For forty years, SCI has supported and recognised the excellence of early career scientists, by aiding their studies in the form of an SCI Scholarship.
Since 1985 more than 80 scholarships have been awarded which have not only given the recipients financial assistance, but have enabled them to broaden their network, and strengthen their skills and knowledge. SCI Scholars receive access to publishing and mentoring opportunities and are given a platform to present their work amongst esteemed scientists and industrialists, raising their profile within the scientific community.
Gonzalo Larrabure was awarded an SCI Scholarship in 2024. At the end of their scholarship, SCI Scholars present a report to SCI. Read on to find out what he has done in his first year as an SCI Scholar.
"During my first year, I ran an experiment that applied this methodology to two particles extracted from a chalcopyrite (copper-containing ore) leaching system comprising three mineral-packed columns arranged in series. Despite the small number of particles considered for this study, it led to a publication in the Minerals Engineering journal (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109359), in which I introduced my experimental and analysis methodology.
"With SCI’s support, I am currently running a similar study on a greater number of particles, which will help generate conclusions that are more representative of the process and the conditions used. I expect the results of this second experiment to be insightful, as they will lead to understanding how the surface of the particles changes during the process. I plan to begin drafting a manuscript containing these results in the coming months.
"Additionally, the support provided by SCI enabled me to travel to the XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress (IMPC) in Washington, DC in September–October 2024, where I gave a talk showcasing results from my first two years in the PhD. For this presentation, I received the Young Author Award, which honours one of the best technical papers by an author younger than thirty. This was a unique experience to both present my work and to expand my network. I consider that this experience was meaningful and enriching, and I would like to attend a conference next year to present late-stage results from my PhD.
"Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude towards SCI for allowing students from diverse personal and academic backgrounds to further pursue their research interests and to take advantage of opportunities to connect with people from around the world."
Gonzalo Larrabure
PhD Student
Imperial College London
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