At the Carlos Simon Foundation, we believe that the future of science begins in the classroom. This award recognizes academic excellence, research potential, and social commitment among top-performing students in the Science and Technology track of the Spanish high school system (2º de Bachillerato) in the Valencian Community.
Youth Scientific Excellence Award
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Winners of the First Edition
Ariadna Franch
IES Josep de Ribera, Xativa
Ariadna completed the Science and Technology track of high school with top honors. She received the Extraordinary Academic Achievement Award in both Primary and Secondary Education and took part in the Spanish Chemistry Olympiad, as well as literary and technology competitions and several entrepreneurship and volunteer projects. She will begin a degree in Biomedical Sciences, with the goal of pursuing a career in biomedical research.
Rut Sebastia
IES Leopoldo Querol, Vinaros
Rut also completed the Science and Technology track of high school with top honors. She has excelled in national and international competitions in mathematics and computer science, earning recognition at the Iberoamerican Olympiad in Informatics, the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad, and the Spanish Olympiad in Informatics. Starting next year, she will pursue a double degree in Mathematics and Data Science at CFIS, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya.
Extraordinary Award 2024
Before the first official edition, the Carlos Simon Foundation granted an extraordinary award to Claudia Arana, valedictorian of the American School of Valencia. Through this opportunity, Claudia joined our 2024 Summer School and collaborated with the Bioinformatics group, strengthening the knowledge acquired during her first year at university. Press play to hear her story in her own words 👉
Essential Information
Who is eligible?
The award is intended for the student with the highest academic record in 2nd year of Bachillerato (Science and Technology track) at each public or private high school in the Valencian Community.
How many students are selected?
Each year, two students will be awarded based on academic excellence and overall profile.
What are the requirements and selection criteria?
To apply, students must be in their final year of high school (2º de Bachillerato, Science and Technology) during the 2024–2025 academic year and have the highest GPA in their class, certified by their school using the official form provided by the Carlos Simón Foundation.
In addition to academic performance, the selection committee will evaluate extracurricular achievements, including volunteer work, scientific or creative projects, cultural and athletic involvement, entrepreneurship, and any initiatives that demonstrate leadership and social commitment.
A good command of English will also be valued. Students may submit an official English certificate unless they have completed the entire program in English, in which case the certificate is not required.
When is the application period?
The call for applications will be open from June 23, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (CEST) to July 11, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (CEST). All documents must be submitted within this time frame.
What does the award include?
Each recipient will receive a 1,000 euro grant, recognizing their academic achievement and scientific promise. They will also be awarded an official certificate acknowledging their distinction.
Additionally, recipients will gain early access to the Carlos Simon Foundation Mentorship Program, typically reserved for graduate students, and a full scholarship to participate in the Foundation’s Summer School 2026, an immersive educational experience in biomedical research.
How does the selection process work?
After the application period closes, the Selection Committee will review all submissions and determine the winners based on the criteria outlined in the official guidelines. The decision is final and not subject to appeal.
Winners will be notified via email on July 29, 2025.
When is the award ceremony held?
The award ceremony will take place in September 2025 at the Carlos Simon Foundation headquarters. Awardees will deliver a short talk titled “The Science of Tomorrow,” sharing their vision for the future of science from a youth perspective.
For questions regarding the award or application process, please contact us at:
edu@carlossimonfoundation.com