10 June 2026
Bilbao
As part of Research Day, the University of Deusto and Banco Santander presented the awards of the 21st edition of the University of Deusto–Santander Research Awards and the Impact of Research Seal accreditations on 10 June. During the event, projects from the four research focus areas were also presented, alongside a session on research careers for the University of Deusto research community.
The first prize in the Research Award went to the IMPROVE initiative, led by researcher Ainhoa Izaguirre. This European project aims to bring about a qualitative step forward in how institutions prevent, detect and respond to gender-based violence, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable women. To this end, it draws on an AI-based virtual assistant to provide a faster, more coordinated and more human response.
The runner-up prize was awarded to V2G-QUESTS, a European project led by Cruz Enrique Borges, which explores Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. This enables the batteries of electric vehicles not only to consume energy, but also to feed it back into the grid to help balance it. It does so from a social equity perspective, by studying how it can be applied in disadvantaged neighbourhoods so that the ecological transition becomes a tool for savings and efficiency for everyone. The model is already being simulated in cities to help design fairer energy plans.
The awards are supported by Banco Santander, an institution that has worked closely with Deusto since 2004 to promote a range of academic initiatives aimed at supporting the development of both students and teaching and research staff.
Strategic renewal
Shortly before the presentation of the University of Deusto–Banco Santander Research Awards, both institutions marked the renewal of the agreement that has linked them for several years, with a view to continuing to promote excellence in teaching, academic management and international engagement. Matías Rodríguez Inciarte, President of Santander Universities, and Juan José Etxeberria, Rector of Deusto, have signed this new agreement, which will focus on developing new programmes centred on key priorities for the university community, such as access to quality education, the promotion of entrepreneurship and the enhancement of employability.
During the presentation of the Research Awards, Rector Juan José Etxeberria invited reflection on the ultimate purpose of science, posing the fundamental question: “why do we conduct research?”. The Rector emphasised that “in a university such as ours, that question has an answer deeply rooted in our tradition and mission: we conduct research to serve. We conduct research because we believe that knowledge can help build a fairer society, particularly for the most vulnerable people.”
In this regard, he noted that, within the framework of Deusto’s new Strategic Plan, “we do not simply aim to do more research, but to carry out purpose-driven research that contributes meaningfully to the challenges of our time”. Therefore, he concluded that, beyond the development of professional careers, science should be understood as a form of service and as “a form of organised hope: a firm commitment to knowledge over ignorance, to evidence over prejudice, to cooperation over isolation, and to the long term over immediacy.” Full speech.
Matías Rodríguez Inciarte, president of Santander Universities, highlighted that this award “exemplifies the values shared by both institutions: a commitment to knowledge, a dedication to excellence, and the desire to contribute to societal progress through research.” The event was also attended by the Vice-Rector for Research and International Relations, Javier Arellano, and, on behalf of Banco Santander, Miriam Gil, Director of Agreements and Sponsorship at Santander Universities.
An AI chatbot for victims of gender-based violence
The project “Improving Access to Services for Victims of Domestic Violence by Accelerating Change in Frontline Responder Organisations. IMPROVE”, funded under the Horizon Europe programme, focuses on the integration of scientific research, technological innovation and knowledge transfer into professional practice and public policy. It originated from the need to address gender-based violence as a complex phenomenon requiring coordinated responses based on robust evidence. To this end, it has developed tools such as the AinoAid™chatbot, based on artificial intelligence, and a European training platform for professionals working in the police, healthcare, psychosocial and legal sectors. The aim is to strengthen their capacity to respond to situations of violence.
The project takes an interdisciplinary, victim-centred approach, using analytical methods that help to better understand the experiences of women survivors and the dynamics of violence. It also promotes cooperation between public institutions, law enforcement agencies and social organisations in order to validate its findings in real-world contexts. Thanks to its collaborative approach, the project facilitates the exchange of best practices across Europe and contributes to the development of more effective policy recommendations.
Ultimately, IMPROVE seeks to generate a structural and sustainable impact that strengthens support systems, making them more inclusive and effective. The research team, in addition to Ainhoa Izaguirre, includes Lorea Romero, Estíbaliz Linares, María López Belloso, Mabel Segú, Demelsa Benito, Jon López Gorostidi and Borja Sanz, researchers from the Faculties of Social and Human Sciences, Law and Engineering.
V2G technology: inclusive electric mobility
“V2G-QUESTS Vehicle to Grid for Equitable Zero-Emission Transitions in positive energy districts" explores how electric vehicles can act as energy storage batteries to help balance the electricity grid, particularly in communities that have historically been excluded from electric mobility. The project is based on the premise that energy production and consumption are processes that affect all socio-economic groups. It therefore works to ensure that technological solutions are accessible and beneficial to all citizens in the current context of climate change.
The University of Deusto team has led the development of an advanced model that integrates data on citizen behaviour, mobility patterns and regulatory frameworks. This system has made it possible to simulate the deployment of the technology in three European pilot districts: Aveiro (Portugal), Utrecht (the Netherlands) and Tartu (Estonia), all of which are characterised by high social diversity and a currently low presence of electric vehicles.
Through workshops with citizens and computational analysis, V2G-QUESTS has produced concrete guidelines to help local authorities and energy companies design more inclusive energy transition plans. The team, alongside Cruz Enrique Borges, includes Ana María Macarulla, José Ignacio García Quintanilla and Asier Divasson, as well as a broad network of researchers who have contributed to the project.
Research Impact Seal Accreditations
The event also provided the occasion for the awarding of the Research Impact Seal accreditations, which on this occasion were granted to a diverse range of initiatives spanning key areas such as sustainability, health, social inclusion and sport. The winning projects include «RECED» by Macarena Larrea, focused on electricity grids for decarbonisation, and «ASPE-PV» by Stephanía Mosquera, on the social acceptance of energy projects in the Basque Country, as well as «PRECIOUS» by Deitze Otaduy, dedicated to mitigating the environmental impacts of food waste, and «AmIAire» by Diego Casado, a citizen science proposal to monitor air quality.
In the field of health and social well-being, highlights include «REBITA» by Carlota Las Hayas, focused on resilience and mental well-being in relation to eating disorders; «LDZD» by María López, aimed at promoting decent work and care; «EVOLUTION», led by Edurne González, which supports young people leaving the child protection system; and «SMARTJAN», led by Begoña García-Zapirain, a technological solution using artificial intelligence for for allergen detection.
Finally, the impact on the sports and physical health sector is reflected in «EASPPM», led by Eneko Sánchez, which evaluates the new scoring system in Basque pelota; «FrailPow» by Xabier Río, which investigates strength training in frail older adults; and the «SokaHealth» project by Arkaitz Castañeda, linked to a service contract with the International Sokatira Federation.
