Research Awards and Recognitions

Malena and Indira receive the award to the applause of the other awardees in an auditorium at the United Nations, New York.
World Down Syndrome Award, Down Syndrome International, Sede de Naciones Unidas en Nueva York, 2024
Photograph. Rear view of the 'Students for Inclusion' group observing the Chicago skyscrapers from a terrace.
‘Youth Teams in Education Research’ Award, AERA, Chicago, 2023
Photograph of the award ceremony, with the award jury behind a table. Behind them, projected on a large screen, Sonia, the awardee, smiles.
Premio Pere Pujolàs i Maset, Universidad de Vic, Barcelona, 2022
Photograph during the veil-imposing ceremony for Indira, with the Mérida City Council's governing team in front of a Roman wall, all dressed in period costume. Indira reads her speech.
Velo de Ciudadana Romana, Ayuntamiento de Mérida, Mérida, 2025
Snapshot of a session at the United Nations held in a large hall. Delegates are seated facing a stage where representatives from different countries are present. Above them, a large screen with subtitles shows a close-up of Indira and Malena.
World Down Syndrome Award, Down Syndrome International, Sede de Naciones Unidas en Nueva York, 2024
Darío delivers his speech while Malena listens with the Ciudad de Málaga award in her hands.
Premio Ciudad de Málaga a la Educación, Ayuntamiento de Málaga, Málaga, 2024
Photograph of the hall during the award ceremony, at the University of Málaga's rectorate.
Accesit en el II Premio 'Cátedra de Inclusión Social', Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, 2024
Indira delivers her speech at a lectern that reads "Premios SER", next to her mother, who listens attentively.
Premio Cadena 'Ser de Álaba', Ser Álaba, Vitoria Gasteiz, 2025
Premio Pere Pujolàs i Maset, Universidad de Vic, Barcelona, 2025
Ignacio Calderón receives the Award for Excellence from Autismo Málaga
Premio a la excelencia de 'Autismo Málaga', Málaga, 2025

Quererla es Crearla has garnered, as a result of the work of many people, a series of scientific and social awards and recognitions at different levels and from very diverse institutions. Many of these recognitions are invisible, because they are given by people and groups who simply value the collective work being done. Some of the most visible ones can be found on this page.

‘Youth Teams in Education Research’ Award (2023)

Award granted by the the American Educational Research Association in Chicago (United States) to the Secondary School Research Team‘Students for Inclusion’.

Transcript
(Música) Audiodescripción [AD]: Créditos iniciales. «Estudiantes por la Inclusión | Premio AERA a equipos jóvenes de investigación educativa (Chicago, 2023). Educación inclusiva. Quererla es Crearla y Universidad de Málaga.» Aparecen subtítulos en pantalla mientras se suceden imágenes de un equipo representante de ‘Estudiantes por la Inclusión’ y los equipos de apoyo e investigación que han viajado a Chicago para recibir un premio. A lo largo de su estancia días, la cámara captura una variedad de momentos, escenarios, actividades e interacciones. Subtitulado:— ‘Estudiantes por la inclusión’ viajan a Chicago, premiados como Equipo Joven de Investigación educativa por la American Educational Research Association (AERA). La AERA celebra anualmente el Congreso de Investigación Educativa más grande del mundo y fueron seleccionados entre más de 80 equipos de Secundaria. El premio corresponde al proyecto desarrollado en los últimos años, la creación de una guía para estudiantes y promoción de la educación inclusiva. La AERA preparó un programa especial de tres días para los equipos jóvenes, atendidos por la Presidencia y la Dirección Ejecutiva de la AERA. Los demás equipo de jóvenes seleccionados procedían de Estados Unidos y Canadá, Universidades de Columbia, Houston, Michigan, Toronto, Cincinnati, Pensilvania, Georgia… Particularmente, conectaron con un equipo de San Antonio, Texas, que venían con la Trinity University a presentar proyectos de inmigración y salud mental. Fueron invitados al acto de inauguración. El Congreso contó con más de 2.000 sesiones en las que investigadores e investigadoras de todo el mundo compartieron sus resultados. La Conferencia Inaugural estuvo a cargo de Cornel West, filósofo estadounidense y activista por los derechos humanos. El grupo de estudiantes fue ovacionado durante la ceremonia de apertura, que continuó con algunas actuaciones artísticas. También hubo tiempo para disfrutar y divertirse más allá del congreso… Al día siguiente, participaron en una sesión presentando un póster en el que detallan la investigación realizada. El póster está disponible online en (https://aera23-aera.ipostersessions.com/Default.aspx?s=64-C4-F0-2F-C5-C0-36-04-E9-0A-C3-C2-07-2F-ED-D2). Explicaron su trabajo a otros equipos de estudiantes de secundaria. Y a reconocidos académicos y académicas, como Valentina Migliarini de Birmingham University (Reino Unido), Chelsea Stinson de Sunny Cortland (New York), Federico Waitoller de la University of Illinois en Chicago… También les visitó Mel Ainscow, de la Manchester University, uno de los investigadores de referencia internacional en educación inclusiva. Jorge, Indira, Darío, Antón y Malena fueron explicándole los detalles del proyecto, así como las emociones que habían sentido al desarrollarlo. Ainscow quedó fascinado y les felicitó por su trabajo, y acabó animándoles a liderar cambios en el panorama internacional. Después participaron en talleres, por ejemplo, sobre el uso del arte en la investigación educativa. Indira contó la forma en que ella lo utiliza. Indira Martínez:— (Malena Calderón traduce a inglés) Yo por la calle hago muchos teatros, por ejemplo, como que tengo a mis hijas en la escuela. Hago los teatros de escuela inclusiva. Para que la gente de la calle lo vea. Para que se entere de más cosas. Subtitled:—They collaborated with each other, with language, with care. The speakers themselves were impressed. And when we left, there was time to enjoy doing other artistic performances… Antón Fontao:—When we get home.Carmen Saavedra:—When we get home and look back…Subtitled:—On the last day, it was time to evaluate the experience.Malena Calderón:—(In English) I felt very nervous, because we don't speak much English, so I didn't know if people could understand us. My father told us that we had to focus on this, and that made us feel more nervous (laughter). But finally, I'm a little more relaxed and it's a really good experience to be here. And that's all (laughter).Carmen Saavedra:—Antón is saying that he is thinking about those teachers who did not believe in him. He, an 18-year-old student with a disability, is at the most important Educational Research Congress in the world. And that all those teachers who did not believe in him should see him here.Audio description [AD]:Final credits. Inclusive education. Quererla es crearla. University of Málaga. American Educational Research Association, ‘Students for Inclusion’. Represented on this occasion by: Indira Martínez de Ilarduya; Darío Calderón Cano; Jorge Osa Fernández; Malena Calderón Cano; Antón Fontao Saavedra. UMA Research Team: Luz del Valle Mojtar Mendieta; María Teresa Rascón Gómez; Florencio Cabello Fernández Delgado; Ignacio Calderón Almendros. Support Team: Noemí Preciado-Zufiaur; Sandra Fernández-Carrera; Carmen Saavedra Torreiro; Ana María Cano Zamora.

‘World Down Syndrome’ Award (2023)

Award granted by Down Syndrome International at the United Nations headquarters in New York (United States) to ‘Students for Inclusion’.

Transcript
Audio description [AD]: Presentation of the World Down Syndrome Award to ‘Students for Inclusion’ at UN Headquarters in New York. Malena Calderón and Indira Martínez accept the award on behalf of the entire group. (Applause) Robin Witson:— Welcome, this is the final session of two wonderful days where we have had incredible speakers, fantastic presentations, and brilliant conversations. We are going to conclude the conference by celebrating the World Down Syndrome Award. These awards are given to projects, achievements, or practices that improve the lives of people with Down syndrome. The awards committee wishes to celebrate projects, achievements, and practices that follow these two principles: people with Down syndrome should be equally included in all facets of community life and have the same opportunities as everyone else, as described in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. More than 200 people have been nominated for the awards. We want to start by congratulating all the nominations and thanking all the submissions. We hope to receive more [aún] applications next year. There are two organizations that could not be here today, so I want to mention them. First, we have the Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN), a group of people with Down syndrome who advise the organization Down Syndrome Australia . A round of applause for them. We also have the project Make your voice heardbyTRIOM 21France. In this project, TRIOM 21 France empowers people with Down syndrome to develop their self-advocacy skills and speak about employment. Both organizations have made some wonderful videos that we will upload to our YouTube channel shortly after the conference, in case you want to know more about the projects. Now we will hear from the other three awardees to conclude the conference and we will start withStudents for Inclusion. We have [como representantes] Indira and Malena. In 2020, 16 secondary school students from Spain joined a research team from the University of Malaga to createStudents for Inclusion.Let's hear a bit more about the project. Are you ready?Indira and Malena:—Good afternoon, our names are Indira Martínez and Malena Calderón. We are very happy to be here with our colleagues, representing the groupStudents for Inclusion. With us are Darío, Leo, and Antón, and although some couldn't make it, they are with us. We want to thank our families for being with us today and always. We want to thank Down Syndrome International for recognizing the work we have done since 2020. For our group, it is an honor to be recognized here, at the United Nations, in New York. We want all schools in the world to be inclusive, to share and learn together, so that no one ever has to feel alone. Unfortunately, in our country and in many countries, many young people suffer at school. This is unfair and it is a crime, it is illegal. We have learned that rights need to be defended, and that is what we are doing. We have learned to understand each other better, to be seen too, because sometimes they don't look at us. All of this has been through the online meetings we had for a whole year. During this time, we were talking about our experiences at school and what we could do to improve our experiences there. After this year of work, we created a guide through this project. We were able to show our effort so that other schools can also follow some advice and exercises and, thus, create more inclusive schools. After this, we started doing a million activities to truly create change. We filmed a documentary, wrote a script for a short film, spoke with politicians, went to protests, and many more activities. We were able to do all of this because we are friends. We have always worked together and we love each other very much, even when we are not together. The most important thing is the support we give each other in those difficult moments. We cannot learn not to support each other; we need to support each other. And this is done through inclusive education to change the situation. The world needs to learn that you can judge a book by its cover, and we need to insist on it. We have learned that this is possible if we support and love each other. Thank you all very much. (Applause) Robin Witson:—Thank you very much to Indira and Malena. We have an award we would like to give you. This award is for ‘Students for Inclusion’. Here you go. Indira and Malena:—Thank you very much. (Applause) Audiodescripción [AD]: Malena e Indira recogen el premio simultáneamente y lo muestran. Robin Witson:— Muchas gracias. (Aplausos)

Cadena 'Ser de Álaba' Award (2025)

Award given by Cadena Ser Vitoria to Indira Martínez de Ilarduya Preciado on behalf of the collective ‘Students for Inclusion’.

Transcript

Audio description [AD]:

A male presenter and a female presenter on the stage of the Palacio Europa in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Presenter:—
For their fight for an inclusive education system without segregation, activism recognized with the United Nations World Down Syndrome Award in March 2024.

A video is projected on a large screen:—

Indira Martínez de Ilarduya from Vitoria-Gasteiz accepted the World Down Syndrome Award at the UN headquarters in New York. She did so on behalf of a group of secondary school students called 'Students for Inclusion' who in 2020 created a guide to ensure their schools respond to the diversity of students. Indira wants to change things after having felt excluded and alone during periods of her education due to her Down syndrome, so that no other child goes through the same. For Indira, it is not Down syndrome that causes problems, but the barriers created by people.

Presenter:—

Ángel Garabieta, Commercial Director of CaixaBank in Euskadi, presents the award...

Presenter:—

And Indira Martínez de Ilarduya collects the award, accompanied by her mother, Noemí Preciado. Please.

Audio description [AD]:
Both walk onto the stage to applause from the audience.
 
Presenter:—
Congratulations.
 
Audio description [AD]:
Both walk onto the stage to applause from the audience. On stage, Indira receives the award, visibly happy. Afterwards, she and her mother walk to the lectern, where they lay out a sheet of paper.
 
Indira Martínez de Ilarduya Preciado:—

Hello everyone,

Today I am very happy, I am excited that the work of 'Students for Inclusion' is recognized here, in my city.

I love my city, and to be able to live together in it, it is very important that we are not separated in school. That is what 'Students for Inclusion' works for, and we will never give up. Never.

We fight to make schools inclusive and thus build societies and cities where all people can live together, with the same rights and opportunities.

If we are separated when we are young, it is impossible for us to learn to live together.

I would like for my city, and for all cities and places in the world, to be places where we can all be, work, and enjoy together.

I want to thank Cadena Ser for valuing our work. Thank you very much, from the bottom of my heart.

I also want to thank all the people who have accompanied me on this journey:

My family, who are here.

To Mom, for supporting me and teaching me to defend my rights and not let them be trampled.

To Miren, my friend.

To Jon, Izan, and Alejandra, for being my friends and supporting me when I needed it most.

To those who made it difficult for me and put up barriers. I have a message for you: you have made me stronger, and more of an activist.

To those who thought I wasn't good enough or had to be separated from my peers. You were wrong, you were not right. You have taught me to resist.

To Luz and Nacho. Thank you for believing in us. I love you.

And of course, thanks to my group, the 'Students for Inclusion': Alberto, Malena, Darío, Antón, Martín... I'm not going to name everyone because there are many of us, there are 16 of us. This award is also yours, friends.

It is a great honor to receive this award in my city. Millions of thanks.

Málaga City Award for Education (2024)

Premio otorgado por el Ayuntamiento de Málaga a Malena y Darío Calderón Cano en representación del colectivo ‘Estudiantes por la Inclusión’.

Transcript


Audio description [AD]:

Introduction to the 2024 City of Malaga Awards. Francisco de la Torre Prados, Mayor of Malaga, is present, along with other members of the Municipal Corporation.

Following the mayor, the awardees walk through the audience to the stage to receive their awards.

(Music)


Jorge Gallardo:—

It's time for the City of Malaga Award for Education. And in this case, it goes to Malena and Darío, two siblings named Calderón Cano, secondary school students from Jesús Marín and Torre Atalaya institutes, recently recognized along with their classmates from the 'Students for Inclusion' collective with an international award at the UN headquarters for their activism in favor of inclusive education.


Audio description [AD]:

Close-up of Darío, seated among the attendees,

attentive to the presentation.


Jorge Gallardo:—

Your work is focused on preventing isolation and loneliness in the classroom. Let's look at some of their work.

(Music)


Audio description [AD]:

On a giant screen, outdoors, images of the group ‘Students for Inclusion’ in common activities, workshops held with family members, teaching teams, and research teams, receiving an award from the American Educational Research Association in Chicago and at the UN, receiving the World Down Syndrome Award.

On a large screen, scenes from the group ‘Students for Inclusion’ are projected during joint activities, workshops with family members, and collaborations with teaching and research teams. Also, the presentation of an award from the American Educational Research Association and from the UN (World Down Syndrome Award).


Jorge Gallardo:—

Malena and Darío Calderón Cano receive the award, presented by the Mayor of Málaga and María de la Paz Flores Delgado, Councilor for Education and Employment Promotion.

(Music)


Audio description [AD]:

Francisco de la Torre, María de la Paz Flores, Darío and Malena Calderón rise from their seats and walk towards the award presentation area. Upon arrival, the mayor presents them with the award, and they briefly exchange words of thanks. Afterward, they stand side-by-side for a group photograph taken by journalists.


Jorge Gallardo:—

Family photo. The siblings will now have to fight over it... I don't know where they'll put the award, whether in the sister's room, the brother's room, or the living room. I suppose the living room. They'll reveal it to us now.


Audio description [AD]:

Darío and Malena head towards the presentation podium, where the event host, Jorge Gallardo, is located.


Jorge Gallardo:—

Congratulations.


Audio description [AD]:

Darío takes the floor.


Darío Calderón:—

Good evening. First of all, we want to thank you for this award, both on behalf of my sister and myself. Honestly, we are both very grateful and would never have expected to have the opportunity to be here today.

This award is very important to us and it is an honor to receive it as good citizens of Málaga. But this award, in reality, we feel it belongs to everyone in our group ‘Students for Inclusion’, as without them none of this could have happened.

Therefore, it is necessary to thank our colleagues who are not present today: Alberto Sánchez, Antón Fontao, Carmen Manzano, Indira Martínez de Illarduya, Jorge Osa, Juan Estefan Marí-Mayans, Leo Osa, Mariama Samba, Martín Zabaleta, Pablo García, Patricia Fernández, Rafael Soto, Yasmina Ennadi and Zulaika Hadmed.

With these people, we have created our project, which has excited us, from which we have learned so much, and in which everyone has put their grain of sand so that schools value our diversity and commit to our rights.

We also want to thank Luz Mojtar, from the University of Malaga, and our parents, who have been supporting us every step of the way in this process.


Audio description [AD]:

Malena takes the floor.


Malena Calderón:—

Today we have the honor of receiving this award, and we believe it is a good time to share our concern about some injustices that have persisted over the years.

Many children, boys, girls, and young people are not taken into account in their classes. Some cannot learn because the pace or the way of teaching does not change. Others find themselves alone at school and in high school. There are also people who are invited to leave or are directly expelled from

their classes and their schools to be placed in special classrooms or specific centers.

In many of these cases, they have achieved it. It is something that continues to happen, also, to people in our group, ‘Students for Inclusion,’ and it is something unjust and illegal. We denounce what is happening in many schools, and also what we students, well, do not do well. But we have strived to provide solutions to improve conditions within them so that no one feels excluded.

That is what is being awarded today, and it fills us with pride. Thank you very much.

Roman Citizen Veil (2025)

Award granted by the City Council of Mérida during the Emerita Lvdica Fire Ceremony to Indira Martínez de Ilarduya Preciado on behalf of the collective ‘Students for Inclusion’.

Special Mention in the II 'Social Inclusion Chair' Award (2024)

Award granted by the University of Málaga to Sandra Barrado Fernández, for her Master’s Final Project “Evaluative case study of a participatory action research process in school”.

Pere Pujolàs i Maset Award Honourable Mention (2025)

Award granted by the University of Vic to Nerea Ávila Carreira for her Master’s Final Project “Building an inclusive learning community: Participatory Action Research in Teima Down Ferrol”.

Pere Pujolàs i Maset Award (2022)

Award granted by the University of Vic to Sonia Pérez Rodríguez for her Master’s Final Project “Education, Resistance, and Intersectionality: Life Story of a Venezuelan Woman with Down Syndrome”.

Award for Excellence from 'Autismo Málaga' (2025)

Award granted by the Autism Association of Malaga to the Department of Theory and History of Education, Social Pedagogy and M.I.D.E. of the University of Malaga, in the person of Mr. Ignacio Calderón Almendros as a professor in the aforementioned department, for his work on inclusive education.

Ignacio Calderón receives the award.