This Jaume I Awards Foundation and Vectalia organize a collaborative event series with the University of Alicante and Aguas de Alicante on April 17 and 18. The aim is to mark Earth Day in Alicante, raise awareness about caring for the planet, and outline priorities in combating climate change within the Valencian Community. The two-day program brings together scholars, local leaders, and environmental advocates to highlight practical steps toward sustainability and resilience in the region.
At Adif station in Alicante, the Alicante University Philharmonic Orchestra Quintet will perform on Monday, April 17 at 18:30. Attendees will receive seeds as a small token of appreciation, encouraging hands-on participation in environmental stewardship and community gardening as a means to protect ecosystems.
On Tuesday, April 18, a scientific conference will be held at the University of Alicante Headquarters (Avenida Ramón y Cajal, 4) at 09:30. The event will be organized in partnership with the Jaume I Awards and features leading experts who will discuss future climate challenges, mitigation priorities, and adaptation strategies for the Valencian Community. Attendees can expect thoughtful dialogue on policy, technology, and regional planning aimed at a more sustainable future.
Participants will hear from accomplished researchers and thought leaders, including figures such as José Luis Rubio (1996 PRJ), Fernando Maestre (PRJ 2020), José María Baldasano, and others who have contributed significantly to environmental science and practice. The program also includes presentations by Villa Monserrat research professor at the Doñana Biological Station and Jorge Olcina, Director of the Alicante Chair of Water at the University of Alicante. Their insights will illuminate how science informs decisions on water management, climate risk, and regional adaptation—all essential for Valencia’s ongoing efforts to reduce vulnerability to climate impacts.
Key representatives will head the opening of the day, including the mayor of Alicante, Luis Barcala; the Ministry of Environment Climate Emergency and Ecological Transition regional secretary, Francisco Jose Candela; the UA Vice-Chancellor for International Relations, Rosa Maria Martinez; the President of the Jaume I Awards Foundation, Javier Quesada; the Director of Aguas de Alicante, Javier Diez; and the CEO of Vectalia, Antonio Arias. Their leadership signals a shared commitment to environmental excellence and philanthropic support for research and innovation in Spain. Their presence underscores how public administration, academia, and industry can collaborate to advance climate action at a regional scale.
Following the conference, organizers and participants, alongside members of the foundation, will travel to the Casa Sicilia Winery in Novelda, a property belonging to the Vectalia group. There, a moment of silence will be observed in memory of the centennial birthday of Jorge Juan, acknowledging the lasting impact of regional scientific and cultural contributions on contemporary environmental policy and education. The day’s sequence reflects a blend of cultural appreciation, scientific discourse, and communal action aimed at strengthening environmental stewardship in Alicante and beyond.
About the Jaime I Awards
The Jaume I Awards recognize individuals and teams who have made substantial advances in Spain across several fields. Nominees are typically proposed by third parties who can demonstrate the candidate’s notable contributions and qualifications. The program seeks to celebrate excellence, integrity, and tangible impact in research, technology, and societal benefit.
There are currently six award categories: Basic Research, Economics, Medical Research, Environmental Protection, New Technologies, and Entrepreneurship. Each category carries a prize of 100,000 euros and a gold medal. The Jaume I Awards are widely regarded as prestigious honors within Spain, attracting broad national attention and serving as catalysts for further innovation and collaboration in science and business.
Recipients are often expected to allocate a portion of their prize to support ongoing research and entrepreneurship in Spain, reinforcing a cycle of knowledge creation and practical application. This commitment helps build capacity across universities, startups, and industry, contributing to the country’s scientific and economic development.