After a speech by the Chancellor of this society, Manuel Luis Ruíz de Bucesta y Álvarez, the businesswomen and Chairwomen of Esther Koplowitz Foundation, collected the award from the Chairman of the Foundation and Duke of Seville, Francisco de Borbón y Escasany. The award was granted in recognition of Ms Koplowitz’s work for the physically and mentally disabled, the elderly and for science and research, among other causes.

The businesswoman accepted the award on behalf of all parents who have children with some form of physical or mental disability. She also fondly recalled the great Asturian, Gonzalo Anes, Marquis of Castrillón and director of the Royal Academy of History for two decades.

The Esther Koplowitz Foundation
The Esther Koplowitz Foundation was founded in 1995 to help the groups within society who are most in need. It activities are based on Social Work, such as the creation and management of retirement homes, and on Research and Development projects. These projects are carried out through organisations such as the Esther Koplowitz Biomedical Research Centre (CIBEK) and the University of Barcelona and its University Hospital.

The Foundation is strongly committed to supporting innovation and improvements in public healthcare. In 2006, it donated the Da Vinci Robot to the San Carlos University Hospital of Madrid in order to begin the Esther Koplowitz Robotic Surgery program.

The Esther Koplowitz Foundation also works closely with other entities, institutions, NGOs and similar organisations to carry out humanitarian and aid work. It has received numerous distinctions and awards in recognition of its work.