The King presided over the solemn ceremony of the 37th edition of the Rei Jaume I Prizes 2025, held, as every year, in the Lonja de los Mercaderes in the city of Valencia.

His Majesty King Felipe VI began his speech by referring to the consequences of the DANA: “Reconstruction is progressing, although never fast enough, and normality is gradually returning to life in the affected areas.“ He also remembered those affected, ”who are very much in our thoughts, knowing that there is still much to be done and that you have the affection and support of all Spaniards and, of course, of the Crown.”

The King emphasized that great scientific results stem from cooperation, synergies, and teamwork. For this reason, he emphasized that “these prizes invite us to reflect on how much we owe to those who open new horizons for knowledge, growth, and well-being.” Felipe VI referred to the complex reality of researchers, which, added to difficult times and a geopolitical situation that is not conducive to international scientific exchange and cooperation, produces uncertainty and discourages vocations. This is something that, he said, is not in his power to reverse, but he can “insist on the evidence that we build our prosperity on openness and multilateralism.”

As is now tradition, at the end of the ceremony, the King declared the 2026 Rei Jaume I Prizes opened for entries.

Juan Fuster, CSIC delegate in Valencia, explains particle physics to understand the origin, evolution and destiny of the universe as a scientific vocation