The Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu distinctions have been awarded since 2011. Awardees are elected by a scientific assessment process carried out by researchers and international scientific committees grouped into three areas: social and life sciences and medicine, experimental sciences, mathematics and engineering, and human sciences. Accredited centers and units are judged on the international impact of their scientific contributions, their innovative capacity, and the strength of their impact on the social and economic environment. All are global benchmark institutions capable of attracting international talent.
