Connexion EN 2 2023 N6 – Connexion Exolum

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IN THIS ISSUE

PUBLISHED BY

Exolum

MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION

Mavi de Lamor
José Antonio Galán

CONSULTANCY, EDITING AND DESIGN

ATREVIA Publicaciones

In this issue we hear from

Diego Abajo
Halima Achab Touil
María Jesús Álava Reyes
Mario Arroyo
Martyn Bazen
María Catalán
Amie Clark-Glendinning
Julie Cloutier
Bose Fujamade
Guillermo García de Marina
Wioletta Maria Garstka
Ethan Hall
Bardul Islam
Jorge Lanza
Julio de Moreta
Antonio Pinargote
Adolfo Remesal
Andrés Suárez
Joselyn Ulloa

Editorial

Moving the World Together

“Our new slogan concentrates in one sentence the relevant role that Exolum plays in society”.

Faced with the unavoidable global need to make a sustainable energy transition, the Exolum strategic plan launched three years ago set out some clear goals for the diversification of our business with the ambition of being relevant and actively contributing to ensuring the planet’s future. The purpose we defined was: “We create innovative solutions to improve the world”.

The last few years of uncertainty have only emphasized the value of the work we do every single day at Exolum and our fundamental role in the fuel and essential chemicals supply chain as we connect supply and demand. Throughout these complicated years, we’ve also learnt that the energy transition is more of an opportunity for us than a threat. The fuels of the future will be different. They’ll be more sustainable and many of them will require the development of new infrastructures which Exolum aims to build and operate. After analysing a number of different opportunities over the last three years, it has become clearer and clearer to us the main role we wish to play as we accompany

the industry through the process of decarbonization to guarantee the planet’s economic and social progress.

In order to better reflect this reality, we have reworked two intangible assets that must guide our day-to-day at Exolum: our purpose and our company slogan.

“We contribute to the progress of a sustainable society by developing and operating infrastructures necessary for the mobility and industry of the future” is the evolution of our purpose because it more accurately represents what our company is setting out to do in the future: be the logistics of the new sustainable energy vectors and accompany the decarbonization of mobility.

And we’re going to do so by contributing and fostering the development of new energies (advanced biofuels generated from waste as well as green hydrogen and its derivatives) so as to help decarbonize forms of transport which are not easily electrified such as aviation, heavy people and goods transport, and maritime transport.

‘Making the world move’ is our new brand slogan which concentrates Exolum’s relevant role in society and the one we seek to continue performing in the future all in just one phrase. We’re the key to facilitating the day-to-day of millions of people and companies.

And we shall do all of this without losing sight of the activities we undertake at our facilities and airports in the present which enable this sustainable mobility all while contributing to better daily living for people everywhere and meeting the industry’s needs in a responsible way, always keeping safety in mind and promoting services that are more and more respectful of the environment.

I am thrilled to share our updated slogan and purpose with our amazing Exolum family in the hopes that all of you will feel represented and filled with pride. Thank you for ‘Making the world move’.

Jorge Lanza

CEO Exolum

About us

WE MOVE ON

Continuing to Grow! We began operating at the fuel terminal in Shannon, Ireland

We took one step further in our internationalization strategy with the start of operations at the Shannon airport (Ireland) where we handle fuel management and into-plane fuelling. Thus, we’ve consolidated our presence in the country since we’re also present at the Dublin international airport.

We’ve reinforced our international presence in a sector where we have immense experience: aviation fuel supply. Exolum Aviation has begun managing the fuel storage terminal at the Shannon airport in Ireland for a period of two years after winning the international tender called by the Shannon Airport Authority.

Diego Abajo

Terminal Manager of the Dublin and Shannon airports

“We’re now managing the two main airports in Ireland and it’s a good opportunity to prove our organization’s high standards to the rest of the world”

Diego Abajo, Terminal Manager in Dublin and Shannon, relayed the significance of being awarded this contract: “It’s an important step as it means the solidification of our company in Ireland. We’re now managing the two main airports in the country and it’s a good opportunity to prove our organization’s high standards to the rest of the world.”

Our colleague explained that Shannon is a rather unique airport. “We receive the fuel at the facility directly from tankers, we handle all the storage and delivery work and we’re the only into-plane fuelling service for the various airlines operating at that terminal.”

What Shannon is like

The Shannon airport offers trans-Atlantic, European and British passenger and cargo flights. This year, it will be operating 35 routes to 11 countries. “It’s the final airport out of Europe before crossing the Atlantic and scheduled operations are just as important as non-scheduled operations: technical stops to refuel before crossing the ocean to the United States,” says Diego.

The storage terminal is a strategic site with the capacity for more than 42,000 m3 and a hydrant system.

A united team

Diego Abajo emphasizes the importance of the work done by all departments at Exolum involved when it came to being awarded the international tender. “From Operations, HSSE, Sales, Finance, Legal Affairs… There are so many, and I’m probably forgetting some, but all the departments and all of our people have done their own bit to get this airport running. Working without a team is impossible”.

An interesting fact that dates back to the Cold War

The Shannon airport has got nine tanks and was separated into two facilities during the Cold War between the former USSR and the United States: each one serviced one of the blocs. “Now everything’s unified. But we continue to have two separate hydrant lines: one was originally designed for the Soviet side, which is known as the ‘red line’, and then there’s the other one, the ‘white line’, which supplied the United States,” Diego Abajo revealed.

WHO WE ARE

2022 Results: Growing and Moving Forward

Our CEO, Jorge Lanza, presented the 2022 results, the Growth Plan and the Exolum ESG Framework Plan. Our company is improving its results all while reinforcing its commitment to diversification and the energy transition.

Exolum results in 2022 significantly improved in comparison to the previous two years, which were immensely affected by the pandemic. Driven by the recovery in mobility, international business and new biofuel services, EBITDA totalled 533 million euros, which is 13.2% more than in 2021.

Moreover, our diversification has led to more balanced results. 28% of all revenue came from outside Spain with the aviation sector accounting for 32% of the business.

One of the main challenges of the year was managing changes in the supply chains as a result of EU sanctions on imported products from Russia. However, our logistics network has proven to be highly resilient and we’ve resolved all these issues without making any impacts on our end customers.

As for new business, Exolum has implemented projects to develop transport and storage infrastructures for the sustainable fuels and chemical products of the future. The most immediate projects are centred on next-generation biofuels such as SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel). With a more long-term view, we’re developing initiatives related to the green hydrogen and derivatives value chain, such as ammoniac.

We’ve also passed a new Framework ESG Plan which focuses on moving towards a sustainable energy transition, maintaining operational excellence and corporate governance aligned with best practices.

Exolum in 2022

EBITDA:
€533 million
(+13.2%)

OPERATING INCOME:
€944 million
(+10.7%)

28% of all revenue comes from OUTSIDE SPAIN

THE AVIATION SECTOR accounts for 32% of all business

OPERATING EXPENSES:
€410 million
(+ 7.7%)

INVESTMENTS:
€100 million

Making the world move': We've Updated our Company Slogan and Purpose!

We’re excited to share the evolution of our company purpose and slogan. Both concepts summarize our reason for being, our present and, above all, our future: continuing to perform a key role in the planet’s economic and social progress.

Exolum facilitates the lives of millions of people every day. We’re connecting the supply and demand of a great variety of liquid products, especially fuels and chemicals. And we’ll continue doing so for many years because we see the energy transition as an opportunity. We’re getting ready to manage the fuels of the future as many of them will require new infrastructures which, with our experience, we can build and operate.

Our slogan: 'Making the world move'

Concentrates the relevant role we play in society in just one phrase. Exolum facilitates the mobility of millions of people every day and we’ll continue doing so in the future, actively collaborating on the energy transition.

Our aim:

‘We contribute to the progress of a sustainable society by developing and operating infrastructures necessary for the mobility and industry of the future’

Summarizes what we are and where we’re going. Our goal is to continue performing our present activities in a safer and more sustainable way all the time, and become the logistics company for new energy vectors by driving the development of new energies such as advanced biofuels and green hydrogen, in addition to collaborating with the decarbonization of difficult-to-electrify transport such as aviation, heavy transport and maritime transport.

We want to celebrate this new slogan with everyone as it fills us with pride and presents us to society as the essential, responsible and innovative company we are.

Excitement and Music on our 1st Exolum Day

Celebrating brings people together. That’s why we had fun on 1st March sharing all the emotions of celebrating the first two years since we began this phase as Exolum. Because we’re in different countries and speak different languages, but we all share the same feeling.

From Spain, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Holland, Germany, Panama and Ecuador. All of our colleagues were able to participate in our 1st Exolum Day either in-person or remotely to enjoy and be an active part of an event filled with magic, music and joy.

We’re connected

The event began with greetings from places like Santovenia (Spain), Aldermaston (United Kingdom), Mannheim (Germany) and Ecuador. Together, we shared the sensations experienced from all corners of the world where the Exolum family is found. We were also able to see a moving video made by people from the company reflecting why we feel so proud of who we are: one Exolum. Additionally, there were words of motivation and thanks from Jorge Lanza, our CEO; Jorge Guillén, Spain Region Lead, and Nacho Casajús, NWE Lead.

And plenty of magic and music to go around. Illusionist and World Magic Award winner Jorge Luengo surprised everyone with all sorts of tricks leaving our mouths wide open in a very relaxed atmosphere with lots of humour.

Music just has to be a part of any celebration and ours came from Aldo and Nick, who composed the official song for this 1st Exolum Day in a very participatory way: according to people’s preferences as voted live. At the end of this exciting day, we were gifted with a very special version of the famous song ‘Viva la Vida’ by the British band Coldplay, which was personalized with a few of the messages we shared.

It was a day to celebrate with excitement the dedication, professionalism and commitment shown by everyone. It was a One Exolum day. Thanks so much for participating. We look forward to seeing everyone at the next Exolum Day!

Would you like to see it all again? Relive the 1st Exolum Day on the Exolum Channel on the Contigo portal

Green Hydrogen: Investing in H2Vector

We’ve entered the shareholding structure of H2Vector, a start-up that specializes in green hydrogen and which will allow us to move forward with the search for new energy solutions linked to decarbonization and the new energy vectors.

We’ve invested in the technology start-up H2Vector, which provides energy solutions to facilitate society’s decarbonization and electrification with support from renewable hydrogen.

Among other activities, H2Vector produces innovative and compact equipment to store energy in the form of hydrogen, which will help us better understand how to manage this technology.

Entering the shareholding structure of H2Vector is a part of our Open Innovation plan. We’re looking for emerging companies that offer innovative solutions in projects developing new energy vectors such as green hydrogen, biofuels and synthetic fuels, energy storage, sustainable mobility and the circular economy.

Andrés Suárez, Global Strategy & Innovation Lead at Exolum (to the left in the photo) and Miguel Ángel Ocando, CEO of H2Vector, have signed the agreement. For our Global Strategy & Innovation Lead, this is “one more step in Exolum’s strategy to be a relevant player in the development of new energy vectors, as well as an opportunity to support the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem”.

For Miguel Ángel Ocando, “Exolum’s investment will make it possible to accelerate our technological developments. We are pleased to have established this relationship with an industrial partner with recognized experience and with whom we share the same values, mission and goals.”

Recognizing the Team that Made the Oman Project Possible

The team that participated in the logistics infrastructure construction project in Oman from 2012 until the end of 2022 was paid homage in recognition and thanks for their efforts. Our CEO, Jorge Lanza, emphasized “Good work was done from the very beginning. Oman was our first Greenfield, and it helped us learn and grow.” The team received a totem symbolizing the Oman facility with our pavilion all the way up at the top. Congratulations to all of you who made this success possible!

PARTICIPATING

We Attended the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK Dinner

The Embassy of Spain in London was the setting for the annual Chamber of Commerce of Spain in the United Kingdom Patrons’ Dinner. Nacho Casajús, NWE Lead, attended the event in representation of our company which has an outstanding presence in the country.

José Luis Bonet, President of the Chamber of Commerce, and Antonio Garamendi, President of the CEOE, also attended the dinner along with the executives of the major Spanish companies operating in the United Kingdom.

Defending a Fair Ecological Transition

Our President, Rosa García, attended the event ‘Energy 2023: Towards a New World Energy Map’, organized by Expansión, to discuss the challenges of the energy transition. “If we want to achieve a fair ecological transition, we must include all technologies, particularly in sectors which are going to be hard to electrify,” she said.

Supporting the Development of New Energy Vectors

Key issues for companies were debated at the event ‘2023: The Decisive Moment for the Next Generation’, organized by El Economista. Rosa García, our President, told everyone present that “Exolum wants to accompany society through the energy transition process by committing to the development of new energy vectors such as advanced biofuels, synthetic fuels and hydrogen and its derivatives”.

The Role of Energy Infrastructures

The infrastructures roundtable at the event 20 IESE Energy, organized by IESE and Deloitte, featured the participation of Jorge Lanza. Our CEO spoke of the resilience of Spanish infrastructures, the role of strategic energy reserves and the infrastructures needed to transport the new energy vectors such as hydrogen and methanol.

Debating the Future of Green Hydrogen

We sponsored and participated in the 2nd Business Forum ‘The Future of Green Hydrogen’, organized by El Economista. Andrés Suárez, Global Strategy & Innovation Lead, explained our ambition of being a reference in the storage and transport of hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives. Our expert also participated in the Repsol Foundation webinar ‘Green Hydrogen in Mobility’ which introduced what will be our first hydrogen refuelling station for mobility in Madrid.

OUR EXPERT

JIG: The Guardians of Aviation Safety

By Mario Arroyo,
COE of Aviation in Spain Region and JIG Inspector

You have most likely heard of JIG (Joint Inspection Group) at Exolum because we’re members of this organization. Our expert explains the importance of this entity, which has been working since the 1970s so all processes associated with aviation fuel are safer.

One of our company’s strategic cornerstones is safety. That’s why we’re a part of the Joint Inspection Group (JIG), the world’s leading organization for the development of aviation fuel supply standards. JIG covers the entire supply chain from the refineries to the aircraft. Their high standards are so prestigious they’re followed by companies that are members of the organization as well as those that are not.

What is the main objective of JIG?

The JIG mission is to increase aviation safety throughout the world and extend the scope of its standards to more organizations handling aviation fuel. Likewise, it helps companies’ operational excellence programmes through registration for its Inspection Programme. And all of this is done to achieve greater safety.

When was the organization founded and by who?

It was founded in the early 1970s out of cooperation by the major oil companies. In 2002, JIG as we know it today was constituted: a public limited company open to members. It was founded as a non-capital company that was guaranteed by so-called ‘Guarantor Members’ which are now the multinational companies BP, Chevron, ENI, ExxonMobil, KPC, Shell and Total. It’s a non-profit organization that’s open to companies involved in the business of handling jet fuel, guaranteeing that all revenue is re-investing in work to support the publication and adoption of its standards.

Who is on the JIG team?

Led by Mark Newstead as General Manager, the JIG team is made up by Ibon Ibarrola, a former Exolum colleague, Lee Taylor, Andrea Wixey and Samantha Neal.

How many members does it have and which organizations support JIG?

Organizations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), of which we are a strategic partner, have been supporting JIG standards since 2001, just as Airline for America (A4A) since 2018. JIG has got 120 members in more than one hundred countries around the world. Approximately 45% of all the world’s jet fuel is supplied through the 2,750 facilities that meet JIG standards.

What is their work method?

Their technical work is done by committees and work groups comprised of JIG members who volunteer to be nominated or chosen for these groups.

How often are these standards updated and who complies with them?

JIG standards are applied to members in addition to being available for any operator that wishes to apply them. The JIG Operations Committee, comprised of experts from the member organizations, updates the JIG 1, 2 and 4 standards every five years. Updates are necessary when technology changes or when inspector reports indicate improvements are needed.

What excites us

EXOLUM-LIVE

New Photovoltaic Plants in Algeciras and Barcelona

As part of our commitment to energy efficiency, we’re working on two new projects aimed at self-consumption and reducing our emissions. Added to the photovoltaic plant in Algeciras and the expansion of the Barcelona plant are other projects such as the one in Hallen, United Kingdom.

Adolfo Remesal, O&M Control Operations Lead, explains that the Algeciras and Barcelona projects “are two initiatives that help reduce our emissions and the costs of our energy bill in addition to strengthening our environmental commitment with the port authorities and society, all in line with international ESG requirements”.

In Algeciras, the project is comprised of three phases and will produce more than 220 MWh in useful self-consumption power. This will ensure the supply of 100% renewable energy, which is the equivalent of nearly 14% of the total electricity consumption at this facility. The supply of energy from this new plant will prevent more than 27 tonnes of CO₂ from being emitted into the atmosphere each year. The project is in an advanced stage and the final construction phase will be completed in the final quarter of 2023.

Adolfo Remesal
O&M Control Operations Lead

In Barcelona, we’re expanding our photovoltaic plant which will offer a final self-consumption power of 96.63 MWh. This project will allow us to save more than 13 tonnes of CO₂ from being emitted into the atmosphere.

Adolfo Remesal gave some background on both projects. “In line with our commitment to protecting the environment, we’ve endorsed the Best Environmental Practices agreements at the ports where we operate.” The objective is for our facilities to have a clear focus on enhanced environmental management.

Projects in Huelva, Poblete and Arahal

Besides these projects, there are others on the horizon. “The photovoltaic plant in Huelva is built and in the final connection and commissioning phase. We’ve just secured the construction permit for the Arahal plant with assembly work set to begin shortly, and we’re finalizing the Poblete plant authorization process,” says Adolfo. These projects, along with the Mora plant in Toledo which went into production in February 2022, will make it possible to produce approximately 10% of Exolum’s total energy consumption in Spain with solar energy.

The construction and commissioning of clean energy production plants is a part of our sustainability strategy as we aspire to become a zero-emissions company by 2040, and have invested more than 32 million euros in environmental projects in Spain in the last three years.

Photovoltaic plants help reduce our emissions

Martyn Bazen,
NWE Technology Lead

SOLAR PANELS AT THE BRITISH HALLEN TERMINAL

At the Hallen terminal in western England, we’re developing our first photovoltaic project in North West Europe. The solar panels will be installed on land belonging to the terminal and will be connected by cable to the electric system at the nearby pumping station in Berwick Wood, which is one of the company’s most strategic since it helps supply the Gatwick and Heathrow airports. As explained by Martyn Bazen, NWE Technology Lead: “76% of the energy produced will be supplied to Berwick with the surplus exported to the grid”. This new photovoltaic plant is expected to be finished in the final quarter of the year with an investment totalling more than 770,000 pounds.

MEETING...

“The diversity of our team is impressive”

Julie Cloutier joined Exolum last March as the NWE People Lead. Born and raised in Quebec (Canada), she has extensive and prestigious experience in human resources in various sectors. We’d like to welcome her with this interview and take advantage of the opportunity to get to know a little more about her talent and vitality.

Born and educated in Quebec, Canada, Julie has a Business Administration Degree which she completed in Canada and across the pond in Belgium. She is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) association for human resource management professionals.

Julie has mostly been involved in human resources during a career spanning over 20 years. Her human resources experience spans the entire employee lifecycle, with particular focus on recruitment, diversity and engagement, development and communication, and transparency and trust. Julie has built HR processes, policies, compliance, payroll and talent development from the ground up to support local businesses in their growth.

With vast experience in a B2B context, Julie’s career has seen her bridge many different industries including professional and financial services, agricultural-commodities and joined Exolum earlier this year from French energy brand, TotalEnergies. Now, having been with us for a couple of months, Julie gives us an insight into her experience at Exolum so far…

JULIE CLOUTIER

NWE People Lead

Hi Julie! Can you describe your first impressions of the business?

It’s great to join a company that is clearly investing so significantly in its business, in terms of investment and operations, implementation of new systems and now also adding resources to stretched teams. I’m most impressed by the diversity of our team with people ranging from 16 to 76 years old – many have over 20 years of rich experience with Exolum, and some even have 50!

I took my first trip to our Walton location in the UK to join the team for Global Safety Day, and I’m really looking forward to visiting the many diverse sites we have across the region in the future.

How are you enjoying your role so far?

So far so good! It has been a fairly rapid learning curve so far, which I prefer. I’m sure there will be days when I don’t know where to focus or when I lose morale, but I have a good idea of my priorities and am starting to share these with the team.

My ambition is to make the People team a partner to the business, contributing to solutions, and improving engagement and culture for the entire Exolum family.

What challenges have you faced?

I feel at times lost in a paper bag – having been able to do my previous role with my eyes closed I need to learn the way we do things here, figure out who’s who!

What do you see as the key priorities for the People team moving forward?

I want to simplify and add robustness to the People function, bringing simpler, easy to access solutions and ideas to our people while keeping a close eye on fairness and diversity. We will need to focus on future planning and making sure we have the right knowhow and skills to run, manage, maintain and turn around our assets. This is crucial to us remaining relevant in an ever-evolving industry.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?

Sport has been a large part of my life swimming, or badminton competition until age 13, Nordic and alpine skiing, sailing, canoeing, and tried almost every snow or water sport in between growing up barefooted in the forest. I have worked hard to give my children the opportunity to do the same. I turn to creative hobbies as a look for resourcing or achievement. I now mostly enjoy DIY, crafts and gardening but have also previously made a number of stain glass windows.

A FEW INTERESTING FACTS

A place:
Lerwick- in the Shetland islands it is peaceful, simple and small, everyone knows everyone, is built on granite looking out to sea and redolent of Vikings…. That last item is the only difference with my home town of Quebec, I didn’t expect to be homesick 30 years after leaving Canada!

A food:
Cannot select a food or dish… I live to eat. I am always pleased to prepare my guest their favourite roast, risotto, shakshouka, Swiss roll or just to discover a new national meal.

A song:
I discovered choral singing when I first arrived in the UK, I had the privilege of performing in many iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall (with 300 others 😉) Verdi’s Requiem is my favourite, and first piece.

A film:
When I first came to London I used to go to a different movie every Friday, we were on first name basis with the team at Pizza Express Soho! Children & “mother-taxi” duty put a stop to this 😉

TransformACTION

GROW

Welcome Days are Back as an Opportunity to Get to Know Each Other

Following a few years without, we’ve once again celebrated our Welcome Days as events through which we welcome all our new employees. Some 60 people attended the two editions of the four planned for this year. They were divided into two heterogenous groups from different locations, areas and positions to represent our diversity at Exolum. Getting to know the company, what each department does and sharing brings all areas and countries closer.

We’re One Exolum! Welcome and thank you to everyone!

Encouraging Young Talent: The Story of Ethan Hall

Ethan Hall,
Junior Technician

At Exolum, we know just how important education is when it comes to attracting young talent and creating diverse teams where experience coexists with our new hires’ immense desire to learn. The story of 19-year-old Ethan Hall, a junior technician from Immingham West (United Kingdom) is one good example. So, we decided to speak with him during the National Learning Week held in the United Kingdom –an annual initiative that emphasizes the value of intern achievements.

Ethan joined Exolum as an apprentice in Electrical Control and Instrumentation (E, C&I) in August 2020. Over those two years, he was mentored by Kallum Sutcliffe and Ben Campbell, E,C&I senior technicians. Kallum says that giving apprentices an opportunity at Exolum “allows us to teach them the way we work”.

Ethan trained on maintenance tasks, learning how to locate breakdowns, calibrate radar tools to measure tank levels and test and electrically insulate equipment components. “I enjoyed the learning experience at Exolum and being part of a team of mechanical and electrical technicians and engineers with the same goal of keeping the site running smoothly and avoiding breakdowns”, he says. “I also really enjoy working outside and having an active job where every day is different”.

Following his internship, Ethan passed the final exam with the highest score and was hired by Exolum as a junior technician. He now works full-time, which proves the power of internships. “I’m proud of passing my apprenticeship and adapting to working life,” he tells us. “I’m looking forward to progressing further at Exolum and learning more by enrolling on more courses and training”.

Launching Exolum Languages Academy, Our New Online Training Platform

Learning languages shortens distances and, in order to achieve this, we’ve launched a new online training platform: Exolum Languages Academy, through which people from the company can improve their English or Spanish, depending on the country where they work. As the international company we are, we can thus come to understand each other better and become closer. There are courses for all levels and an extensive list of linguistic resources. We encourage you to learn and make progress!

XPIRIT

Aware of the New Roles? Find the Data Sheet!

The change in the way we work began two years ago with new roles and new duties to become more agile and transversal: it’s all about Xpirit. Our Agile office has prepared these data sheets summarizing the responsibilities of each area.

What is a Business Partner?

The person responsible for interacting with internal/external customers to help identify their needs, transfer them to the team and ensure they are resolved.

They lead customer relations and offer a business perspective with fluid communication.
They understand our customers’ needs and how to meet them.
They have in-depth knowledge of their areas and the company’s business.
They encourage collaboration between Project Pools and Operations areas.

What is a Center of Excellence (COE)?

It’s the reference for knowledge within an area: centralizing it, keeping it up-to-date and sharing it with interested areas.

It creates the policies and guides for the knowledge area and seeks best practices.
It develops the knowledge in an area and structures it.
It makes sure those working on Project Pools have knowledge of the operational processes without requiring participation from Operations.
It participates in projects to contribute best practices.

What is the Operations structure?

The Operations group handles everyday tasks. It works with stable teams to perform activities in complete processes which may be transversal.

Operation Lead. This person organizes and coordinates the processes leading the area with a global vision thereof. Their main duties are leading the Operations team all while ensuring compliance with quality standards and delivery commitments.
Operations Coordinator. This person ensures the quality of the work done and fosters improvements in processes. They manage, train and motivate the team and ensure the goals are met.
Operations Analyst. This person is involved in everyday operations. They participate and make proposals for improvement all while coordinating with the rest of the team.
Operations Administrative Assistant. This person does administrative operations and tasks.

What is a Project Pool?

This team is responsible for the development and delivery of projects that may or not be transversal to other areas.

Portfolio Manager. This person manages the project portfolio and assigns team members. They equip Pool projects with resources and assign Project Leaders. They track all planning and goals achievement.
Project Developer. People from the Project Pool that can take on the role of Project Lead or Project Analyst.
Project Leads lead the projects and are responsible for managing the teams. Along with the Sponsor, they define the goals, needs, deadlines and areas involved all while ensuring transversal work.
Project Analysts are responsible for executing projects. They make sure deliverables are on time and meet the requirements established.

NETWORKING

How Do We Use Artificial Intelligence?

ChatGPT and other Artificial Intelligence (AI) language models have been the subject of much debate throughout the world. Where are the limits? Despite all the controversy, progress is unstoppable. Find out more about these chatbots and how we use them at Exolum.

More than 1,000 experts all around the world signed a letter in late March requesting a moratorium on the development of AI language models in order to reflect upon the consequences thereof. But progress in AI is unstoppable and is already being applied. As with all technology, everything depends on how it’s used.

ChatGPT, owned by OpenAI, is one of the most well-known chatbots. Julio de Moreta, Chief Digital Officer and Global Digital Strategy at Exolum, explained to us how ChatGPT “uses a neuronal architecture called ‘Transformer’ which makes it possible to process and understand the same natural language used by humans to communicate”.

It’s a very powerful and precise language model, yet it’s public so it’s “not recommended for processing data that’s sensitive or confidential”, warns our expert. “It does not have the capability to identify and protect sensitive information that may appear in the queries or responses it generates.”

Azure OpenAI and its Use at Exolum

What are we doing at Exolum? We’re already customers of Azure OpenAI, the Microsoft cloud platform that will help us create and deploy personalized AI models for our business using the same technology as ChatGPT yet guaranteeing the security and confidentiality of our information,” says Julio.

In the future, this technology will allow any Exolum employee to ask highly complex questions related to our industry. “A sales team will be able to analyse the documentation for a tender and draft a proposal in just a few hours,” suggests Julio.

Another example: the Legal team will be able to very flexibly dive into all the company’s historical records to prepare lawsuits, and our engineers will be able to prepare reports in just a few minutes based on prior experience with other projects. The possibilities of applying this technology are endless as long as care is taken to keep the data secure.

“A sales team will be able to analyse
the documentation for a tender and
draft a proposal in just a few hours”

Julio de Moreta

Chief Digital Officer and Global Digital Strategy

TRENDS

“The better a person feels, the more productive they are”

María Jesús Álava Reyes, PSYCHOLOGIST AND COMMUNICATOR

“People who are emotionally healthy make fewer errors on the job and find creative solutions.” María Jesús Álava Reyes is a prestigious psychologist and communicators whose project ‘Productive Happiness’ is having a major impact on companies. Here, she talks about some of the keys to ensuring our emotions don’t stop us.

Her prestige as a psychologist and her incredible work as a communicator have made María Jesús Álava Reyes a reference on emotional wellbeing. 500,000 copies of her book entitled ‘La inutilidad del sufrimiento’ (Useless Suffering) have already been sold. She is the CEO of Apertia-Consulting, the Director of the Álava Reyes Psychology Centre and the Mental and Social Wellness Institute. She has been chosen as one of the Top 100 Women Leaders in Spain for the last three years. She knows companies well: she’s held management positions at companies like the Spanish airport authority AENA.

Does feeling good or bad on the job have much of an impact on a person’s wellbeing in life?

A job very directly impacts a person’s life. There are meta-analyses of more than 223 studies done in different countries with 30,000 employees indicating that a job can determine up to 15% of a person’s vital satisfaction and happiness.

You’re the author of reference books such as ‘La Inutilidad del sufrimiento’ and ‘Trabajar sin sufrir’ (Working Without Suffering). Are people doing worse than it may seem?

Work is the source of up to 40% of all problems causing people to suffer. We’ve done studies with more than 15,000 people at our Psychology Centre. The average indicates that 40% of the situations in which people show symptoms of anxiety are caused by work-related issues. Work is behind 25% of all problems between couples.

Are there any differences between men and women?

Women are three times more likely to become depressed than men and are burdened with double the anxiety. On the job, men feel more pressure to achieve goals and women feel more dissatisfaction at the lack of recognition.

What happens when employees feel good? Hence, your project known as ‘Productive Happiness’.

Feeling good makes people feel motivated and when that happens, there’s more personal development, more projection and even more income because it increases their productivity and lowers their absenteeism. When people feel good at work, organizations keep a hold of their talent.

Emotional wellbeing has an impact on employees’ productivity and improves their overall health.

What the best way to make people loyal?

Employees need to feel their company is concerned about them and gives them the emotional management resources to handle situations of stress through workshops, for example, to identify anxiety and stress and understand how to deal with them. Employees’ priorities have changed. The salary is not the only thing that matters anymore: the battle is being won with emotional remuneration.

You’re well aware of places where security is essential like airports and nuclear power plants. What is the role of emotions there?

They’re even more important. People who are emotionally healthy make fewer errors and that’s key in situations where security is essential. Employees who feel good react much faster in difficult times and also look for creative solutions.

What can companies do to boost their employees’ health?

Companies must take a comprehensive approach to physical health as well as emotional health and training employees on emotional skills.

It’s the key to reducing levels of stress and anxiety. Companies can do a lot to find solutions, but it doesn’t all depend on the outside. Self-motivation is essential. And that’s something that also must be learnt.

Communicating with ourselves

“We have to be capable of believing and trusting ourselves,” says María Jesús. Excitement and motivation can be worked on, and that depends on how each person communicates with his/herself. “People have nearly 100,000 thoughts by the end of the day. We’re not even aware of most of them. Thoughts come before emotions. If people are capable of thinking objectively and rationally, they can get to the point where they can control their thoughts.” In her book ‘La inutilidad del sufrimiento’, this expert makes one particular recommendation: “Write down what you’re thinking when you’re feeling good or bad. And then write down how you feel. When you do this for a week, you’ll begin understanding which thoughts you really need to change”.

‘EMOTIONAL CAPITAL’: A TOOL FOR COMPANIES

At companies there are four quadrants of wellbeing. 25% of the workforce feels emotionally well, 50% are in an average situation and 25% feel badly. “We have a tool, ‘Emotional Capital’ which measures the effects of emotional wellbeing on employees’ productivity and health. Those who are at their best are 31% more productive and their health is 21% better”.

NATURE, WRITING AND THE RADIO

Contact with nature is a source of wellbeing for María Jesús Álava Reyes. She’s a fan of hiking, collecting her thoughts amid lovely landscapes and doing sport (“I can spend hours in the water”). She enjoys communicating with all types of people (“Everyone has something to teach”), innovating and writing. Disseminating information relating to psychology has become a passion for her and she loves communicating through the radio.

Safety and health

Safety

Safety at the Heart of All Our Operations

We celebrated our Safety Day 2023, as a time to reflect upon how we can keep our work environments safer for everyone.

Safety is the most important value at Exolum. Making sure everyone returns home safe and sound is the priority, above everything else. And to talk about this, we organized our traditional Safety Day.

The event was held online and simultaneously in all the countries where we’re present. From Spain Region, the event featured Jesús Manso, HSSE Lead, and Jorge Guillén, Spain Region Lead. And from NEW, Allan Edwards, NWE HSSE Lead, and Nacho Casajús, NWE Lead.

All of them talked about the importance of ensuring our safety and that of our colleagues and contractors. That’s why everyone must intervene to correct any unsafe behaviour by anyone else.

For both connections, we showed a video of our CEO, Jorge Lanza, reminding us that safety is everyone’s responsibility: “It cannot be delegated”.

The day was completed with a practical drill at all our facilities focusing on guaranteeing safety while walking to avoid sprains, slips and falls. Thanks so much for participating!

Safety first at Exolum!

Drills: Ready to Respond

Safety is our most important value. The drills in Motril, Girona and Alcázar de San Juan, as well as other actions like the one undertaken in Amsterdam help us prepare for any possible contingencies. Thank you all for participating!

Motril: A Commitment to Safety

A drill was carried out in Motril simulating a spill due to a GNA tanker overflow while unloading from a vessel, affecting one person at the facility. Participating in the drill were facility workers led by Rubén González, Head of Operations at Motril, in addition to the local firefighters.

Girona: Communication to Handle Emergencies

In Girona, the action involved simulating a chemical accident and it featured the participation of the Generalitat Civil Protection service. This activity sought to strengthen coordination between all role-players and ensure fluid communication.

Safety Visit to the Amsterdam Terminal

Our Amsterdam terminal hosted a safety visit by some of the HSSE team including Javier Alonso, Global HSSE & Technology Lead; Steve Land, NWE Operations, HSSE & Technology Lead; and Alan Edward, NWE HSSE Lead. Accompanied by Arjen Schneiders, Managing Director in Amsterdam, and his team, they attended specific sessions on safety measures and the management of operations, maintenance and projects.

Alcázar de San Juan: Drill and Training

The local firefighters participated in a drill at the Alcázar de San Juan facility. Also attending were Francisco Gallego, Unit Head; María Luisa Picó, HSSE Operations Analyst for the Southern Zone, as well as Operation Specialists (EEX) from the facility.

Besides the drill, the day was used to train new firefighters from the province of Ciudad Real on the facility’s fire protection system equipment.

WEllness

Live Healthy and Happy

We know just how important the physical and mental wellbeing of every one of us at Exolum is. That’s why we dedicated the month of April to something that’s very important: looking after ourselves.

People first. It’s absolutely clear to us at Exolum, so we took advantage of the fact that April is a super healthy month. World Health Day was celebrated on the 7th and World Day for Safety and Health at Work, on the 28th. So, we spent the entire month looking after our physical and emotional wellness.

A Varied and Balanced Diet

To make it easier for all of you to maintain a balanced diet, we shared a recipe book with simple, healthy recipes. A lack of time is no excuse not to eat well. Are you ready to make one of these dishes?

Check out our recipe book here

Self-help for managing stress

We’re also sharing some advice on how to begin controlling stress levels from Naomi Humber, Head of Mental Wellbeing at BUPA Health Clinics:

Good stress motivates us to take action, increases our focus and helps improve our performance. However, sustained and excessive amounts of stress can have a negative impact on our health.
It’s important to understand what helps to manage our stress effectively such as keeping fit, looking after our diet and making sure we rest and relax.
Talk to family or friends about what you are experiencing, and if necessary, speak with a healthcare professional, such as a GP.”

Starting off full of energy

To manage stress, anxiety and feel better in your day-to-day, we’ve put together a few tips for starting off full of energy.

1. Stretch: It helps avoid muscle stiffness.

2. Think positively: Being grateful for what you have is more important than focussing on what you lack.

3. Eat breakfast: It keeps you active in the morning.

4. Take time for yourself: Wear clothes you like and take care of yourself through your beauty routines.

5. Drink water: Staying hydrated helps start the day with more energy.

6. Be affectionate with those around you: An eight-second hug releases oxytocin, also known as the ‘love hormone’.

Involved

de&i

María and Amie: The 2023 Women of the Year!

María Catalán and Amie Clark-Glendinning, Spain Region and NWE colleagues, were recognized as Exolum’s women of the year for their commitment and work ethic. Congratulations!

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Exolum rewarded María Catalán, Asset Manager in Spain, and Amie Clark-Glendinning, Fuel Quality Manager in the United Kingdom, with the 2023 Women of the Year prize as voted upon by their colleagues in recognition of their excellent performance, team work and attitudes. Both of them were quite moved. “I feel like a goddess! It’s a real honour for me,” said María. For Amie, it was quite the surprise: “It was absolutely satisfying to realize my efforts are appreciated.”

The two of them do very different jobs, but they feel equally motivated. María says her work involves “managing and looking after the group’s real estate assets. We also handle intellectual property issues and protect and care for our artistic heritage.” On the other hand, Amie’s goal is to guarantee the quality of Exolum’s fuel in NWE. “I supervise about 5 billion litres of fuel every year for our customers. Plus, I make sure the fuel we supply is of the proper quality and is delivered safely.”

When asked why they believe people voted for them, María says she “tries to put a lot of passion and enthusiasm” into everything she does. Amie tries to be useful and practical and is always willing to help her colleagues.

Being selected the Women of the Year was quite the source of joy and pride. María is from Corral de Almaguer in Toledo. “We celebrated with the entire village. My mother even brought recently made pastries!” As for Amie, her husband was convinced she’d win. “My son and my parents have told everyone.”

“Work for a cause, not for applause. Live life to express, not impress. Don’t put effort into people noticing your presence, but rather feeling your absence”.

Amie Clark-Glendinning

“I’m fortunate to be personally and professionally surrounded every single day by super inspiring women. I’d like to thank all of them!”

María Catalán

An action-filled day

In addition to selecting our two Women of the Year, we celebrated International Women’s Day with several different initiatives. In Spain, Exolum paid the registration fees for everyone who wanted to participate in a race for the cure. And on 10th March, sociologist Maite Egoscozabal, Director of Social Research at Club de Malas Madres, gave a webinar on maternity, work/life balance and equality.

You can see it again here

We’re joining AEMENER to foster equality in the energy sector

We’d like to encourage the presence of women in the traditionally male energy sector as part of our ESG Plan to work for gender equality. We’ve taken a step forward by signing a collaboration agreement with the Spanish Women in Energy Association (AEMENER), which is very highly committed to promoting the role of women in the sector, encouraging females to do STEM degrees (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and supporting diversity within teams.

Signing on behalf of Exolum were Jorge Lanza, our CEO, and Cristina Jaraba, Global People Lead, and on behalf of AEMENER, Carmen Becerril and María Romera, President and Director of the association, respectively. Jorge Lanza reminded everyone that “promoting the empowerment of women in professional areas is key”. We’ll work together to implement actions and projects. If you’d like to become a member and participate in the actions undertaken by AEMENER, Global People will pay your registration fees for the first year. If you’re interested, send an email to: comunicacion.interna@exolum.com.

Making Progress!

We support diversity within teams

Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Did you know that, according to the UN, 75% of all jobs around the world in 2050 will be associated with STEM degrees? But right now, only 35% of STEM students are women.

To drive diversity in this area, we joined the efforts to celebrate
International Day of Women and Girls in Science with an awareness campaign which included a fun trivia game on the most famous women scientists in history. What’s more, we published a video with a few of our women in science on our website and social media accounts to prove just how much they contribute every day.

You can see the video here

‘Changing outlooks’ for European Diversity Month

We joined this initiative with a slogan that encourages an interest in cultures and different ways of thinking. These are some of the people at Exolum that help us open up our minds.

Joselyn Ulloa

works at the airport in Guayaquil (Ecuador), yet was born in Machala, the Banana Capital of the World because it exports this fruit all over the planet. For her, “cultural diversity generates empathy, promotes respect among all and helps us understand issues we otherwise wouldn’t think of”.

Wioletta Maria Garstka, a Quality Specialist at the central laboratory is from Poland, but she’s been living in Spain for six years: “The way people approach a problem depends on past experiences, your environment, your culture…
If you look at a problem from a different perspective, you’ll have more possibilities of finding a solution.”

Halima Achab Touil joined Exolum a few months ago in the Global People department. His parents are from Morrocco, but they decided to emigrate to Spain in the 1980s where he was born. He encourages us to “do some individual reflection on our deeply rooted stereotypes so any cultural differences can become a means of union, not separation”.

Bose Fujamade works in the People area in London. Born in the British capital to Nigerian parents, he says, “We all have preconceived ideas and judging is a natural human instinct. It’s much easier to feel attracted by things that are similar and familiar, but we should all make an effort to learn the unknown.”

Bardul Islam, IMO Reporting Analyst at NWE, was born in London and his family is from Bangladesh. He believes a person’s place of origin, environment and experiences benefit their work. “It attracts employees with more talent. Plus, the more appreciated you feel, the more productive and motivated you are.”

The Management Committee recorded a very special video reiterating its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

See it again here!

Supporting the Inclusion of the LGTBIQ+ Community by Joining REDI

We’ve joined REDI, the Business Network for LGTBIQ+ Diversity and Inclusion, a non-profit association made up of more than 200 companies and experts on diversity which promote respect for LGTBIQ+ people at the workplace.

At the opening event, Cristina Jaraba, Global People Lead, highlighted the following: “By joining REDI, we’re showing our support for this community and for breaking down barriers.”

FEEL GREEN

We’ve Joined the Alliance for Air Transport Sustainability

The main companies in the energy sector, academic institutions and NGOs have joined efforts to promote the development of more sustainable, decarbonized aviation.

We’ve taken one more step in our commitment to the energy transition by creating the Alliance for Air Transport Sustainability in Spain (AST, as it is known in Spanish), a multi-sector union that promotes the development of more sustainable aviation from an environmental, economic and social perspective.

One of the main objectives with this initiative is the decarbonization of the sector with the implementation of new technologies and innovative processes. And achieving this is work that must be done as a team. Therefore, AST is made up of entities in different fields beyond just aviation such as business, academics and the third sector.

The Alliance was ratified by our CEO, Jorge Lanza, during the constitutional event held at the Airbus facilities in Getafe, also attended by representatives of the other companies on the Governing Board:

ALA, Airbus, Aena, AESA, Air Europa, Air Nostrum, AOP, Binter, Boeing, CEOE, ECODES Ecología y Desarrollo, ENAIRE, IATA, Iberia, TEDAE, Transport and Environment, the Technical University of Madrid and Vueling.

In all, the Alliance is made up of more than 900 companies or entities providing more than 294,000 direct jobs and accounting for more than 80,580 million euros.

Researching New Means for Decarbonization

Through our Ventures division, we’ve set up a technology collaboration process to promote research into new means for decarbonization along with 30 universities in 14 Spanish autonomous regions. It’s an innovative initiative supported by the Forum for University-Enterprise Technological Collaboration, created by the University, Training and Enterprise Committee-IIE (Engineering Institute of Spain).

During the first day of work, representatives of Exolum and IIE joined participants in 40 research groups and research/innovation/transfer supervisors from various universities. Exolum presented five Priority Technology Lines related to the production of Green H2, H2 storage and transport, decarbonization, and energy storage.

FEEL Better

The challenge is to fund the drug Migulustat for 12 months to enhance Marta’s quality of life

A Better Life for Marta and María

Marta and María are two sisters with Batten CLN6, a genetic neurodegenerative disease with no cure you might not have heard of. At Exolum, we collaborate with the Marta and María CLN6 Association so these girls’ quality of life can get better.

When Marta was 4 years old, she was diagnosed with Batten, the generic name for a hereditary neurodegenerative disease called neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL). Although she still hadn’t shown any symptoms, tests were also done on her sister María who was just 2 years old at the time. The doctors then discovered she also had this rare disease for which no definitive cure has been found to date.

The late childhood variant of NCL is caused by an alteration in several genes (one of which is CLN6). It can appear between the ages of 3 and 8 in the form of a progressive deterioration in mental and motor functions, epilepsy and a loss of
vision.

The case of these two girls, who live in Castellón de la Plana (Comunidad Valenciana), inspired some friends of their parents, Ana and Gustavo, to constitute the Marta and María CLN6 Association in 2019 to spread awareness for Batten disease, raise funds for research into the disease and serve those affected.

Our colleague Guillermo García de Marina, Head of Operations at the Castellón plant, found out about the Association through his family.
“My mother-in-law and these girls’ mother are catechists. A colleague of mine, Ignacio González, Shift Manager, also knew about the situation because his wife and Marta and María’s mother are teachers. “You put yourself into their shoes, especially those of us with kids, and you really empathize,” he observes.

Miglustat - hope for Marta

Well aware of this situation, Guillermo passed on a request for collaboration to Exolum which was accepted. “We always see in the ConneXion magazine how our company supports social action projects. I saw an opportunity for collaboration and, above all, and opportunity to make people aware of these cases,” says Guillermo.

At present, the Spanish public healthcare system is funding treatment for María with Miglustat (a drug that provides positive effects on the quality of life of people with Batten which costs 5,909 euros a month). However, Marta, who is older, is not eligible for such aid due to her more advanced state of disease. Even still, her paediatricians recommend she also be given this treatment. Therefore, the ‘Miglustat Challenge’ was created to fund this medication for Marta for 12 months, meaning they need 70,908 euros.

“This family is to be admired and needs help,” states Guillermo. “Hopefully our magazine can spread the word for this rare disease so more and more people and companies will become aware and be willing to help Marta and María.”

“Hopefully our magazine can spread the word so Marta and María can get more help”

Guillermo García de Marina,

Head of Operations in Castellón

If you’d like to find out more about this disease, go to the website for the Marta y María CNL6 Association at

https://martaymariacln6.com

Collaborating with Turkey and Syria

Along with Action Against Hunger, we’re driving a campaign to help the victims of the earthquakes that devastated Turkey and Syria last February and caused thousands of deaths and injured victims in addition to immense material damages.

For two months, those of us at Exolum have been able to make voluntary contributions. Once the deadline passed, the company tripled the sum raised. In all, we donated nearly 20,000 euros allowing this NGO to help the people affected rebuild their lives by sending water, food, hygiene products and materials for their sheltering.

Giving a Second Life to Our IT Materials

The Madrid headquarters and the Torrejón de Ardoz facility donated 60 monitors to various NGOs and non-profit associations so they can be used for educational and recreational activities with their members.

The equipment was given to the Bobath Foundation, which works with children with cerebral palsy; the Friends of the Saharian People Association in Torrejón de Ardoz; the Link Radio Communication Workshop Cultural Association in Madrid and the cultural assocation Espacio Danos Tiempo.

Immingham Supports the Homeless

Our colleagues at the Immingham facility, Jo Howard, People and Payroll Coordinator, and Lorraine Ireland, Accounts Receivable Assistant, participated in the Great Grimsby Sleep Out, which is a charity action to spread awareness for the harsh conditions faced by the homeless. Despite the wintery cold weather, Jo and Lorraine spent the night outdoors along with another 80 volunteers to gain an understanding for what it’s like to sleep in the street and feel vulnerable to the elements.

More than 650 donors helped raise more than 15,000 pounds for Harbour Place, a night shelter in County Lincolnshire which helps the homeless.

Sponsoring the RAF Benefit and Annual Awards

For the second year in a row, we sponsored the United Kingdom RAF Benevolent Fund and its annual awards ceremony during which the members, former members and sympathizers who have made the greatest fundraising contributions are recognized. This sponsorship is our way to acknowledge the service provided by this force in protecting the United Kingdom and collaborating with our stakeholders, particularly the air bases where Exolum offers its services.

In the photo, Nacho Casajús, NWE Lead, is handing the trophy to the Air Force cadets from the 282nd (East Ham) Squadron.

The Exolum Cycling Team Raises More than 2,000 Pounds for RAF

Just two weeks after the annual awards ceremony, the Exolum cycling team which includes NWE colleagues Tim Barrow, Luke Robbins, Allen Ward, Adam Redpath, Martyn Bazen, Dave Simmester and Matt Healy, participated in The Dambusters Ride to raise funds for the RAF Benvolent Fund. “After 103 miles, a blown tyre—which we changed with the speed of the Formula 1 Red Bull team— and somewhat more than six hours on our bike seats, we successfully completed the route!” declared Matt Healy, UK and Ireland Assistant Operations Manager. The team raised 2,100 pounds, a sum that was doubled by Exolum. Congratulations for your efforts!

The Pauta Association Thanks the People at Exolum for their Support

The Pauta Association, which is made up of family members of people with autism spectrum disorder, has passed on their thanks for the help received from our colleagues who participated in the Christmas charity draw. The funds raised from the sale of the tickets made it possible to purchase three bio-healthy apparatuses for the day centre the association manages in Madrid which has been offering healthcare, therapy and job services to young people and adults with autism since 1993.

Discover

DID YOU KNOW...?

…mosquitoes bite some people more than others? And that the females are the only ones that suck blood? In fact, female mosquitoes ‘attack’ because they need ‘red liquid’ so their ovaries can grow and, well, unfortunately, some people out there are their favourite victims. In general, mosquitoes feel attracted by people with type O blood as it’s a blood group that’s rich in lactic acid which offers them more nutrition than the other groups. There are also other
‘risk factors’ (although much less decisive) such as the use of scented soaps and deodorants, perfumes and brightly coloured clothing.

If you feel like you’re a target for these insects this summer, you now know why that might be!

A LITTLE SCIENCE TRIVIA

Innovation, which is the result of curiosity, imagination and even sometimes chance, has led us to taking giant steps in human evolution.

Thanks to the passion, efforts and, above all, the creativity and work ethic of some of the most privileged minds in history, we continue shaping the future and discovering fascinating aspects of the world we inhabit. But, do you know who and how they helped us make progress on the path of science?

1 Which scientist found out he had won the Nobel Prize via telegram?

2 Who discovered the existence of dark matter?

3 Which astronomist discovered comets?

4 Who is considered the first scientist in history?

5 Do you know who once lived on bread, butter and tea to pay for her studies?

6 There are several inventors who never earned a university degree. One of them was…

a) Benjamin Franklin

b) Marie Curie

c) Aristóteles

d) Caroline Herschel

e) Vera Rubin

f) Albert Einstein

1. f

2. e

3. d

4. c

5. b

6. a

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