The recognition also honors the Pan-American Academy of Engineering for its contributions to the profession and society.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Carlos III Foundation of Spain has recognized Puerto Rican engineer José Domingo Pérez Muñiz, president of the Pan American Academy of Engineering (API), with its Distinguished Member designation, honoring his professional career and leadership of the institution.
The recognition was presented Oct. 2 during a ceremony at the headquarters of the Engineering Institute of Spain in Madrid, led by Carlos Escudero de Burón, president of the Carlos III Foundation, and María Cruz Díaz Álvarez, president of the Engineering Institute of Spain.
During the ceremony, the foundation also awarded the Pan-American Academy of Engineering its highest distinction, Honorary Member, recognizing its contributions to representing engineering across society and its various disciplines.
Pérez Muñiz joins a group of prominent figures previously recognized by the foundation, including Nobel laureates Mario Vargas Llosa, Óscar Arias and Mario Molina.
Engineering, Climate Change and Infrastructure Resilience
During his acceptance remarks, Pérez Muñiz reflected on the legacy of Nobel Prize-winning chemist Mario Molina, whose scientific contributions advanced the understanding of Earth’s atmosphere.
He emphasized the growing responsibility of engineering professionals to address climate change and strengthen infrastructure against increasingly severe environmental challenges.
The Puerto Rican engineer stressed that sustainability and resilience must become fundamental considerations throughout infrastructure development, from planning and design to construction, maintenance and operation.
“The goal cannot simply be to build more. We have to build better,” Pérez Muñiz said.
He noted that infrastructure planning must address both current needs and the conditions future generations will face, including natural disasters, climate-related risks and the responsible use of resources.
According to Pérez Muñiz, engineering professionals must prioritize designs that anticipate risks, preserve essential services and support long-term resilience.
His remarks highlighted the role of engineering in protecting communities, strengthening infrastructure and supporting sustainable development throughout Ibero-America.
The recognition underscores the Pan-American Academy of Engineering’s commitment to advancing engineering as a tool for addressing major economic, environmental and societal challenges.
