This state award is presented in recognition of 40 outstanding dissertations from the past academic year.

Dr. Aitziber Iturmendi as presented with the award on December 5, 2018 in Vienna.

Her dissertation was titled: POLYPHOSPHAZENES WITH STIMULATED DEGRADATION PATHWAYS

The dissertation focused on polyphosphazenes and synthetic polymers based on phosphorus and nitrogen atoms that are stable in normal environments but dissolve quickly when they come into contact with mild biological stimuli. The polymers are intended for use as degradable medical materials.