The Awards, which will be presented on the 17^th of December at the Alicante-Winter Immunology Symposium in Health, to recognise globally significant research teams whose work has exceptionally contributed to the identification, development and immune monitoring of therapeutic targets against immune based pathologies and infectious diseases. Research teams that have demonstrated outstanding attention to training and inspirational leadership will be paid special consideration. The winners of the Boulle – SEI award in both categories will be presented with a cash prize. The winners will be chosen by a jury formed of recognised experts appointed by the University of Alicante and the Board of Directors of the SEI. The jury has a balanced composition of men and women and the winners will be chosen based purely on merit.

The awards have been named after Javier De Balmis and Isabel Zendal to commemorate the Royal Philanthropic Vaccine Expedition that took place between 1803 and 1806. The awards recognise the millions of inhabitants of Spanish America who were vaccinated against smallpox thanks to pioneering Spanish science. Against the background of today’s global pandemic, science has again focussed on the worldwide scientific community’s effort to promote universal health. Francisco Balmis could not have completed his expedition without Isabel Zendal, for the same reason we want to give the award to a team with strong female input.