Rice University chemist Angel Martí has been named a recipient of the Research Corporation for Science Advancement’s (RCSA) Robert Holland Jr. Award, which honors outstanding contributions to research, leadership and mentorship in the sciences. The award, which includes a $5,000 cash prize, commemorates the late Robert Holland Jr., an engineer and corporate executive who served on RCSA’s board of directors.
Established to recognize exceptional scholars within the scientific community, the Holland Award highlights individuals who excel in research and also play a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of scientists. Martí’s recognition reflects his commitment to advancing scientific discovery and fostering talent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“Holland Awardees add critical depth and experience to conversations and collaborative projects aimed at helping more students with interest in science reach their full potential,” said Daniel Linzer, RCSA president and CEO.
Breakthrough research in chemistry and nanostructures
As chair of Rice’s chemistry department, Martí has led pioneering research on the chemistry and self-assembly of nanostructures, laying the foundation for advancements in microscopic materials. His innovative work with photoactive metal complexes has been instrumental in amyloid research, inspiring scientists worldwide to investigate tau, insulin and amyloid islet proteins using metal complexes as investigative tools.
Moreover, Martí’s contributions have expanded the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, where protein aggregation is critical.
“I am honored to receive this award and to join such a distinguished community of scholars,” Martí said. “Our work seeks to unravel the molecular mechanisms behind these diseases, providing new avenues for potential treatments. By leveraging metal complexes, we’re able to explore protein misfolding in ways that were previously unimaginable.”
Beyond his research, Martí has championed expanding access to STEM education. As faculty director of the Rice Emerging Scholars Program, he has worked to support high-potential students from under-resourced backgrounds, equipping them with the tools to transition successfully from high school to college and thrive in STEM fields. His dedication to mentorship has been instrumental in fostering a more inclusive scientific community.
Martí is also a fellow of the American Chemical Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry . His contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the American Chemical Society’s Stanley C. Israel Award, the Outstanding Faculty Service Award from Rice’s Wiess School of Natural Sciences and the Rice University Presidential Mentoring Award.
A distinguished community of scholars
Martí joins two other distinguished scholars as 2025 Holland Award recipients: Kevin Hewitt of Dalhousie University’s Department of Physics and Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz of the University of California, Santa Cruz’s Department of Astronomy. All three honorees will become part of the prestigious Cottrell Scholar community, a network dedicated to advancing research and education in the physical sciences.
The Holland Award recipients will be formally introduced and present their work at the Cottrell Scholar Conference July 16-18 in Tucson, Arizona. The event serves as a platform for scholars to collaborate and discuss innovative approaches to education and research in STEM fields.
“Like Bob Holland, Cottrell Scholars have long been committed to breaking down barriers to STEM education,” said Silvia Ronco, RCSA senior program director. “Our 2023 and 2024 Holland Awardees have already become terrific assets to the community, and we are delighted to welcome Kevin, Angel and Enrico.”
The RCSA is a private foundation dedicated to funding fundamental research in the physical sciences, including astronomy, chemistry and physics. Through initiatives such as the Cottrell Scholar, Scialog and RCSA Fellows programs, the organization fosters engaged communities of early career researchers, promoting collaboration and scientific excellence.