Exploring matter under extreme conditions
Miriam Peña Álvarez, Center for Science at Extreme Conditions, School of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Edinburgh
Monday, 29 June 2026, 12.00 PM
ICMAB - Sala d'Actes Carles Miravitlles and ONLINE (Register here)
Abstract
Many intriguing phenomena in nature occur under conditions very different from those at the Earth's surface. Our research at the Centre for Science at Extreme Conditions (CSEC), University of Edinburgh, focuses on the fundamental behaviour of molecular systems under extreme conditions, with implications for geochemistry, planetary science, and the development of novel functional materials. Pressures exceeding one million atmospheres and temperatures of hundreds to thousands of degrees govern matter deep within planetary interiors. Using the diamond anvil cell, we recreate these conditions directly in the laboratory. In this talk, I will give an overview of our research interests and some of our latest results, including the abiogenic formation of hydrocarbons from carbon minerals and hydrogen, and the synthesis of hydrogen-rich superconductors.
Short bio
Dr. Miriam Peña Alvarez is a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow and Reader in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh. She is also a member of the Centre for Science at Extreme Conditions.
With a background in condensed matter chemistry, Dr. Peña Alvarez specializes in high-pressure experimental research. Using diamond anvil cells, she investigates fundamental physical and chemical processes in atomic and molecular systems under extreme pressure and temperature. Her work advances our understanding of matter at extreme conditions relevant to planetary science and novel material design.
She earned her PhD in Advanced Chemistry from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid in 2016, graduating Cum Laude and receiving the Premio Extraordinario.
Hosted by Paula Mayorga, from the Nanomol-Bio group (Materials for Health Research Line)
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