Deadline: 29-May-2026
The HM Hospitales Research Foundation has opened nominations for the VI Edition of the Abarca Prize, an international award recognising scientists or clinicians whose work has significantly improved global health. The prize includes €100,000 and an official diploma honouring impactful research or clinical achievements. Nominations must be submitted by 29 May 2026, and the winner will be announced in October 2026 in Madrid.
Overview of the Abarca Prize
The Abarca Prize is a prestigious international award that honours exceptional scientific or clinical achievements that improve health outcomes worldwide.
The award recognises individuals whose work demonstrates measurable impact on health, disease prevention, or healthcare systems. It highlights contributions that advance scientific knowledge while producing tangible improvements in public health and medical practice.
The prize is organised by the HM Hospitales Research Foundation, part of the HM Hospitales healthcare group.
Purpose and Impact of the Award
The Abarca Prize aims to highlight research and clinical work that contributes meaningfully to global health improvement.
Recognised work should demonstrate:
• Direct and measurable improvements in health outcomes
• Contributions to scientific knowledge of global significance
• Influence on healthcare systems and medical practices
• Advances in disease prevention, treatment, or management
• Work addressing social or environmental determinants of health
The award also celebrates individuals whose work inspires innovation and leadership in medical science.
Award Value and Recognition
The Abarca Prize provides both financial and professional recognition.
The award includes:
• €100,000 cash prize
• Accrediting diploma recognising the recipient’s achievements
The prize acknowledges outstanding contributions that protect, improve, or restore the health and well-being of people and communities globally.
Who Is Eligible?
The Abarca Prize is open to individuals from anywhere in the world.
Eligible Candidates
Candidates must:
• Be natural persons (individual scientists or clinicians)
• Demonstrate significant scientific or clinical contributions
• Show documented impact on health outcomes or healthcare systems
• Maintain an unblemished ethical and professional record
The candidate’s work must already be completed or demonstrate proven results prior to the call.
Who Cannot Participate
The following individuals are not eligible:
• Members of the HM Hospitales Research Foundation Board of Trustees
• Employees of companies belonging to the HM Hospitales Group
• Members of the Abarca Prize Jury
Additionally:
• Self-nominations are not allowed
• Posthumous nominations are not permitted
Who Can Submit Nominations?
Nominations must be submitted by third parties rather than the candidate.
Eligible nominators include:
• Universities
• Hospitals and healthcare institutions
• Research organisations
• Scientific societies
• Professional associations
• Royal academies
• Foundations
• Companies
• Recognised researchers
The nomination must clearly explain why the candidate’s work meets the award’s criteria and values.
Selection Process
The selection process takes place in two stages.
Stage 1: Initial Nomination and Screening
Nominators must submit a Letter of Intent using the official template available on the award website.
The letter should describe:
• The candidate’s achievements
• The impact of their work on health and well-being
• How their work aligns with the values of the Abarca Prize
After submission:
• The HM Hospitales Research Foundation verifies eligibility requirements.
• An Advisory Council of independent experts reviews the nominations.
The Advisory Council selects up to five candidates to move to the final stage.
Stage 2: Final Evaluation by the Jury
For shortlisted candidates:
• Nominators are asked to submit full supporting documentation.
• The Jury of international experts evaluates the candidates.
The Jury consists of leading scientists and clinicians from diverse fields.
Before 31 July 2026, the Jury will hold a videoconference to review the candidates and decide on the winner.
A formal report explaining the selected candidate’s merits will accompany the final decision.
The Jury’s decision is confidential and final.
Important Dates
Key deadlines for the Abarca Prize 2026 include:
• Nomination deadline: 29 May 2026 at 2:00 pm (CET)
• Supporting documentation deadline for shortlisted candidates: 26 June 2026 at 2:00 pm (CET)
• Jury deliberation: Before 31 July 2026
• Winner announcement: First week of October 2026
• Award ceremony: October 2026 in Madrid, Spain
Award Ceremony
The winner will be formally invited to attend the award ceremony in Madrid, Spain.
The selected laureate must:
• Accept the award
• Participate in events organised by the award organisers
• Attend the ceremony, subject to any mobility or public health restrictions
The event celebrates the recipient’s global contribution to health and medical science.
Why the Abarca Prize Matters
The Abarca Prize highlights scientific and clinical achievements that have real-world impact on health and well-being.
The award plays an important role in:
• Recognising innovative medical research and clinical breakthroughs
• Encouraging global health leadership
• Promoting evidence-based healthcare solutions
• Inspiring future scientists and clinicians
By honouring impactful work, the prize helps amplify research that improves healthcare systems and patient outcomes worldwide.
How to Submit a Nomination
Follow these steps to nominate a candidate for the Abarca Prize.
Step 1: Identify a Qualified Candidate
Choose a scientist or clinician whose work demonstrates significant measurable impact on global health.
Step 2: Prepare a Letter of Intent
Complete the official Letter of Intent template available on the award website.
The letter should explain:
• The candidate’s major achievements
• The global impact of their work
• Alignment with the award’s values
Step 3: Submit the Nomination
Submit the letter of intent before 29 May 2026 at 2:00 pm (CET).
Step 4: Provide Full Documentation (If Shortlisted)
If the candidate is selected for the final stage, nominators must submit full supporting documentation by 26 June 2026.
Step 5: Jury Evaluation
The international jury evaluates the shortlisted candidates and selects the winner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Nominators should avoid these issues when submitting nominations.
1. Submitting self-nominations
Candidates cannot nominate themselves.
2. Missing the submission deadline
Late nominations will not be accepted.
3. Providing insufficient evidence of impact
Strong nominations include documented health outcomes and measurable benefits.
4. Incomplete documentation
Shortlisted nominations must provide full supporting materials.
5. Nominating ineligible individuals
Ensure candidates are not affiliated with the HM Hospitales Group or jury.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Abarca Prize?
The Abarca Prize is an international award recognising scientists or clinicians whose work significantly improves global health and well-being.
2. What is the prize amount?
The award includes €100,000 and an official recognition diploma.
3. Who can be nominated?
Any individual scientist or clinician from anywhere in the world whose work has demonstrated measurable health impact.
4. Can candidates nominate themselves?
No. Self-nominations are not permitted.
5. Who can submit nominations?
Nominations can be submitted by universities, hospitals, research organisations, scientific societies, foundations, companies, and recognised researchers.
6. What is the nomination deadline?
The deadline for submitting the Letter of Intent is 29 May 2026 at 2:00 pm (CET).
7. When will the winner be announced?
The winner will be announced in the first week of October 2026, with the award ceremony held in Madrid later that month.
Conclusion
The Abarca Prize recognises individuals whose scientific or clinical work has made exceptional contributions to improving global health.
With a prize of €100,000 and international recognition, the award highlights groundbreaking research and clinical achievements that protect health, advance medical knowledge, and inspire future generations of scientists and healthcare professionals.
For more information, visit HM Hospitals Research Foundation.
