Award for best scientific projects

Board of Trustees award for the best scientific projects derived from a doctoral thesis read at the University​​​​​

We consider doctoral programmes to be one of the University's most important assets. Doctoral training must serve two purposes: improving our understanding of the world around us and initiating and fostering high-quality research, while also returning learned knowledge to society.

Publications, specifically articles developed from the doctorate theses linked with each programme, are an important factor in determining the quality of doctoral programmes. In both categories, the award is  €5,000. At the discretion of the panel of judges, a second award of €2,000 may be added to each category. These amounts are subject to current tax regulations.

Find out about award winners in previous editions.

The objectives of the awards are:
  • To boost the image of the University's doctoral studies.
  • To highlight the two facets of research and quality development emerging from University doctoral programmes.
  • To publicize the high-quality R&D generated.
  • To maintain more fluid communication with the University's doctoral alumni, allowing for more collaborative research and knowledge transfer for mutual benefits.

In this line, and to recognize the dedication to study and research, and to stimulate scientific output and knowledge transfer to society, we have instituted awards for the best scientific projects derived from a doctoral thesis read at the University. The awards are now divided into two categories:

  • The José Manuel Bleuca Award for the best article published in a recognized journal and derived from a doctoral thesis read at the University in the last five years, from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023, in the field of humanities and social sciences.

  • The Ramon Margalef Award for the best article published in a recognized journal and derived from a doctoral thesis read at the University in the last five years, from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023, in the field of experimental sciences and health.

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All UB doctoral alumni are eligible to apply providing that they:
  1. Have read and publicly defended their doctoral theses at the University during the last five years, from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023.
  2. Have published an article derived from their doctoral theses in a recognized scientific journal.
  3. Have stated their affiliation with the University in the article.

For articles attributed to more than one author, the qualified contribution of the candidate must be clearly stated.

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Rules

Each applicant may only submit one article to the competition. Articles that were submitted but did not win an award in a previous edition may be resubmitted. Applicants must submit the following documentation to participate:

  • A completed registration form:  
  •  A copy of the article.
  • A brief curriculum vitae.
  • Please follow the instructions below on how to submit required documentation.
The deadline for submitting applications is 14 June 2024.
The panel of judges in charge of awarding the prize is made up of:
  • The University Rector and the chair of the Board of Trustees, who will preside over the process.
  • The Vice-rector for Research, who acts as vice-chair.
  • Four doctoral members of the University for each category of the awards.
  • Three members of the University Board of Trustees.

On the recommendation of the Vice-Rector for Research, the members of the separate panels are proposed by the University through the Doctoral Committee and the assembly of the Board of Trustees. It falls to the discretion of both collegiate bodies to determine whether the panel of judges for each type of award should be the same or different, as well as whether the number of members in any of the award categories should be increased. The the panel's ruling will be final.  The secretary of the Board of Trustees will serve as the secretary of the judges' panel.

The panel of judges will decide on the ​​​​​​evaluation criteria for each of the categories, prioritizing originality and innovation in all cases. A recognized scientific journal is understood to be one that is included in the most commonly referenced databases (mainly SCI, SSCI, ARHS, Econlit, etc.), as well as those included in the lists drawn up by CONACIT-Government of Catalonia.

To be eligible for the José Manuel Blecua and Ramon Margalef awards, candidates must necessarily provide the following data:

  • Name and surname(s)
  • DNI/NIE/passport
  • Postal and e-mail address
  • Year thesis was read at the University
  • Faculty in which doctoral studies were completed
  • Title of doctoral thesis and name(s) of supervisor(s)
  • Title of the article submitted for consideration
  • Authors and co-authors of the publication
  • Journal in which the article was published
  • Year of publication
  • The article submitted for consideration in PDF format and the URL where it can be found, if any.
  • An updated CV in PDF format or indication of its presence in the University's GREC app
  • Justification of qualified contribution of the candidate (for co-authored articles); the panel may request further information if deemed necessary
  • Brief description of the merits of the submission

This data and documentation must be submitted through one of these channels:

  • Online,  through the forms available on this website in the menu to the left under the "Forms" section.
  • In writing. Documentation in writing must be submitted to the University registrar, addressed to the Board of Trustees.