Research Awards Jesús Serra
Special Awards for Scientific Communication Federico Halpern

Award Decision 2026

Fundación Occident announces the 8th edition of the Research Awards Jesús Serra, which recognize the career excellence and exceptional contributions to research in nutrition, food, and health of young scientists working in Spain in basic and/or clinical research. Additionally, the Special Awards for Scientific Communication Federico Halpern are also being announced recognizing professional careers in rigorous, high-impact science and health communication with a focus on food, nutrition, and health.

March 10, 2026

Opening of the call for applications

April 28, 2026

Closing date

November 18, 2026

Award ceremony

Objectives of the awards

To recognize the excellence of young researchers working in Spain

To promote research in food, nutrition, and health

To build a healthier society and ensure the well-being of future generations

How to participate

Terms and conditions – Research Awards

Jury – Research Awards

Jury – Communication Award

Awardees-Research Awards

Awardees – Communication Award

Awardees of the 8th Edition of the Research Awards

Awardee of the Clinical Category Mercedes Soto Associate Professor at the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) and Adjunct Professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Awardee of the Basic Category Marc Liesa Tenured Scientist at the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Principal Investigator and Director of the Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona (IBMB).

Awardees of the 2nd Edition of the Communication Award

Awardee of the Traditional Media Category Science and Food Section of Maldita.es Represented by Laura García Merino, journalist and coordinator of the Science and Food sections at Maldita.es.
Awardees of the New Formats Category Aitor Sánchez (@midietacojea) Dietitian-nutritionist and science communicator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Research Awards Jesús Serra

What do the Research Awards Jesús Serra acknowledge?
The career path and research projects of young scientists with outstanding contributions in the fields of nutrition, diet and health.
Who is eligible for the Research Awards Jesús Serra?
As a general rule, researchers who have not reached 46 years of age on the closing date of the call, of any nationality, and who have been carrying out their research in Spain for at least 3 years
Does research in food, nutrition and health have to be the focus of research throughout my career?
No, candidates may work on broader research topics, but their contributions to food, nutrition, and health must be evident. The project submitted for the award must specifically address these areas.
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