CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – TERMS AND CONDITIONS

PURPOSE

The Engineering UPF Research Award for female researchers in ICT is an initiative of the Department of Engineering at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra. Launched in 2024 to commemorate the department’s 25‑year anniversary, the award aims, every two years, to recognize and support the work of scientists conducting research in Spain within the department’s research areas.

The prize complements the department’s equality‑promotion actions, such as the Dorcas Muthoni doctoral fellowship for African women.

The laureate will receive €3,000 gross, subject to the tax regulations in force at the time of payment, and will deliver the inaugural lecture of the School of Engineering for the 2026‑27 academic year.

ELEGIBILITY

Female researchers of any nationality, active at any Spanish institution (public or private) at the time of application and working, broadly, in one of the Engineering UPF research areas:

The department’s website lists the full range of sub‑areas covered. The award primarily targets candidates holding a PhD, but outstanding applicants without a doctorate who have exceptional research achievements will also be considered.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE

Applications are individual. Documents must be sent to [email protected] no later than May 7 2026 (included).

By submitting, candidates expressly authorize the Universitat Pompeu Fabra to:

  • Process their personal data for the administration of the award.
  • Capture and reproduce their image, voice, and name in any media or format for award publicity, should they be selected.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

  • Narrative CV in English (maximum 2 pages). Include up to five relevant publications, describe the most relevant research achievements and outputs other than publications, recognitions, and other contributions, and provide a brief description of the current research line and its relevance to Engineering UPF’s areas.
  • Professional interruptions (maternity leave, child‑care, family responsibilities, or any situation comparable to the European Research Council fellowship rules) do not affect the evaluation. Candidates may note such periods in their application if they wish.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Scientific quality and impact of the candidate’s career, including participation in activities related to technology transfer, communication, and scientific outreach. The evaluation will consider the level of experience and the alignment with Engineering UPF research topics.

EVALUATION PROCESS

A selection committee, composed of Engineering UPF staff and optionally external experts, will evaluate the applications. The winning candidate will be notified individually and, once the award is accepted, announced through the department’s and the university’s communication channels (website, social networks). 

AWARD CEREMONY

The laureate will attend the award ceremony at the Engineering UPF facilities in Barcelona, during the inauguration of the School of Engineering’s academic year. Travel expenses required for the ceremony will be covered by UPF. During the event, the winner will give a conference.

ABOUT THE PREVIOUS EDITION

In the 2024 edition, a total of 32 researchers, representing more than 20 universities, research centers, CSIC institutes, and companies from the sector, submitted their applications for the award.

READ THE NEWS ABOUT THE WINNER OF THE 2024 EDITION: "Alba Cervera-Lierta, winner of the first edition of the Engineering UPF Women Researcher Award"

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – 2024 EDITION

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING – UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA

Founded in  2000 (originally the Department of Information and Communication Technologies), the Department of Engineering aims to be a leading hub for advanced research and education at the intersection of Computational and intelligent systems, Multimedia technologies, Computational biology and biomedical systems, Networks and communications and Brain and cognition.

The department has been awarded the “María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence” distinction twice by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, the only technological university department in Spain to achieve this so far. Its research excellence is demonstrated by 25 projects funded by the European Research Council, numerous national and international awards, and a range of successful initiatives in innovation, including spin-offs, and open science

EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS

Further information about Engineering UPF can be found on its website and social‑media channels (LinkedIn, Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp).