

Prof. Pamato obtained her PhD in 2014 from Bayreuth University, Germany. After completing postdoctoral appointments at international institutions, she was awarded a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions fellowship, enabling her return to Italy after 11 years abroad. Her previous recognitions include the Ugo Panichi Prize from the Italian Society of Mineralogy and Petrology (SIMP) in 2018, and she is currently the recipient of an ERC-Starting Grant. 

Research focus

Prof. Pamato’s research addresses the crystallography of minerals from the Earth’s deep interior and their geophysical implications. Using techniques such as high-pressure X-ray diffraction and Brillouin spectroscopy, she has significantly advanced understanding of seismic velocities at the base of the Earth’s transition zone. Her most recent work investigates diamonds as tools to extract reliable information on volatile elements and their behavior in the deep Earth.

Recognition by the scientific community

This medal highlights the significance of Prof. Pamato’s contributions, which combine cutting-edge experimental approaches with important implications for geophysics and geochemistry. Her work also demonstrates a strong commitment to the training of young researchers and active participation in initiatives promoting science.

Further details are available at EMU official website