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
Applications Open
Submit your application for the Youth Scientific Excellence Award 2026 before July 10, 2026.
Apply now
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 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.
Rut Sebastia
IES Leopoldo Querol, Vinaros
Rut also 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.
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 open to second-year Science and Technology Baccalaureate students from schools across the Valencian Community who demonstrate academic excellence, scientific curiosity and a strong personal trajectory.
How many students are selected?
Five finalists will be selected from all applications received.
These students will participate in a live final event at the Carlos Simon Foundation, where the two winners will be chosen.
What are the requirements and selection criteria?
Applicants must have obtained the highest grades of the second year of the Science and Technology Baccalaureate in their centers during the 2025-2026 academic year and submit:
- Official academic transcript.
- Certificate of Academic Excellence.
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Motivation letter.
- A presentation video of up to one minute.
Applications will be evaluated based on academic performance, achievements, scientific interest and the overall quality of the candidacy.
When is the application period?
Applications must be submitted by July 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM (CEST).
All required documentation must be uploaded before the deadline.
What does the award include?
All five finalists will gain access to the Carlos Simon Foundation Mentorship Program and will be invited to participate in one of the weeks of the Summer School 2027.
In addition, the two winners will receive the Youth Scientific Excellence Awards 2026, endowed with €1,000 and €500, respectively.
How does the selection process work?
After the application period closes, all submissions will be reviewed by the selection committee.
Five finalists will be invited to a live final event at the Carlos Simon Foundation, where they will present their candidacy before a jury and the attending audience.
The final decision will take into account both the jury evaluation and audience participation.
When is the award ceremony held?
The live final event will be held on July 24, 2026 at the Carlos Simon Foundation in Paterna, Valencia.
The winners of the 2026 edition will be announced during the event.
Receipt of any award or recognition is contingent upon the nominee’s attendance and participation at the awards ceremony. If the nominee does not attend, the organization reserves the right to reassign the award.
For questions regarding the award or application process, please contact us at:
edu@carlossimonfoundation.com