The Hypatia Mars Association has been awarded the 2025 Initiative Award by the Spanish Geographical Society (SGE), recognising the impact of the Hypatia II mission in advancing space exploration with a gender perspective.
For over 25 years, the SGE Awards have distinguished outstanding initiatives and careers in the fields of exploration, research and geographical dissemination, highlighting projects that contribute to expanding our understanding of the world. This year’s edition placed particular emphasis on the exploration of the limits of knowledge, the role of women and younger generations in science, and the preservation of the planet.
The award was presented during the annual ceremony, where representatives of the Hypatia II crew—Estel Blay, Jennifer García Carrizo and Laura González Llamazares—accepted the recognition on behalf of the full crew.
Hypatia II is a space analogue mission that integrated scientific research with a gender perspective, aiming to contribute to a more inclusive future in space exploration. The project reflected a broader commitment to advancing science while ensuring diversity and representation in future exploration efforts.
The ceremony brought together leading projects and individuals across areas such as oceanography, environmental sciences, and exploration. Among the awardees were the Oceanographic Research Vessel Hespérides, Ariadna Mecho Lausac (Salas y Gómez Ridge Expedition), Jordi Esteva, Beatriz Roldán, Javier Peña, Rafael Bachiller and Denis Urubko.
The event stood out as an inspiring gathering of initiatives dedicated to knowledge, exploration and societal impact, reinforcing the importance of science and collaboration in addressing global challenges.