13 November 2025
Others
The Basque Association of Sociology and Political Science (AVSP/ESZPE) has recognised the career of Javier Elzo Imaz, Emeritus Professor at the University of Deusto, with the GIZARTE SARIA 2025 Award. The award represents recognition from professional colleagues, as it is presented annually to the recipient chosen by a vote of the association’s members. Now in its sixth edition, the prize aims to acknowledge the work of individuals and institutions that have stood out for their career achievements and commitment to society, the analysis of social realities, social research, and the dissemination of knowledge.
Javier Elzo Imaz (Beasain 1942), Emeritus Professor at the University of Deusto, is a recognised expert on issues such as values, youth, family, religion, drug addiction problems and Basque society in general. Educated at the University of Leuven, he was initially Director of the School of Social Work in San Sebastian, although he has spent most of his academic career at the University of Deusto giving lectures in various countries. A versatile man with a wide range of interests, he was Director of the Deusto Social Values team at Deusto University, serving as Spain’s first researcher for the European Values Study (2000–2008). He was also president of Deusto Forum for 11 years. Throughout his career, he has published numerous works and has participated in various research projects, always with a focus on the understanding and analysis of social reality. He has collaborated with various media, providing insightful analysis of the most pressing social issues.
The award ceremony, held on 13 November in the Ganbara Hall at BBK Kuna (Bilbao), was attended by numerous colleagues who wished to pay tribute to and recognise his career and professional achievements. The President of AVSP/ESZPE, Marian Ispizua, presented Javier Elzo with the award, a piece by sculptor Asier Mintegi, followed by a few words from Elzo. In the pre-award tribute, María Silvestre, Professor at the University of Deusto and principal researcher of the Deusto Values team, and Felix Arrieta, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, of which Javier has been Emeritus Professor, took part.
