Recognising the next generation of Spanish research talent
The Spanish Researchers in Australia-Pacific (SRAP) network is delighted to announce the winner and finalist of the 5th SRAP-frA Early-Career Researcher Award 2026, proudly sponsored by the Ramón Areces Foundation (frA).
Since its inception, SRAP has been dedicated to supporting the professional development of Spanish researchers in the Australia-Pacific region, fostering collaboration across disciplines, and strengthening scientific and cultural ties between Spain and Australia. The SRAP-frA Award recognises the outstanding research trajectories and societal impact of early-career SRAP members who exemplify excellence, innovation, and international engagement.
The award ceremony took place on 23 October 2026, during the 12th Australia–Spain Research Forum: Environment & Sustainability. Following a selection process, the finalists presented their research careers and project proposals to the audience, with the winner announced at the event. Their research, spanning molecular biology, immunology, and exercise oncology, highlights the diversity of Spanish scientific talent contributing to research and innovation across Australia.
🏆 Winner: Dr Miguel Ángel Berrocal Rubio
Dr Miguel Ángel Berrocal Rubio, winner of the 5th SRAP-frA Early-Career Researcher Award 2026 and a finalist in the 2025 edition, is a molecular biologist who investigates how genes and their products regulate cell differentiation and tissue development, with far-reaching implications for human health and disease.
From early research in neuronal development at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and KU Leuven, to his PhD at The University of Melbourne, Miguel has combined multi-omic and single-cell approaches to map the molecular complexity of human development. His discoveries—including hundreds of novel genes and thousands of uncharacterised gene products—have reshaped our understanding of tissue homeostasis and regeneration.
Currently a Research Officer at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Miguel explores how the BCG vaccine can enhance immunity against diverse diseases, contributing to the advancement of precision medicine and personalised therapies. His trajectory represents the new generation of Spanish researchers making a global impact from Australia—combining technical excellence, innovation, and a vision for improving human health.
🔬 Finalist: Dr Cristina Crespo García
Dr Cristina Crespo García is a cancer and exercise scientist whose research explores how exercise and dietary interventions can support immune function and improve outcomes for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Cristina completed her PhD at Edith Cowan University, where her research at the Exercise Medicine Research Institute focused on the effects of exercise and fasting during chemotherapy in women with early-stage breast cancer. Her work investigates how these interventions may influence immune responses, treatment-related side effects, and patients’ quality of life.
Through clinical research and international collaborations, Cristina has contributed to the growing field of exercise oncology, including research exploring personalised exercise and nutrition approaches in cancer care. Her work aims to improve our understanding of how supportive interventions can complement conventional cancer treatments, with the ultimate goal of improving patient wellbeing and health outcomes.
🎓 Award Decision
After careful deliberation, the SRAP-frA Award Committee, chaired by Ms Inma Cumbrera Conde, winner of the 2025 award, and co-chaired by Dr Marcos Roca-Cusachs, winner of the 2023 award, decided to grant the 5th SRAP-frA Early-Career Researcher Award 2026 to Dr Miguel Ángel Berrocal Rubio, recognising his outstanding research trajectory, contributions to molecular biology and human health, and engagement with the SRAP community.
SRAP warmly congratulates Dr Berrocal Rubio and Dr Crespo García for their remarkable achievements and dedication to scientific excellence. Their work exemplifies the mission of SRAP to promote collaboration, innovation, and the global presence of Spanish research talent.
SRAP also extends its sincere thanks to the Ramón Areces Foundation for its continued support of the award and its commitment to fostering the next generation of Spanish researchers abroad.
Ms Inmacualda Conde, Prof Sergio Leon-Savala, Dr Miguel Ángel Berrocal Rubio, Dr Cristina Crespo Garcia and Dr Marcos Roca-Cusachs