University of Córdoba student wins 2026 Manuel Olivencia Award for University Excellence

The Cuatrecasas Foundation delivered the 2026 Manuel Olivencia Award for University Excellence at a ceremony held at the Esade Forum (Barcelona), which brought together leading figures from the academic, institutional and business worlds. Attending the ceremony were Núria Montserrat, minister of Research and Universities of the Government of Catalonia; Emilio Cuatrecasas, chair of the Cuatrecasas Foundation; and Jorge Castiñeira, dean of Esade Law School.

The award, endowed with €50,000 gross and included in the Manuel Olivencia scholarships, is aimed at students in their final year of a Bachelor or double Bachelor of Laws, or a master's degree in this discipline, at Spanish universities. It recognizes students with outstanding academic records and supports continued education through postgraduate studies or research projects in business law.

After assessing 52 candidates, the jury granted the award to Estrella María Montes Muñoz, a law graduate from the University of Córdoba, who combined her legal studies with a degree in geography and history and a master's degree in specialized translation. The jury valued her excellent academic record, her research vocation, the strength of her doctoral project, and her international and multidisciplinary profile, with high academic and professional potential.

In her speech, the award winner said: “I accept this award with sincere gratitude and I am fully aware of the responsibility that comes with having the association with the name of professor Manuel Olivencia. His legacy embodies the highest values of the university and of legal science: intellectual rigor, a strong commitment to service and a global mindset. I trust that my doctoral project and international training will contribute, even if modestly, to honoring that legacy.”

Due to the candidates’ high level, the jury awarded a second place to David Rodríguez Alcaraz, a graduate in the double degree in Business Administration and Law from Esade Law School, who has combined his studies with a degree in Philosophy, and is currently studying the Master for Admission to the Practice of Law and to the Profession of Court Agent at Esade  Law School. His profile is highlighted by his excellent academic record, his international projection, and his analytical capacity, as well as his vocation to integrate legal practice with academic research.

Regarding this recognition, he said: “It is an honor to be a Manuel Olivencia scholar, as well as involving a commitment to improve the world through law. I will work hard to follow the example of excellence embodied in his legacy.”

With this award, the Cuatrecasas Foundation reaffirms its commitment to fostering young talent, academic excellence, and equal opportunities, while also paying tribute to Manuel Olivencia, a leading figure in law and in the academic and business world of Spain.

“These acknowledgments go beyond the academic field; they are a celebration of the values that help institutions and organizations evolve.” Granting these awards is an investment in future potential,, a tribute to Manuel Olivencia, and an example of public service, of knowledge available for others, of the exercise of leadership from the perspective of intellectual rigor and generosity and a desire to contribute to the common good,” said Núria Montserrat, minister of Research and Universities of the Government of Catalonia.

Emilio Cuatrecasas, chair of the Cuatrecasas Foundation, said: “It is worth highlighting the quality of the academic records received, the large volume of candidates, and the seven finalists that made it very difficult for the jury. Having Manuel Olivencia as the  flagship helps us to keep driving the project forward, while reminding us that law is the architecture of coexistence.” 

During the ceremony, diplomas corresponding to the 2026 Manuel Olivencia Scholarships were also delivered to law students from Spanish public universities with excellent academic performance. The scholarships, worth €4,000 each, were granted to Núria Fernández Piñeiro (Universidade da Coruña), Laura Pais Fernández (Universidad de Salamanca), Óscar Servia Hermo (Universidade de Vigo), and María del Pilar Pagán García (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid).

Jorge Castiñeira, dean of Esade Law School, highlighted: “Legal excellence starts with student talent. It is the responsibility of the law faculties, in collaboration with the legal profession to identify, develop and award talent with demanding training, international opportunities and initiatives recognizing excellence, such as the Cuatrecasas Foundation’s Manuel Olivencia Award for University Excellence.”

Given the success of this edition, the foundation is already working on the 2027 call for candidates, due to be launched on October 5, 2026.