The Rafael Bernabeu Foundation awarded by the Social Council of the Miguel Hernández University of Elche for its social, educational and cultural labour.

The award, presented at the UMH Social Council Awards18th edition, recognises the commitment to patronage, training and social development the Foundation has promoted since its origins.

The Rafael Bernabeu Foundation, Instituto Bernabeu’s social work, has been distinguished today with the award in the category ‘Non-profit entity’, within the framework of the 18th edition of the Social Council Awards of the Miguel Hernández University (UMH).

The award, presented in the presence of prominent academic, civil, social and business authorities of the province, in a ceremony held in the Rectorate and Social Council building Conference Hall of the Elche Campus, was received by Sómnica Bernabeu, current director of the Foundation and daughter of the founder. During her speech, she expressed the family’s gratitude for this award, which represents ‘an emotional tribute to the figure of Dr Rafael Bernabeu, and his unwavering commitment to education, culture and social progress’.

The president of the UMH Social Council, Mr Joaquín Pérez Vázquez, led a ceremony in which the value of entities and institutions that, like the Rafael Bernabeu Foundation, carry out exemplary work in favour of knowledge, access to education and the cultural and scientific development of society, was highlighted.

Patronage at the service of the common good

The Rafael Bernabeu Foundation was born of the firm ethical principles of its promoter, Dr Rafael Bernabeu, a pioneering gynaecologist in reproductive medicine and founder of Instituto Bernabeu. During its more than 15 years of history, its social work has been consolidated as a benchmark in the support of students with financial difficulties, the promotion of culture, and the backing of projects linked to art, science, medical research and music, especially among the youngest.

Throughout its history, the Foundation has awarded dozens of scholarships to university health students, funded research awards, organised cultural and musical cycles, and actively collaborated with conservatories, universities and academic centres throughout Spain.

This award is a public recognition of a sustained trajectory over time, based on ethical commitment and the promotion of knowledge as a vehicle for transformation.