● The Society of Spanish Researchers in the United Kingdom (SRUK/CERU) and Fundación Banco Santander announce the tenth edition of the Emerging Talent Award, which recognises the career achievements of young Spanish researchers working in the UK.
● Applications are open until 10 May 2025 at 23:59 (UK time).
London, 22 April 2025. The Society of Spanish Researchers in the United Kingdom (SRUK/CERU), in collaboration with Fundación Banco Santander, is pleased to announce the tenth edition of the Emerging Talent Award. This award highlights the contributions of young Spanish scientists conducting research in the UK and aims to support the development of their professional careers.
As a pioneering initiative, the award not only showcases emerging research talent but also reinforces institutional commitment to science within and beyond Spain’s borders. The winner will receive a financial prize of £14,000, which must be used to support their professional development, along with a commemorative sculpture created by renowned Spanish artist Cristina Iglesias.
Previous editions of the award have honoured researchers such as Dr Eva Hevia (University of Strathclyde), Dr Xavier Moya (University of Cambridge), Dr David Fairén (University of Cambridge), Dr Marc Vendrell (University of Edinburgh), Prof Susana García López (Research Centre for Carbon Solutions, Heriot-Watt University), Dr Rodrigo Ledesma Amaro (Imperial College London), Dr Nuria Tapia Ruiz (Imperial College London), Dr Roser Vento Tormo (Sanger Institute, University of Cambridge), and Dr Emilio Martínez-Pañeda (University of Oxford).
Borja Baselga, Director of Fundación Banco Santander, stated: “At Fundación Banco Santander, we are proud to support this project, which strengthens scientific collaboration between the UK and the European Union, promotes the development of R&D&I policies, and raises public awareness of the outstanding work carried out by European researchers in the UK.”
Javier Pardo Díaz, President of SRUK/CERU, added: “This award underscores the importance of international and inter-institutional collaboration in science and innovation. We are proud to recognise and support the outstanding careers of Spanish researchers in the UK and to bring their research closer to the citizens of both countries.”
Eligibility and Selection Process:
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold Spanish nationality.
- Be a SRUK/CERU member.
- Be under the age of 40.
- Have obtained their PhD within the last ten years.
- Have two to seven years of postdoctoral experience.
- Have carried out research in the UK for at least the past three years.
The award acknowledges the need for equitable evaluation by considering career interruptions such as maternity/paternity leave, illness, or caring responsibilities.
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- A report outlining their most significant research achievements.
- A motivation letter explaining how they would use the prize and its expected impact on their career.
- A detailed CV.
- One academic reference letter.
All applications will be reviewed by a committee of esteemed researchers. The final decision will be ratified by an honorary jury composed of SRUK/CERU’s president, representatives of Fundación Banco Santander, and members of other collaborating institutions. The award recipient will be announced by the end of June 2025.
Full details of the call, including evaluation criteria and the application form, can be found here.
