Biography

Ion Olazabal graduated in Chemistry from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) in Donostia, between 2014 and 2018. His bachelor's thesis focused on synthesizing water-dispersible isocyanate-free polyurethanes and their application in self-healing materials based on supramolecular ionic interactions. To develop this work, he was awarded an Ikasiker scholarship. Later, in 2019, he completed a Master's in Chemistry and Polymers, specializing in polymers. His master's thesis studied the depolymerization of various types of polyurethanes. In 2023, he completed his PhD, researching chemical depolymerization through organocatalysis of various commodity polymers, including polyurethanes, polycarbonates, and PET, with the aim of developing more efficient and selective methods. Currently, he is working as a researcher in the Materials + Technologies Group (GMT) at the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering of UPV/EHU.