Smart livestock technologies win the Jaume Blasco Innovation Award
The 30th International Congress on Project Management and Engineering (CIDIP / ICPME 2026) recognised some of the most outstanding scientific contributions presented during this year’s edition through the Jaume Blasco Innovation Award, the Young Researcher Award, and the AEIPRO Young Workshop Award, honouring scientific excellence, technological innovation and the promotion of emerging research talent.
The awards were announced by Francisco Zamora Polo, Secretary of the Scientific Committee, chaired by Francisco Ortega Fernández, during the closing ceremony held at the Real Club Náutico de Castellón.
Jaume Blasco Innovation Award
(€1,000)
Award-winning paper
Implementation of a low-cost IoT network for monitoring NH3, humidity, and temperature in sheep pens.
Authors
- Ian Frega Molina
- Elena Heras-Romanos
- Enrique Samperio
- Eduardo Manchado-Pérez
University of Zaragoza
The research presents the development of a low-cost IoT-based environmental monitoring system designed to improve animal welfare in intensive sheep farming. Using ammonia (NH3), temperature and humidity sensors, together with custom-developed software for data acquisition and management, the system provides continuous monitoring of environmental conditions inside lamb pens.
The study, carried out under real farm conditions, demonstrates a consistent vertical ammonia concentration gradient, with significantly higher values recorded near the animals’ breathing zone. The findings provide valuable guidance for sensor placement and support better decision-making within the framework of Livestock 4.0 and Precision Livestock Farming, contributing to improved animal health and welfare.
The award was presented by Mladen Vukomanović, President of the International Project Management Association (IPMA), and received by Ian Frega Molina, from the University of Zaragoza.
Honourable Mention – Jaume Blasco Innovation Award
(Free registration for the next Congress)
Recognised paper
Data-driven prediction of syngas quality in downdraft gasifiers using artificial neural networks.
Authors
- Daniel Chuquin Vasco
- Carlos Cepeda Godoy
- Diana Aguirre Ruiz
- Diana Aguay Saquicaray
The Honourable Mention was presented by M. Socorro García Cascales, President of AEIPRO – IPMA Spain. The award was collected by Juan Ignacio Torregrosa López, on behalf of the authors, who were unable to attend the ceremony.
Young Researcher Award
(Free registration for the next Congress)
Award-winning paper
Methodology based on historical data for the optimal selection of pumps in existing off-grid photovoltaic installations.
Authors
- Juan Manzano Juárez
- César González Pavón
- C. Virginia Palau Estevan
- Iban Balbastre Peralta
- Rosa M. Llácer Iglesias
The research proposes a methodology for optimising pump selection in existing stand-alone photovoltaic installations using high-resolution historical energy production data. The approach improves the utilisation of available solar energy without increasing installed photovoltaic capacity, enhancing the overall efficiency of water pumping systems.
By analysing different multistage pump configurations together with actual photovoltaic energy availability, the methodology estimates operating times, annual pumped water volumes and several energy performance indicators. The proposed approach provides a practical decision-support tool for improving pumping efficiency in agricultural and rural environments.
The award was due to be presented by Francisco Ortega Fernández, Chair of the Scientific Committee, although it could not be collected during the closing ceremony.
Honourable Mention – Young Researcher Award
(Free registration for the next Congress)
Recognised paper
An AI-assisted approach for marine spatial planning and water uses management projects in complex coastal areas.
Authors
- David Mateo Fouz Varela
- Ahsan Hussain Khan
- Rodrigo Carballo Sánchez
- Borja Álvarez Fernández
- Manuel Marey Pérez
The Honourable Mention was presented by José Luis Yagüe Blanco, Secretary of AEIPRO – IPMA Spain, and received by David Mateo Fouz Varela.
AEIPRO Young Workshop Award
The AEIPRO Young Workshop Award recognises the best participant in the workshop «Your Idea in 60 Seconds», delivered by Paola Alvizuri during the opening day of the Congress. The workshop focused on strengthening young researchers’ scientific communication skills through the elevator pitch technique, helping participants communicate their research clearly, concisely and effectively.
Winner
- Yuleisy Pichardo
The award was presented by Ana Fernández Guillamón, Coordinator of AEIPRO Young.
In addition to these awards, the closing ceremony also included the presentation of the General Council of Official Associations of Industrial Engineers Award and the AEIPRO Awards for the Best Master’s Theses (TFM). Information about these awards is available in other news articles published on this website.
The 30th International Congress on Project Management and Engineering (CIDIP / ICPME 2026) was held from 7 to 9 July at Universitat Jaume I in Castellón de la Plana. Organised jointly by AEIPRO – IPMA Spain and Universitat Jaume I, the Congress brought together more than 200 delegates from 20 countries and featured 271 scientific contributions—224 papers and 47 posters—once again reinforcing its position as one of the leading international forums for knowledge exchange in project management and engineering.
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