The Izaña Atmospheric Research Center is Named in Honor of Emilio Cuevas
AEMET’s Governing Board officially renames the center “Izaña Atmospheric Research Center – Emilio Cuevas” in recognition of the career of the scientist who transformed Izaña into an international benchmark in atmospheric research.
On 9 July 2026, an institutional ceremony was held to officially rename the Izaña Atmospheric Research Center as the Izaña Atmospheric Research Center – Emilio Cuevas, establishing a permanent tribute to the scientist who devoted much of his professional career to the development of the center and played a decisive role in transforming it into an internationally recognized reference for atmospheric observations and climate change research.
The new name recognizes the outstanding contributions of Emilio Cuevas, who served as Director of the Center from 1999 to 2023. His scientific vision, leadership, and commitment to public service drove the transformation of the historic Izaña Observatory into one of the world’s leading centers dedicated to atmospheric composition monitoring and climate change research.
The ceremony was attended by the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Sara Aagesen; the President of the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), Alicia López Rejas; the AEMET Regional Delegate for the Canary Islands, David Suárez; the Director of the Izaña Atmospheric Research Center, Carlos Torres; as well as representatives from various public institutions, colleagues, collaborators, family members, and friends of Emilio Cuevas, all of whom gathered to pay tribute to his scientific and personal legacy.
During the ceremony, special emphasis was placed on Emilio Cuevas’ remarkable contribution to strengthening atmospheric research in Spain and enhancing the international standing of the Izaña Atmospheric Research Center. Under his leadership, the center consolidated world-class scientific programmes, strengthened its participation in the leading international atmospheric observation networks, and promoted the development of new scientific and technological capabilities, positioning Izaña among the world’s reference observatories for monitoring atmospheric composition and climate change.
Beyond his scientific achievements, those who worked alongside him highlighted his personal integrity, generosity, ability to build and inspire teams, and his firm belief that science should serve society. His leadership fostered a strong and committed scientific community whose work continues to advance our understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere and climate system.
With this decision, Emilio Cuevas’ name will forever be linked to the center he helped build and establish among the world’s most prestigious institutions in the field of atmospheric research. This recognition stands as a tribute to an exceptional scientific career and to a lifetime dedicated to knowledge, international cooperation, and public service.
The Izaña Atmospheric Research Center – Emilio Cuevas will continue its work guided by the same spirit of scientific excellence, innovation, and international collaboration that characterized the career of the scientist whose name it now proudly bears. His legacy will remain alive in every research project, every atmospheric observation, and every scientific advance that contributes to a better understanding of the atmosphere and to addressing the challenges of climate change.
Figure 1. Unveiling of the commemorative plaque bearing the new name of the Izaña Atmospheric Research Center – Emilio Cuevas and view of the attendees at the institutional ceremony held on 9 July 2026.
