EMU Research Excellence Medals 2025

collageThe EMU Medal Committee is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2025 Research Excellence Medals: Prof. Julie Cosmidis (University of Oxford, UK) and
Prof. Alberto Vitale Brovarone (University of Bologna, Italy).

Prof. Julie Cosmidis is honored for her works on biomineralization and its role in recording microbial activity through geological time.

Prof. Alberto Vitale Brovarone is recognized for his outstanding research on high-pressure petro-mineralogy, deep carbon cycling, and abiotic hydrocarbon formation in subduction zones.

Congratulations to both laureates on their exceptional contributions to mineralogical sciences!

Feedback from EMU Travel Grants Recipients 2025

Feedback EMU travel grantsWe are pleased to share the reflections of EMU travel grants recipients at international conferences in summer 2025.

Lisa Tagliacollo (University of Ferrara, Italy), who presented at the Goldschmidt 2025 Conference in Prague, shared:

“The Goldschmidt conference proved to be an exceptionally valuable experience, where I gained a wealth of new knowledge and, despite my initial shyness, actively engaged with fellow researchers, truly opening myself up to new perspectives. This engagement significantly broadened my professional network, laying a strong foundation for numerous promising future collaborations.”

Nana Assam (University of Oulu, Finland), reflecting on her participation at the International Clay Conference in Dublin, said:

“The opportunity to present my PhD research at the AIPEA XVIII International Clay Conference in Dublin was an exciting one. My presentation focused on the thermo-mechanical activation of Finnish clay for use as an SCM as a way of improving sustainability in construction. I quite enjoyed my time in the lovely city of Dublin, and I am grateful to the EMU for the travel award which supported my attendance at the conference.”

Trung Nguyen (University of Umeå, Sweden), also attending the International Clay Conference, expressed:

“Attending ICC2025 in Dublin was a truly enriching experience, where I gained valuable insights into the diverse research and applications of clays and engaged in inspiring discussions. Especially, the conference greatly motivated me in my own research, and I was also honoured to receive the Best Oral Presentation Award for my research. Big thanks to EMU.”

EMU Research Excellence Medal Ceremony – Goldschmidt 2025

We are proud to share that during the Goldschmidt 2025 Conference (6–11 July, Prague), the EMU Research Excellence Medal 2024 was formally awarded to two outstanding scientists:

Dr. Martha Pamato and Dr. Jakub Plášil

The medal ceremony recognized their significant scientific contributions and the international impact of their research.
Congratulations to both medallists for this well-deserved recognition from the European Mineralogical Union!
We look forward to seeing more of their remarkable work in the years to come.

Marta Giovanna Pamato, Isabelle Daniel, Jakub Plášil

Marta Giovanna Pamato, Isabelle Daniel, and Jakub Plášil


Isabelle Daniel, Marta Giovanna Pamato

Isabelle Daniel and Marta Giovanna Pamato


Isabelle Daniel, Jakub Plášil

Isabelle Daniel and Jakub Plášil

EMU Travel Grant Recipients 2025

We’re delighted to highlight the participation of three of our young colleagues at major international conferences this summer:

Lisa Tagliacollo (University of Ferrara, Italy) presented at the Goldschmidt 2025 Conference, held from 6–11 July 2025 in Prague, Czech Republic. Her talk shed light on the unique geological features of VMS deposits in Northern Italy, sparking engaging discussions among geochemists and mineralogists attending the session.

Nana Assam (University of Oulu, Finland) contributed to the International Clay Conference, held from 13–18 July 2025 in Dublin, Ireland, with a presentation on the Performance of Thermo-mechanically Activated Finnish Clay: Analysis of Reactivity, Chemical and Mineralogical Changes.

Trung Nguyen (University of Umeå, Sweden) also presented at the International Clay Conference with his work on Cation-Exchange Reactions in Nontronite − Indicator for Water Reservoir and Active Geochemical Processes on Mars. We are especially proud to share that Trung was awarded the Student Oral Presentation Prize for his outstanding contribution.

Below are some moments captured during the conferences:

Lisa Tagliacollo (University of Ferrara, Italy)

Lisa Tagliacollo (University of Ferrara, Italy)


Nana Assam (University of Oulu, Finland)

Nana Assam (University of Oulu, Finland)


Trung Nguyen (University of Umeå, Sweden)

Trung Nguyen (University of Umeå, Sweden)

EMU Awards Spotlight at Goldschmidt

Gold-2025The European Mineralogical Union is pleased to share the presentation schedule for our 2025 EMU Awardee Presentations at Goldschmidt 2025 in Prague.

The EMU Research Excellence Medals will be presented to:

  • Prof. Martha G. Pamato
    Lecture: Imperfections in mantle minerals and the fate of volatiles in the deep Earth
    When: Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 09:15–09:30
    Where: South Hall 3B (3rd Floor), Prague Congress Centre
    Session: 02e – Diamond: Chronicles of the Mantle
  • Dr. Jakub K. Plášil
    Lecture: Uranium mineralogy and crystallography: perspective field or a dead-end?
    When: Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 14:30–14:45
    Where: Chamber Hall (3rd Floor), Prague Congress Centre
    Session: 05b – Processes relevant for the safe disposal of nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel [Session in honour of Florie Caporuscio]

EMU Travel Award Presentation:

  • Lisa Tagliacollo
    Title:Unusual mineralisations in ophiolite-related Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide deposits from the Modena Province (Northern Italy)
    When: Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 10:45-11:00
    Where: South Hall 2B (2nd Floor), Prague Congress Centre
    Session: 05K – New advances in metallogenesis from magmatic-hydrothermal to basinal environments and their applications to exploration and metal recovery

EMU lecture – Marta Giovanna Pamato

Marta Giovanna Pamato
The EMU invites you to an on-line lecture of the 2024 EMU Research Excellence Medal recipient, Dr. Martha Giovanna Pamato from the Department of Geosciences, University of Padua, Italy.

The lecture will be held on April 11, 2025 at 2 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. CET on-line via Zoom.
Please register in advance at registration Zoom link and you’ll immediately receive a direct link to the meeting.

Title: “The role of imperfections in mantle minerals to understand the origin of Earth’s water“

Abstract:
Water is an essential ingredient for life and a ubiquitous component at the Earth’s surface. Although it seems obvious to have water on Earth, its origin is still an unresolved mystery in Earth and planetary sciences. Yet, answering this question is fundamental to assessing the evolutionary history and modern structure of Earth and constrain the conditions for Earth-like planets to form.
Comparing Earth’s original deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio (D/H) with those of Solar System objects can constrain the provenance of water. However, this is a difficult task as Earth is an active planet and its D/H value might have significantly changed since its formation. To explain the origin of Earth’s water, its primordial D/H ratio needs to be determined, and this can be achieved by finding a deep mantle reservoir that remained unaffected over geological time.
Studying diamonds and their imperfections (related to the presence of H) may be the key as they are inert and robust time capsules resisting breakdown for over billions of years and can help elucidate whether H2O was already present in the deepest regions of our planet since its formation or whether it was transported to the Earth’s interior at a later stage through subduction.
This presentation will provide an overview of past and current findings on the role of imperfections in mantle minerals, with a focus on H in diamonds as a key to unravel the origin of Earth’s water.

You can also join the event page on Facebook.

EMU Research Excellence Medals 2024

EMU medal
The 2024 EMU Research Excellence Medal is awarded jointly to Dr. Martha Pamato and
Dr. Jakub Plášil.

Both are outstanding scientists whose scinetific research has significantly advanced their respective fields: Dr. Martha Pamato is recognized for her studies on the crystallography of deep Earth minerals and their geophysical signatures, while
Dr. Jakub Plášil’s work on uranium-bearing minerals has deepened our understanding of their complex crystal chemistry and environmental mobility of uranium in the geosphere.

For their exceptional scientific contributions and the international impact of their research, the EMU Medal Committee proudly honors Dr. Martha Pamato and
Dr. Jakub Plášil with the 2024 Research Excellence Medal of the European Mineralogical Union.

EMU lecture – José Alberto Padrón-Navarta

José Alberto Padrón Navarta
The European Mineralogical Union Medallist Lecture for 2023 will be given by Dr José Alberto Padrón Navarta on Friday 15th November at 3.00 pm (central European time).
The lecture will be hosted by Prof. Diego Gatta, vice-President of the EMU.

This is an online-only event and can be joined, free of charge, by registering here: zoom link.

Title: “Redox Influences on Fluid Dynamics and Dehydration Processes in Subduction Zones“

New Volume of EMU Notes in Mineralogy

EMU Notes in MineralogyThe latest volume of EMU Notes in Mineralogy, Volume 21, titled “Chemical Geodynamics of the Earth’s Mantle: New Paradigms“, edited by Costanza Bonadiman (University of Ferrara, Italy) and Elisabetta Rampone (University of Genoa, Italy), is now available as Open Access on our website.

You can view and download individual chapters by following this link. Alternatively, you may order a paper copy online now.

EMU is committed to securing funding to continue offering future volumes of EMU Notes in Mineralogy in an open access format.

EMU Travel Grant Recipients 2024

We’re pleased to share some moments from the recent European Mineralogical Conference EMC 2024 in Dublin, where our talented young researchers, who were awarded the EMU Travel Grant, presented their interesting works.

Check out the gallery below:

Alice Taddei (University of Firenze, Italy)

Alice Taddei
University of Firenze, Italy


Yuri Galliano (University of Genoa, Italy)

Yuri Galliano
University of Genoa, Italy


Ena Topalovic

Ena Topalovic
University of Zagreb, Croatia


Zhengzheng Chen (GFZ, Germany)

Zhengzheng Chen
GFZ, Germany

Congratulations to all for their outstanding contributions!

We look forward to seeing more from them in the future!

End of the 37th EMU Council

photo-emc2During the 37th EMU Council meeting, held publicly at the Burke Theater of Trinity College Dublin on August 20th, new members of the executive committee were elected.

Prof. Ewa Słaby has transitioned to the role of EMU Past-President, succeeding Prof. Michael Carpenter.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Ewa handed over the presidency to the newly elected EMU President,
Prof. Isabelle Daniel.

The EMU extends its gratitude to Prof. Ewa Słaby and Prof. Michael Carpenter for their exceptional guidance and leadership.

Invitation to the 37th EMU Council Meeting

37 CMThe EMU is pleased to invite all member societies to attend the 37th EMU Council Meeting of the European Mineralogical Union, which will take place during the European Mineralogical Conference (EMC 2024) in Dublin.
This important meeting is open to everyone.

Meeting Details:
Date: Tuesday, 20 August
Time: 13:00 (Irish Standard Time, GMT+2)
Location: room 1 – Burke Theatre

The detailed agenda is in the PDF.

Your participation is crucial for the continued success and governance of the EMU.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Key Lectures at the EMC 2024 in Dublin

The EMU invites you to attend two outstanding lectures of the EMU Medallists at the upcoming European Mineralogical Conference (EMC 2024) in Dublin.

Plenary Lecture by Jakub Kierczak
Date and Time: Friday, 23rd August, 8:30 – 9:00 am
Title: Ultramafic geosystems: a source of metallic elements to the environment
Speaker: Jakub Kierczak, EMU Research Excellence Medallist 2022

Keynote Presentation by José Alberto Padrón-Navarta
Date and Time: Tuesday, 20th August, 3:00 – 3:40 pm
Session: 26/28
Title: Redox Dehydration in Subduction Zones
Speaker: José Alberto Padrón-Navarta, EMU Research Excellence Medallist 2023

EMU Research Excellence Medal 2023

Jose-2024-narWe are delighted to announce the recipient of the EMU Research Excellence Medal 2023 – Dr. José Alberto Padrón-Navarta (Andalusian Earth Science Institute IACT, Granada, Spain).

Dr. Padrón-Navarta has achieved remarkable success in the fields of mineralogy and petrology, offering groundbreaking insights into the cycle and fate of volatiles through Earth’s subduction zones.

Congratulations, Dr. Padrón-Navarta, on earning this prestigious award in recognition of your exceptional contributions to Earth sciences!