At just 19 years old, Maitane Alonso Monasterio has achieved an important event in the scientific community. He recently won the first prize in Sustainability and the second in one of the most important competitions in microbiology, science and technology in the world. The competition was held in Phoenix, Arizona, and was organized by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The prize was given to him by an invention that was created by chance - a food preservation machine. His success has been so great that NASA has also turned its eyes on Maitan and named it an asteroid. This experience speaks to us more and more about Maitan in this interview.

What did you feel about receiving these awards?

It was quite surreal, since I have been working in the Corner of the house for years, but it was nice to see the international recognition. However, I have always thought that rewards are minimal. Finally, from my point of view, the most important thing is to continue working with everyone, through research, to improve our society a little.

How did you come up with this invention?

It seems a little strange, but the idea came about because my dad really likes to barbecue and we're 5 at home but he cooks the whole town as a pretty guest and we always had plenty of food left over. And one day when I was having a leftover burger at breakfast, I said to myself, "What am I doing?" Then I researched and realized that nowadays we dump about a third of the world's production for conservation issues. This was a scary fact, especially considering that people are starving. That's why I decided to start researching.

What is the invention?

The invention is a new method of food preservation, which extends the shelf life of products, reducing the use of chemicals, which can have adverse effects, even if used too much. In addition, the use of plastic in all households would be reduced. We live in a climatic emergency; therefore, it is important to try to reduce the use of plastic. This would also help prevent disease related to conservation, because we are ultimately eating.

What was the process like once you created it and then made it known?

It was quite a surprise. I created it to stop eating my dad's burgers, but once the machine was created, we started using it at home, checking its safety and availability. My family and my neighbors convinced me to start participating in these scientific competitions and I started at the Elhuyar Science Fair in Bilbao.

I went for scientific outreach and spent the day, so we finally have so much information that sometimes it seems we are misinformed. It's easy to believe the first thing we see, and I thought it was important to approach people of all kinds of research, whether they are independent scientists, because science is, after all, for everyone.

The project won the first prize and I went to the Barcelona State Championship. There he also received the first prize and the honorable mention of the jury. This brought me to Chile last year, where I was represented at the World Exhibition. It was awesome to meet so many people here, excited to change society through research.
I also had the pleasure of being with NASA, and this year the project also competed at the national level, receiving the highest award, and as a result I participated in the World Science and Technology Championships held in Phoenix, Arizona. There, the machine received a second prize in microbiology and a first prize in sustainability at Arizona State University. That's why they'll call my name an asteroid.
 

Do you have enough support to help the young scientist?

Because of what I've experienced, it is much more promoted in countries like the United States. There is a lot of young people here doing research and they are not given a voice to tell the world. Thus, many great ideas are left in the path only because of lack of support. It is therefore very important to proclaim this in order to change the situation.
How would you encourage young scientists to move on with their ideas?

When you try to make a change in our society, the first response you receive will be rejection. Then I would encourage young people specifically to pursue their dreams, despite the obstacles and obstacles they encounter along the way. And besides that, to continue with their paths and their very favorite, because doing what you enjoy is priceless. Then, if you come to improve people's lives, there is nothing more that can satisfy you.

You are now 19 years old. How do you see yourself in 30 years?

I would like to finish my medical studies, specialize in oncology, at the same time I would like to do a PhD in research and work as a clinical doctor and I would like to take part in laboratory research, developing improvements to a better world. And above all, being true, the most important thing for me is to continue to maintain the excitement that has moved me so far, and that in my opinion the world is moving.

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