The University of Cordoba (UCO) presented its Aquino Tomás 2024-2025 distinctions on Thursday afternoon, which, in this edition, corresponded to the State Agency for Scientific Research (CSIC), the Guadalquivir Hydrography Confederation (CHG), the Municipal Water Company of Cordoba (Emacsa), Circle Averroes Circle.
In his speech, the Rector recalled that the Tomás de Aquino awards are a «key meeting» between the university and a celebration of the connections that unite them. As detailed by the academic entity in a note, Torralbo highlighted the marked research profile of this year.
In this sense, after highlighting the impact of UCO’s research on the dimension and funding of the university, he acknowledged that «getting here we surround ourselves with the best.» «I do not mean only for the powerful research team, but also for those institutions like the ones being rewarded, that accompany us on this path and, without which, we would not achieve this achievement.»
In the same vein, he emphasized that «strategic partnerships are what make us grow. Therefore, research is closely linked to the territory, as we seek to respond to the real needs of other entities and companies in the productive fabric of the province.»
Regarding this year’s winners, CSIC receives this award in recognition of its collaboration with UCO, especially with its centers in Cordoba, which have been crucial in the development of joint work and research projects and in promoting knowledge in different strategic fields.
CSIC has been a «key» partner in initiatives such as successive agreements with its Institute of Sustainable Agriculture (IAS) and participation in various R&D units associated with CSIC, such as the Social and Economic Innovation Unit and the transfer of knowledge to the Institute of Advanced Social Studies (IEA), whose CSIC researchers are currently conducting the previous scientific study of UCO’s Integrity Plan.
The award was collected by the Vice President of CSIC’s Organization and Institutional Relations, Carlos Clona, who highlighted the marked collaboration vocation with universities. «We have joint centers with 25 universities and UCO that we have associated units with,» he said, emphasizing that «without the university, there will be no research or science.»
«That is why we are here to acknowledge the enormous work that universities do in training future scientists,» he said. «We will continue collaborating with UCO and others in this interesting task because we are in a context where false information and unfounded data prevail,» he added.
The award given to the Guadalquivir Hydrographic Confederation recognizes its long-standing collaboration in the field of research, management, and planning of water resources. Over the years, the confederation has worked with UCO on numerous agreements, forums, seminars, and days, and has strengthened its commitment to sustainability and the conservation of ecosystems associated with hydrographic basins.
Its president, Joaquín Páez, expressed gratitude for this award, recognizing it as «fundamental» and an exchange of knowledge with university centers and, in particular, with UCO.
«All decisions and actions are based on science and technical criteria,» said Páez, who emphasized that this is essential to combat drought, fight floods, preserve the environment, and develop a business agriculture that creates jobs and respects nature.
Another winning organization related to water was Emacsa, a «strategic» partner of UCO since its establishment, facilitating student internships and promoting research and innovation projects. In 2024, this collaboration was formalized with the creation of a chair sponsored by EMACSA, which promotes joint activities between technical staff and 20 UCO research groups in innovative projects.
Additionally, both entities are working together on an international application led by the University of Aarhus (Denmark) to integrate a knowledge and innovation community for water from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.
The award was received by the Mayor of Cordoba, José María Bellido Roche, who expressed satisfaction with the recognition given to Emacsa and stated that «working hand in hand with the university will continue because we share challenges and objectives.»
The challenge, he said, «is to promote research, development, and innovation in something as fundamental for the city as the complete water cycle.» The mayor noted that to continue positioning Emacsa as a reference in the water sector in Spain, it is essential to work closely with the university, «the main focus of research taking place in the city.»
The Cabildo Cathedral in Cordoba was also awarded for its activity in promoting academic and cultural collaboration with UCO, especially in the field of humanities. Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the recognition of the mosque-cathedral as a World Heritage Site, their support was highlighted for UCO student internships and research in areas such as history, art history, translation, and interpretation.
The Dean President of Cabil, Joaquín Alberto Nieva, emphasized that, thanks to the relationship with UCO, the joint effort is specified in the publication of studies, doctoral theses, and research lines that are renewed or implemented continuously, in a constant work that benefits from advice, the university, the scientific community, but above all, the main benefit is for the mosque-cathedral, as the transfer of research results improves its conservation, restoration, and dissemination.
Finally, the Averroes Cultural Circle has been recognized for its activity for over 50 years in promoting medical sciences, scientific research, and culture in general through the prestigious Averroes awards. These awards have served in shaping the social activity and work of research personnel, mainly in the field of health, both individually and collectively.
In his words of gratitude, the President of the Averroes Cultural Circle, Antonio Campos Fernández, reported that the awards they aim for have «the perception of strength and prestige until they take on a prize status that represents the most significant in each specialty.» After so many years, their secret lies in effort, work, organizational capacity, the stature and seriousness of the different juries, human quality, and constant support from sponsors,» he said.