Manuel was elected Full Member (Académico de Número) of the Young Academy of Spain (AJE), an institution that brings together leading early- and mid-career scientists with the goal of strengthening the role of science in society and shaping science policy in the country. His appointment was approved on June 16th during an extraordinary meeting of the Academy’s General Assembly. Out of 123 applicants, only ten were selected through a highly competitive process involving an independent international committee composed of renowned scientists from a range of disciplines. The Young Academy of Spain serves as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, advice and collaboration, aiming to promote scientific talent and contribute to the public and institutional visibility of younger researchers in Spain.