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
2nd Edition Completed
The second edition of the Young Scientific Excellence Award took place on July 24, 2026, at the Carlos Simon Foundation.
Following 28 applications from across the Valencian Community, five finalists were selected. Pau Ferrando Agost received the First Prize, while Claudia Yáñez Machí was awarded Second Prize.
If you would like to be notified when the next edition opens, you can register below.
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2nd Edition Winners
First Prize
Pau Ferrando Agost
A student at IES La Plana (Castellón), Pau achieved the highest university entrance score in the province of Castellón and the second highest in the Valencian Community (13.844/14).
He will begin a degree in Computational Mathematics with the goal of pursuing a career in scientific research and university teaching. His achievements also include the National AVATAR Award in Statistics and Operations Research and the regional Va de Dades! competition.
Second Prize
Claudia Yáñez Machí
A student at Colegio Sagrado Corazón Maristas (Valencia), Claudia earned a university entrance score of 13.754/14, placing her among the highest-performing students in the Valencian Community.
She was also selected for the prestigious Acércate al CNIC program, where she completed a biomedical research placement. Her ambition is to study the brain and contribute to the development of new approaches to neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.
Finalists
The final also featured Jordi Beltrà Alentado, Carla Conesa Tarín, and Noa Climent García, three outstanding students with an exceptional academic record and a strong passion for scientific research. Their interests ranged from mathematics and biochemistry to biomedical sciences, reflecting the remarkable quality and diversity of this year’s applications.
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