● 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 30 June 2026 at 23:59 (UK time).
The Society of Spanish Researchers in the United Kingdom (SRUK/CERU), in collaboration with Fundación Banco Santander, is pleased to announce the eleventh 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), Dr Emilio Martínez-Pañeda (University of Oxford) and Dr. Jesus Lizana Moral (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.”
Carlos Soler Montes, 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:
- Applicants must submit a Narrative CV structured as follows:
- Summary of the profile (max. 500 words). This section could be used to give a general background of the applicant profile.
- Four sections (max. 500 words each):
- 1. Contributions to the Generation of New Ideas, Tools, Methodologies, or Knowledge
- 2. Contribution and Recognition by the Research and Innovation Community
- 3. Development of Others and Maintenance of Effective Working Relationships
- 4. Contributions to Broader Research or Innovation Users and Audiences
- Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages A4, font Arial 11, 2 cm margin) explaining how the candidate will make use of the prize (research, dissemination, training, help for family-working life balance, etc.) and the impact the award will have on the development of the candidate’s research career.
- Details of a referee (senior researcher in the discipline of the candidate). If needed, SRUK/CERU may contact the referee for further information, once the candidate has been shortlisted.
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.
The award ceremony will take place in an emblematic location in the United Kingdom, in the presence of the Director of Banco Santander Foundation and the President of SRUK/CERU. The date will be agreed on by the organisation and the prize-winner. The ceremony will include the presentation of the award and a talk given by the winner about their work and professional career. A reception and networking event will be held at the end of the ceremony. The prize-winner’s travel and accommodation expenses will be covered.
The winner will be invited to give a seminar or webinar in 2027 on their professional career path and experiences.
Full details of the call, including evaluation criteria, can be found here.
For further information, please contact [email protected]
