The Research Awards Jesús Serra recognize outstanding contributions to research in food, nutrition, and health. Each edition presents one award in basic research and one in clinical research, celebrating excellence in these vital fields.

Focus Areas

Candidates can submit research work in various areas, including Clinical Nutrition, Metabolism, Epidemiology, and Genetics and Molecular Biology. Research in Food Science and Technology is also welcome. The awards also consider biomedical research that intersects with nutrition.

If the research project is in the pre-clinical phase, the application category should reflect the long-term objectives of the research line. This ensures alignment between the project's current stage and its potential future impact.

The research should address a relevant societal problem with a direct link between food, nutrition, and health. The jury assesses the contribution of the research to creating high added value for society.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, candidates must meet several requirements. They must be a Spanish and/or foreign researcher with a minimum of 3 years of research experience in Spain. Candidates should have made outstanding contributions to research in food, nutrition, and health.

Additionally, candidates must belong to a research center or Spanish university of recognized prestige. They also need the endorsement of their project supervisors or professionals linked to universities, hospitals, or research centers and networks in Spain.

• Must not have turned 46 years of age by the closing day of this call, 20 June 2025.
• Age limit may be extended if the candidate has temporarily interrupted their career due to childbirth or adoption, with proof provided.

Evaluation Metrics

The selection process evaluates several criteria, including the candidate's education and academic background. Researchers with academic recognition or international experience are highly valued. The innovative characteristics of the candidate's contributions are also assessed.

The impact of the research is considered, including the number of publications and their scope. Invited talks and leadership roles in research projects are also taken into account. The scope of research, including international projection and knowledge transfer potential, is also valued.

The jury assesses the contribution of the research to creating high added value for society. The field of research should address a relevant societal problem with a direct link between food, nutrition and health.

Submission Requirements

Each proposal must include a completed application form, submitted through the official website. The application can be completed and presented in either Spanish or English. A candidate's abbreviated CV (ACV) in PDF format is also required.

The CV should include the impact factor and the candidate's position in each paper, as well as their role and contribution to the projects. An endorsement letter from the head of research or a relevant person linked to a university, hospital, research center, or network is necessary.

A relevant research project, either in progress or currently being financed, with significant participation from the candidate, must be included. The application must not be submitted in parallel to any other competition with pending results.

Award Details and Conditions

The prize for these Awards is €50,000 for each category: basic and clinical research. The amount must be allocated to activities related to the presented research project. Payments will be split into two instalments.

The first instalment, representing 50% of the total prize amount, will be disbursed after the award ceremony. The second instalment, the remaining 50%, will be disbursed 12 months after the ceremony, following the submission of a progress report.

Attendance at the Awards ceremony in Madrid on 3rd December, 2025 is mandatory. Winners agree to participate in activities organized by Fundación Occident, such as debates, talks, and meetings.

Potential Research Topics

• Nutrigenomics and Personalized Nutrition
• Gut Microbiome and Metabolic Health
• Advanced Technologies in Food Science
• Sustainable Food Systems and Nutrition Security
• Clinical Interventions for Obesity and Diabetes