Emilia Matallana i Alba Moncho, at the presentation of the mural

Emilia Matallana is one of the most prominent Spanish researchers in the field of biochemistry. Professor at the University of Valencia, she was born in Sagunto in October 1961 - she will turn 63 on the 24th - and from today she is, if possible, more of a prophet in her land. It is thanks to the inauguration at the IES 5 in his hometown of the new mural with which the Universitat Politècnica de València and the Valencia City Council, through Valencia Innovation Capital, want to pay tribute to him for his scientific career, within the framework of the Dones de Ciència project.

The mural is the work of the artist Alba Moncho “Abymoncho”. In it, the central portrait of Emilia Matallana stands out, on a background made up of wine yeast cells - her field of research - and different laboratory utensils, such as PCR tubes, flasks and a tube shaker labeled with the word yeast. All this with a color palette in which the color wine predominates, which acquires a great symbolic load.

“For me, participating in this project has been a great illusion. I discovered “Dones de Ciència” as a student in the mural painting classes at the Faculty of Fine Arts, and to be able to be part of it Now, along with so many other women whom I admire, it is something very special. Furthermore, having had the opportunity to meet and speak with Emilia, who is a wonderful person, makes this an unforgettable mural for me,” Alba Moncho highlighted during the inauguration.

The event was attended by the vice-rector of the UPV, José Francisco Monserrat, accompanied by the mayor of Sagunto, Darío Moreno; the Councilor for Education, Raúl Palmero; and María Jesús García, academic secretary of the Faculty of Biological Sciences of the University of Valencia, where Emilia Matallana has developed her professional career, both teaching and researching.

With the mural inaugurated today there are now 39 that fill with art, science and technology in feminine schools and institutes such as IES 5 in Sagunto, thanks to a project that is helping to make visible women of reference in their respective fields, such as Emilia Matallana and Alba Moncho. Politècnica de València (UPV) and Valencia Innovation Capital- Valencia City Council, has the collaboration of the FECYT-Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.