The Social Council of the Miguel Hernández University (UMH) of Elche presented the awards for the 14th edition of the Social Council Awards in its various categories on the morning of Thursday, June 10, 2021. With these awards, the UMH Social Council recognizes the work, effort, and achievements of those who contribute to social, economic, cultural, and educational development.

Among those present at the event were the President of the Social Council, Joaquín Pérez Vázquez; the Rector of the Miguel Hernández University (UMH), Juan José Ruiz Martínez; the Regional Minister for Innovation, Universities, Science, and Digital Society, Carolina Pascual Villalobo; and the Mayor of Elche, Carlos González.

The Social Council presented the Social Relevance Award to Alejandro Roemmers Colman, “for his tireless support of those most in need.” In the Business and Institutions category, the award went to Planeta Huerto, “for its strong commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.” Professor and Vice-Rector for Inclusion, Sustainability, and Sports, Raúl Reina Vaillo, received the Research and Transfer Award, “for his research in the area of ​​physical activity and adapted sports.” The UMH Social Council awards also recognize the perseverance and talent of the students, and in this sense, the Students award goes to Mirella Macías Fernández and Marina Giménez Berenguer.

In the Teaching Excellence category, the awards go to Professor Luis Payá from the Systems Engineering and Automation Department at the University and Professor Vicente Gil from the Department of Clinical Medicine at the UMH. The Innovation in Management award, which recognizes innovative ideas and initiatives developed by UMH services, offices, and administrative units, is given to the Innovation and Technological Planning Service and the IT Infrastructure Service.

In the Non-Profit Organization category, the UMH Social Council awards the Remavida Association, which uses rowing to raise public awareness and support women diagnosed with breast cancer. The University Athlete award goes to Laura Samaniego, a badminton player and medical graduate. Likewise, the spin-off 3D Surgical Technologies received the award for Technology-Based and Innovative Company, “for its work in the design of gynecological surgery, combining innovation and design to improve women’s quality of life.” Finally, in the category of Commitment to Equality, Inclusion, and Sustainability, the UMH Social Council recognized the honorary president of the Pikolinos Group, Juan Perán, “for being one of the people who best represents the commitment to society, the city, and the university community.”