II D. Santiago Ramón y Cajal Award and Artificial Intelligence

By The AIR Institute

The AIR Institute is honoured to announce the II D. Santiago Ramón y Cajal Award and Artificial Intelligence, an initiative framed within the tribute "SALAMANCA: FOR CAJAL AND SCIENCE". This award seeks to pay homage to the legacy of one of the world's great scientific figures while highlighting his connection to modern technological advancements, cybernetics, and artificial intelligence.

Why Participate?

This award offers a unique opportunity to bridge the legacy of one of the pioneers of modern neuroscience with the exciting field of artificial intelligence. Beyond being a recognition of scientific creativity, your contribution will form part of a collective celebration of innovation and technological progress.

If you are passionate about science, technology, and creativity, this is your moment to shine. Explore, reflect, and share your vision of how D. Santiago Ramón y Cajal's legacy continues to inspire the future.

Award Guidelines

I. Purpose

To commemorate the II Tribute: SALAMANCA: FOR CAJAL AND SCIENCE, the AIR Institute announces the II D. Santiago Ramón y Cajal Award and Artificial Intelligence. The goal is to promote and expand scientific knowledge, particularly focusing on D. Santiago's relationship with cybernetics, creativity, and modern technological advancements.

II. Eligibility

The competition is open to anyone of legal age who can provide insights into the connection between D. Santiago Ramón y Cajal and artificial intelligence.

III. Themes and Format

Submissions may take one of the following formats:

  • Manuscript: A single sheet (both sides), equivalent to 8,000 characters including spaces. Additionally, up to three tables and/or figures and a bibliography of no more than ten citations may be included.
  • Video: 4 to 6 minutes in length, uploaded to YouTube.

Submissions must be original and unpublished, not previously awarded, and not simultaneously entered into other competitions. Each participant may submit only one manuscript.

IV. Topics

Submissions should relate to:

  • The life and work of Cajal.
  • Cybernetics, artificial intelligence, or creativity.

V. Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Artistic quality.
  • Clarity of expression.
  • Content.
  • Creativity.
  • Scientific message.

Special consideration will be given to direct or indirect references to Cajal's life and work in its various dimensions (personal, scientific, or universal).

VI. Submission

Send your manuscript or video URL via email to santiagoramonycajal@usal.es, with the subject line: “II D. Santiago Ramón y Cajal Award and Artificial Intelligence”.

The following must also be included in the email body:

  • Full name.
  • Email address and phone number.
  • A photocopy of your DNI or NIE.

VII. Deadline

Submissions will be accepted until 23:59 on 25 February 2025.

VIII. Organisation

The award is organised by a committee comprising:

  • Mr. Ricardo S. Alonso Rincón, Director of AIR Institute.
  • Ms. Carmen Losada Torres, Deputy Director of AIR Institute.
  • A member of the Organising Committee.

Committee members will not receive any form of remuneration or donations for their participation. The committee's decisions are final and binding.

IX. Announcement of Results

The jury's decision will be announced on 11 March 2025.

X. Prizes

Winners will receive:

  1. Certificate of Recognition at the awards ceremony on 25 March 2025.
  2. “Year of Research Santiago Ramón y Cajal 2022” 8 REALES coin, courtesy of the Spanish Royal Mint.
    • Denomination: Eight reales.
    • Composition: 92.5% silver, with the remainder copper.
    • Purity Tolerance: Minimum silver content of 92.5%.
    • Weight: 27 g, with a tolerance of ±0.27 g.
    • Diameter: 40 mm.
    • Shape: Circular with a reeded edge.
    • Quality: Proof.
  3. Opportunity for a collaborative grant with the AIR Institute.
  4. Publication of awarded works on the official website: https://santiagoramonycajal.org/.
  5. Invitation for the winner and a guest to attend the Gala Dinner at the Palacio Fonseca's Hall of Paintings.

XI. Rights

The organisers reserve the rights to reproduce, publish, and distribute the winning manuscripts. Participants agree to the use of their projects, names, and images on the website and social media platforms to promote the award. No financial compensation will be provided, and the intellectual property rights of the works may be exercised with appropriate mention of the award and the AIR Institute.

Participation in the competition implies full acceptance of these terms. Non-compliance with any part of these terms will result in disqualification from the competition.

For any inquiries regarding the awards, contact: santiagoramonycajal@usal.es.

Personal Data Protection

In accordance with Article 13 of EU Regulation 2016/679 of the European Parliament and Council (General Data Protection Regulation), participants' personal data will be processed by the General Foundation of the University of Salamanca solely for purposes outlined in these terms. Personal data will not be shared with third parties.

Participants may exercise their rights by contacting the Data Controller at santiagoramonycajal@usal.es.