Castilla-La Mancha announces the 2026 Research and Innovation Awards

The General Directorate of Universities, Research and Innovation has approved, by resolution of September 3, 2026, the 2026 call for the Castilla-La Mancha Research and Innovation Awards, under a competitive bidding process. The call is published in the Official Gazette of Castilla-La Mancha number 175, dated September 11, 2026, in section III of Other Provisions and Acts, with the official reference [2026/6483].

The awards, which are exclusively honorary in nature, consist of a unique artistic work and a certifying diploma, and seek to publicly recognize the research work and innovative effort of the region’s research personnel, with special attention to young people and the contribution of women in science.

Nine categories of recognition

The call includes nine categories ranging from consolidated careers to knowledge transfer and scientific dissemination:

• Awards for research and innovation career, for one male and one female researcher with at least twenty-five years of career and a doctoral degree.
• Awards for research and innovation, for active personnel with a doctoral degree in five areas: Arts and Humanities, Sciences, Health Sciences, Social and Legal Sciences, and Engineering and Architecture.
• Awards for young research and innovation, for researchers with a doctoral degree and a maximum age of forty-five.
• Award for the woman researcher, which values her contribution to reducing the gender gap in research and innovation.
• Award for the research group, for scientific dissemination, for knowledge transfer, for public or private entities, and for administration and services personnel.

Requirements and submission of candidacies

Those who were born in Castilla-La Mancha, have or have had residence in the community, or develop their career in entities located in the region—such as the University of Castilla-La Mancha, the Guadalajara Campus of the University of Alcalá, research centers, technology centers, or companies with R&D&i activity—may apply. Candidacies may not be submitted by the candidates or entities themselves, but by any natural person or academic, scientific, or cultural institution in the region.

The submission period is one month from the publication of the call, and applications shall be submitted electronically, with an electronic signature, through the electronic office of the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha. The granting of the awards corresponds to the head of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, and the resolution must be issued and published within a maximum period of six months.

Assessment and Awarding

The evaluation will be carried out by a jury constituted in accordance with Order 193/2024, of November 13, which will assess the quantity and quality of publications, participation in national and international projects, transfer and dissemination actions, and contributions to research and innovation in Castilla-La Mancha. The jury may propose shared awards, special mentions, or declare any category void, and may even propose candidacies ex officio when no applications have been submitted.

The awarding of the prizes will take place in a public act presided over by the holder of the Presidency of the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha. The call, signed by Director General José Antonio Castro Osma, reinforces the region’s commitment to scientific talent and innovation as a lever for economic and social development.

Source: Official Gazette of Castilla-La Mancha, no. 175, September 11, 2026, section III, page 31791 (official reference: 2026/6483).