Interview with Dr. Tomás Soria Biurrun—Winner of the Alloys Travel Award

We are extremely honored to announce that Dr. Tomás Soria Biurrun has been awarded the 2026 Conference Travel Award by Alloys (ISSN: 2674-063X)!

This Travel Award will cover the expenses for Dr. Tomás Soria Biurrun to attend the WorldPM2026 conference held in Canada, where he will present his latest research findings and engage in in-depth exchanges and cooperation with foreign experts.

Name: Dr. Tomás Soria Biurrun
Affiliation: CEIT—Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Spain
Research interests: Cemented Carbides, Multicomponent alloy binders, Critical Raw Materials, Thermodynamic modelling, Recycling of cemented carbides

The following is a short interview with Dr. Tomás Soria Biurrun:

Could you please briefly introduce your research interests? What inspired you to pursue this research field?
My main research interests lie in the field of cemented carbides, the design of new multicomponent alloy binders, and the study of their sintering behavior and mechanical performance. Part of my work focuses on using thermodynamic and kinetic modelling tools to design and optimize alloy compositions and predict phase equilibria during processing. I was drawn to this field because it combines fundamental materials science with strong industrial relevance.
How has receiving this award impacted your career? What are your future plans?
Receiving this award has increased the visibility of my work within the cemented carbides community. It has strengthened my confidence in pursuing advanced alloy design strategies and has opened new opportunities for collaboration.
In the future, I plan to continue developing innovative binder alloys for cemented carbides, combining experimental work with computational design. I also aim to expand collaborations with both academic groups and industrial partners to accelerate the development of next‑generation hard materials.
Have you encountered any difficulties during your research, and how did you overcome them? What do you think is the secret to a fulfilling research life?
Working with complex multicomponent alloys often brings challenges such as controlling composition, understanding phase transformations, and achieving reproducible sintering behavior. I have overcome these difficulties by combining careful experimental work with thermodynamic modelling, which helps guide alloy selection and interpret microstructural evolution. Collaboration with colleagues and industry partners has also been essential.
I believe that curiosity, persistence, and a collaborative mindset are key to a fulfilling research life. Being open to learning from others and integrating different approaches makes research both productive and enjoyable.
Which research topics do you think will receive particular attention from the research community in the coming years?
In the field of cemented carbides, I expect several topics to gain significant attention. One of the most pressing issues is the increasing concern around critical raw materials, particularly tungsten and cobalt. The current high price and supply chain vulnerability of WC are pushing both industry and academia to explore alternative materials and recycling strategies.
I also see growing interest in applications related to the nuclear and defense sectors. These areas demand materials with exceptional thermal stability, radiation resistance, and mechanical robustness. As a result, research on microstructure control, high-temperature performance, and advanced sintering routes will continue to expand.
Overall, sustainability, strategic materials, and high-performance applications will shape much of the research landscape in the coming years.
Do you have any other suggestions on how the Alloys journal can further support young researchers and the academic community?
The journal could further support young researchers by promoting Special Issues dedicated to early-career scientists. Strengthening the connection between academia and industry through thematic issues or invited perspectives would also be valuable.
What are your thoughts on the open access (OA) publication model?
Open access is essential for ensuring that scientific knowledge is widely available, especially for researchers or institutions with limited access to subscription journals. It increases visibility, accelerates dissemination, and promotes collaboration. At the same time, it is important to ensure that publication fees do not become a barrier for early-career researchers. When accessibility and quality are balanced, OA is a very effective model for advancing science.