Abarca Prize
What does Abarca Prize
recognize exactly?
Abarca Prize recognizes the work of a scientist of international renown who has made a biomedical discovery of global significance and whose professional career has contributed in a transcendental manner to the improvement of people’s health. All this must have been done in accordance with the humanistic and professional values that Dr Juan Abarca has upheld throughout his personal and professional life: values dedicated to furthering the health and well-being of his patients.
What does the prize consist of?
It consists of a cash prize of €100,000 and a certificate for the winner.
How can I submit my application?
The presentation of nominations have been made by third parties, that is, persons or entities other than the person being nominated.
The period for nominating candidates will be open from 16 February 2026 until 2.00 pm (CET) on 29 May 2026.
Who can nominate someonefor the Abarca Prize?
Companies, foundations, researchers, universities, hospitals, professional associations, scientific societies, and royal academies can nominate a scientist who has made a transcendental biomedical discovery that has improved people’s health worldwide.
Do the submissions need to be in a certain language?
All documentation regarding nominations must be submitted in Spanish or English.
Who selects the winner?
The winner is chosen by a jury whose members appointed annually by the Foundation from among experts of accredited academic and professional repute who are acknowledged internationally for their contribution to science and who, in one way or another, represent and epitomise the Award’s values.
A professionally diverse jury (scientists, clinicians and from other fields of professional activity) guarantees that the Award winner has made a scientifically significant contribution to improving people’s health.
The jury members’ vote cannot be delegated.
When will the winner ofthe Abarca Prize be announced?
The winner of the Award will be announced in the first week of October 2026.
When will the prize-givingceremony take place?
The Award will be given at a ceremony specifically organised for this purpose, which will be held in Madrid in October 2026.
How will the recipient ceremony be held?
The format of the prize ceremony will be adapted to the health measures and restrictions in force in the month of October 2026, in order to ensure the safety of all attendees.
What does the nomination process involve?
This consists of sending a letter of intent, using the standard template available at www.abarcaprize.com, before 2.00 pm (CET) on 29 May 2026. In this letter of intent, the nominating organisations or individuals must give reasons why the candidate meets the requirements for receiving the Award, in line with the Award’s values.
The HM Hospitales Research Foundation will determine fulfilment of the requirements, in order that an Advisory Council, made up of impartial members, may assess the candidates’ suitability. This council will determine the final selection submitted to the Jury, which will include a maximum of 5 proposals.
Can a person who has already been proposed in a previous edition be nominated again?
Yes, it is possible to present a person who has previously been nominated as a candidate, provided that the presentation of the candidacy is indirect, that is, through persons or entities other than the candidate.
How do I know if my application is among the 5 finalists?
If your application has reached the second stage and is among those selected for presentation to the jury, the secretariat of Abarca Prize will invite you to submit all the documentation that confirms the person nominated deserves the prize. The documentation must be sent to: secretariat@abarcaprize.com.
The period for sending the documentation will end at 2.00 pm (CET) on 26 June 2026.
Who will evaluate the submitted application?
In the first stage, the HM Hospitales Research Foundation will determine fulfilment of the requirements, in order that an Advisory Council, made up of impartial members, may assess the candidates’ suitability. This council will determine the final selection submitted to the Jury, which will include a maximum of 5 proposals.
In a second stage, the Jury will evaluate the documentation in accordance with its best criteria. Finally, at a videoconference held with all of the Jury members, before 31 July 2026, a discussion will take place which will conclude with a proposal of the award winner, accompanied by a reasoned report of the merits that support this choice.
Where can I find information on how to submit a nomination for the Abarca Prize?
– Reception of nominations and the selection process: Access to the form page
– The legal terms and conditions of the prize: Download the VI Edition of Terms and Conditions
Is it possible to nominatesomeone posthumously?
No, it is not possible to nominate someone posthumously. This is one of the basic requirements set out in the prize’s terms and conditions.
If a group of researchers is responsible for a particularly important discovery, can the whole group be nominated for Abarca Prize?
No, Abarca Prize rewards the work of an individual scientist of international renown whose biomedical discovery is of worldwide significance and whose professional career has contributed in a transcendental manner to improving people’s health.
Can someone who is not currently practicing medicine apply?
Yes, because the prize recognizes those works or activities carried out prior to the call-in question.