The Rei Jaume I Awards for 2023 have named their laureates after a lengthy, inclusive debate. Over roughly three hours, a panel of hundreds of scientists and experts, acting as the jury, evaluated 222 nominations and selected the winners in six categories. The pool included 21 Nobel laureates, highlighting the high esteem in which the awards are held. One notable figure associated with Alicante appears among the winners, Guillermina López-Bendito, recognized for medical research.
The prizes, established by the Valencian biochemist Santiago Grisolia, once distributed 100,000 euros to each category to promote scientific research, environmental protection, economic development, and entrepreneurship. After careful deliberation, the recipients were announced.
This year’s award winners
Guillermina López-Bendito, a renowned neuroscientist, is listed among the laureates. The ceremony also featured other distinguished honorees and participants who contributed to a memorable evening.
- Carlota Escutia Dotti — Environmental Protection Award
- Daniel Maspoch — Award for New Technologies
- Antonio Echevarrén Pablos — Basic Research Award
- Guillermina López-Bendito — Medical Research Award
- Olympia Bover Hidiroglu — Economics Award
- Alfonso Jimenez Rodriguez-Vila — Entrepreneur Award
Following discussions at the former monastery in Santo Domingo, the winners were publicly announced at a formal gathering. The solemn ceremony took place at the Saló de Corts in the Palau de la Generalitat, with key figures in attendance including a deputy minister and the president of the Valencian Foundation Rei Jaume I Awards. The event also highlighted the leadership and contributions of Vicente Boluda and Javier Quesada, who have guided the foundation with a steady hand.
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In his remarks, Boluda commended the winners for their effort and persistence, calling them models to emulate for their exceptional contributions to research, science, and entrepreneurship. He thanked the regional leadership for its support, noting that their efforts have elevated the awards’ prestige. The ongoing political transition in the region was acknowledged as a moment of promise for science, with confidence that the new administration will continue to champion research as a cornerstone of future opportunities.
The president reflected on eight years of leadership, describing the experience as an honor and noting the sense of accomplishment that comes with guiding the awards through a period of growth.
Nobel, heroes
The Rei Jaume I Awards Foundation marked two days of vigorous activity with a formal closure that celebrated 21 Nobel laureates and many other prominent scientists who formed the judging panel. These laureates have become local ambassadors, engaging with media and young researchers at several research centers across three states. The entire jury issued a statement encouraging society to embrace artificial intelligence with a measured, responsible approach. They emphasized the need for governance that ensures AI expands knowledge while preventing misuse.
The deliberations and the subsequent announcement of winners represent just the opening phase of the Jaume I agenda. Typically, after the summer, the ceremony is held at Lonja de los Mercaderes in Valencia and features notable guests, with plans for high-profile attendance by royal figures. The event continues to symbolize a commitment to science, innovation, and regional advancement.