In May 2026, the academic, scientific, and industrial communities gathered for a warm and massive farewell tribute to Professor Mario Díaz Fernández, Emeritus Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Oviedo. The event celebrated his monumental contributions over more than 45 years, serving alongside the official presentation of the commemorative book «50 Years of Chemical Engineering in Spain: A Tribute to Professor Mario Díaz» (50 años de Ingeniería Química en España: homenaje al Profesor Mario Díaz).
The Founder and Visionary of Our Research Group For our department, Professor Mario Díaz is, above all, the founder and long-standing leader of our research group. For over 40 years, his vision, scientific rigor, and mentorship have shaped generations of chemical engineers, researchers, and PhD students—having personally directed 46 doctoral theses. Under his guidance, the group became a pioneer in bioprocesses, wastewater treatment, and environmental biotechnology.
Professor Díaz was the chief promoter responsible for establishing specialized food technology and engineering education at the University of Oviedo over three decades ago. To permanently solidify the relationship between university science and the regional economy, he fostered and served as the Director of the Chair of Agro-Food Industries and Processes (Cátedra de Industrias y Procesos Agroalimentarios), driving critical innovation in food design, biological materials, and recycling.
Director of the IQPA Cluster Beyond the laboratory walls, Professor Díaz has been a key architect of Asturias’ industrial strategy. He is the Founder and Director of the Association and Cluster of Chemical and Process Industries of Asturias (IQPA), a role he has championed since its inception to promote collaboration, decarbonization, and sustainability among major regional and multinational companies.
An Unmatched Scientific Legacy His tireless work is backed by extraordinary achievements:
Author of more than 450 scientific publications and book chapters (including over 300 in prestigious SCI journals).
Author of globally recognized textbooks such as «Ingeniería de Bioprocesos» (Paraninfo).
Inventor of 7 process patents and creator of two spin-off technology companies (EBTs).
Former Vice-Rector of Research at the University of Oviedo, President of the Spanish Society of Biotechnology, and current President of the Asturian Academy of Science and Engineering (AACI).
The emotional tribute brought together university authorities, industrial leaders, colleagues, and former students. While he steps down from daily duties, his legacy remains the very foundation of our group’s identity.
Event Gallery
To look back at the most emotional moments, speeches, and attendees from this historic tribute, visit our dedicated media section:
Click here to view the full photo gallery of the tribute event
