The jury emphasized the high quality of the received candidacies, as well as the variety of profiles and trajectories. Aspects such as the relevance and impact of professional careers, research potential, contribution to knowledge, outreach work, and connection to the municipality of Sagunt were valued.
“"It symbolizes a journey undertaken with extraordinary people, including my family, those who guided my first steps in this city, and those who have accompanied me on this adventure, particularly the members of my research group."
In the professional career category, the award went to María Alpuente Frasnedo, a Doctor in Computer Science from the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) and a graduate in Physics from the Universitat de València. Her career has been recognized for her solid contribution to the scientific and academic field over decades, standing out for her excellence and impact. In 1997, she became the first female professor of computer science in the Valencian Community and has directed the ELP research group at the UPV for over 30 years, specializing in Computational Logic and Artificial Intelligence.
Alpuente has led numerous research projects funded by the European Union and other organizations, and has published over 200 scientific papers. She was a member of the Advisory Committee of Field 6.2 of the CNEAI and participated in the creation of the Valencian University Institute for Research in Artificial Intelligence (VRAIN) at the UPV. In 2017, she received the Academic and Research Excellence Award (SAPIENS) from the Official College of Computer Engineers of the Valencian Community (COIICV).
The recognition for scientific research and professional work went to Isabel Cordero Carrión, a graduate in Mathematics, a Doctor in Astrophysics, and a tenured professor at the Faculty of Mathematics of the Universitat de València. Her research focuses on the development of numerical methods for solving partial differential equations, numerical relativity, and gravitational waves. She is also a founder of the local science outreach association Sapiencia.
The distinctions also included finalists in each category. In professional career, Emilia Matallana and Macarena Trujillo Guillén were recognized. In research work, Nuria Paricio Ortiz and Laura Navarrete Algaba stood out. The jury was chaired by the Councilor for Science, Innovation, and University, and included representatives from academia and scientific associations.
