Clivia Sotomayor Torres Wins Bloch Prize 2025, Honouring Excellence in Phononics

One of the most distinguished recognitions in the field of phononics was awarded at the upcoming Phononics 2025 conference: the Bloch Prize, presented to a leading scientist for outstanding and sustained contributions to the science of phononic materials, wave propagation, and related phenomena.

This year, the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is especially honoured, as its Director–General, Professor Clivia Sotomayor Torres, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Bloch Prize.

“Much appreciated recognition of the contributions of my research group and myself to the field of phononics. I am honoured and humbled by such recognition. It puts INL in the international phononics landscape as a reference laboratory. This has been a recognition of collaborative work with several European partners, CNRS in Lille, Dr. Bahram, and VTT in Helsinki, Dr. Jouni Ahopelto.” – Professor Clivia Sotomayor Torres

The award not only recognises her pioneering research and long-standing contributions to the field, but also reinforces INL’s position as a centre of excellence in advanced materials and nanoscale science.

Celebrating the Legacy of Felix Bloch

Named after the eminent Swiss physicist Felix Bloch (1905–1983), the Bloch Prize commemorates a foundational figure in modern theoretical physics. Bloch’s groundbreaking work on wave propagation in periodic media established the framework for classifying materials as metals, semiconductors, or insulators. Today, Bloch theory underpins much of the research in phononic and photonic crystals and remains essential to the development of new technologies.

Felix Bloch was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1952, together with Edward Mills Purcell, for their work on nuclear magnetic precision measurements. He also served as the first Director-General of CERN, exemplifying a career that combined scientific brilliance with leadership.

Inaugurated at Phononics 2011, the Bloch Prize is awarded every two years by the International Phononics Society (IPS). It honours individuals whose career-long research has had a profound and lasting impact on the field of phononics. The award includes delivering the Bloch Lecture at the conference and contributing a Bloch Paper, published alongside the conference proceedings.

Phononics 2025: A Key Event for a Transformative Field

The 7th International Conference on Phononic Crystals/Metamaterials, Phonon Transport, and Topological Phononics (Phononics 2025) took place at Seoul National University, South Korea. The conference brought together researchers from across the globe to share insights into one of the most dynamic and interdisciplinary areas of modern science.

As phononics advances into new domains—from AI-enhanced material design to energy harvesting and vibration control—Phononics 2025 will explore cutting-edge developments in topological acoustics, temporal materials, nanoscale phonon transport, and more. The event also serves as a platform for building synergies between phononics, photonics, and quantum systems, aiming to drive the next generation of materials research forward.

A Milestone for INL and the Scientific Community

INL is proud to celebrate this moment as Professor Clivia Sotomayor Torres, an internationally recognised leader in nanoscience and phononics, receives the Bloch Prize. Her selection is a testament not only to her scientific achievements but also to INL’s commitment to excellence in research, innovation, and collaboration.

This recognition underscores the global relevance of INL’s research and its pivotal role in shaping the future of nanotechnology and advanced materials. As phononics continues to expand its impact across science and industry, INL remains at the forefront—driving knowledge, developing solutions, and training the next generation of scientific leaders.

Check the 2025 Bloch Prize Publication here.

Learn more about Phononics 2025 and the Bloch Prize by visiting the International Phononics Society website.