Researcher Felix Leroy, from the Institute for Neurosciences CSIC-UMH, receives the Sant Joan Humà Award for Science with Values

2 de December de 2025

• The award recognises the work of the Cognition and Social Interactions laboratory and its contribution to the study of mutations associated with ASD, as well as its commitment to socially engaged science.

Félix Leroy, Diana Morant, and Guillaume Bouisset during the thank-you speech at the gala held at the restaurant El Patio. Source: IN CSIC-UM.

The Cognition and Social Interactions Group at the Institute for Neurosciences (IN), a joint centre of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Miguel Hernández University (UMH) of Elche, has been honoured with the Sant Joan Humà Award for Science with Values, granted by the PSPV-PSOE of Sant Joan d’Alacant. This recognition highlights the scientific work and social commitment of a team dedicated to studying the neuronal bases of social behaviour through animal models and basic neurobiology approaches.

The award was accepted by Félix Leroy, the researcher who leads the laboratory, accompanied by researcher Guillaume Bouisset, during a ceremony that brought together more than 170 attendees at Restaurante El Patio. The prize was presented by the Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant, who emphasised the importance of recognising those who “place scientific knowledge at the service of collective well-being and a more humane society”.

Research to understand the brain mechanisms of sociability

Leroy’s group focuses on uncovering how different brain circuits and neuromodulators regulate social interactions. Their research has provided key advances in the study of vasopressin and the lateral septum, as well as in understanding how specific genetic alterations, such as Shank3b mutations, can lead to sociability deficits in animal models.

These findings have led to relevant publications and recognitions, such as the XX Alberto Sols Award for Best Scientific Work, as well as to translational initiatives, including the recent ERC Proof of Concept grant awarded to Félix Leroy to develop new tools aimed at addressing alterations in social anxiety and social cognition.

During the acceptance of the award, Leroy dedicated the recognition to his entire team, emphasising that science is a collective effort: “This award reflects the work, rigour and dedication of everyone who is part of the laboratory. Exploring how the brain generates and modulates sociability helps us better understand our own nature and opens pathways towards future applications that may benefit society,” the researcher noted.

Group photo of all the awardees at the first edition of the Sant Joan Humà Awards of the PSPV-PSOE of Sant Joan. Source: PSPV-PSOE of Sant Joan.

The Sant Joan Humà Award for Science with Values is one of seven honours presented in this inaugural edition, created to recognize individuals and organizations that contribute to a more inclusive, diverse, and equal society. Eva Delgado, Secretary General of the PSPV-PSOE of Sant Joan, recalled that these awards “were created to recognise the quiet work that transforms realities and builds coexistence.”

The ceremony also recognised the work of other social leaders in the municipality, highlighting the diversity of fields that contribute to collective well-being. Awards were presented to CEAR Sant Joan d’Alacant (Coexistence), Projecte Nos Movemos (Inclusion), the Junta de Penyes de Sant Joan d’Alacant (Solidarity), the Associació Colors de l’Horta (Diversity), Guillermina Revuelta Fernández (Equality), and the Fundació Secretariado Gitano, on the occasion of the 600th anniversary of the Roma community’s arrival in Spain.

Source: Institute for Neurosciences CSIC-UMH (in.comunicacion@umh.es)