His main research topics have been atomic and molecular physics, quantum mechanics, group theory, and theoretical and experimental catalysis, as well as the collective seismic response. He completed the first full study of a real catalytic process (the Ziegler-Natta polymerization) with no empirical approximations. Resulting from the above, he decided to create a theoretical and experimental research group in Mexico with many research institutions participating. Out of this collaboration effort in basic science research many 100% Mexican patents in the catalysis area were obtained.

In addition, he collaborated with several cryogenic laboratories trying to obtain temperatures near 0º K, establishing parameters for metal interaction with catalyzed molecules. He obtained theoretical reaction coordinates for very important processes such as photoactivation of natural gas, absorption of molecular hydrogen in metallic palladium at 0º K, and other highly interesting technological processes.

He is a member of the El Colegio Nacional [The National College], the Academia Mexicana de Ciencias [Mexican Academy of Science], and the Consejo Consultivo de Ciencias de la Presidencia de la República (CCC) [Science Consulting Council of the President’s Office].

Dr. Novaro Peñalosa was awarded the Premio de la Academia de la Investigación Científica [Academy of Scientific Research Prize]; the Premio Nacional de Ciencias y Artes [National Award for Science and Arts]; the Premio de Ciencias de la UNESCO [UNESCO Science Prize].

His scientific research papers, which now number over 170, have been published in the best international scientific journals. According to the Science Citation Index, his work has received more than one thousand citations —some 100 citations per year for the last few years. He has tutored over 30 B.S., Master’s and Doctorate theses and has received postdoctoral students from many countries.