• The event was also attended by the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Trade, Jose Manuel Soria, the Chairman of IBERDROLA, Ignacio Galan, and the Chairman of Fundacion IBERDROLA, Manuel Marin



• The foundation’s scholarship programme for students and young researchers is part of the larger social commitment of IBERDROLA Group which has hired 1,900 young professionals in the past year



• A total of 800 trainees have had the opportunity to do an internship at the Company or at internationally recognized institutions

The Prince and Princess of Asturias have hosted in Madrid the award ceremony of the Fundacion IBERDROLA scholarships for students and young researchers, granted every year through different programmes.

The event was also attended by the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Trade, Jose Manuel Soria, the Chairman of IBERDROLA, Ignacio Galan, and the Chairman of the Fundacion IBERDROLA, Manuel Marin.

During his speech, Ignacio Galan, founding trustee of the Fundacion, emphasized the role played by large companies, such as Iberdrola, in promoting labour market integration of future generations. As part of its commitment to society, the Group incorporated 1,900 young professionals to its workforce last year.

Moreover, a total of 800 trainees have had the opportunity to do an internship at the Company or have undertaken postgraduate or doctorate studies at international universities.

IBERDROLA Chairman stressed the importance of the Company's employee development programme, as demonstrated by more than 1.2 million hours of training provided last year, representing more than 40 hours of training per employee. As a result, more than 1,500 employees have been promoted to positions of greater responsibility within the Group.

The Company´s commitment to knowledge also highlights its drive for innovation and technological development. In 2011, the Group allocated €140 million towards various R&D projects, thus placing IBERDROLA among the largest research investors in the European industry.

The number of scholarships grows by 23%

This year, Fundacion Iberdrola has granted 59 scholarships for the 2012-2013 academic year, an increase of 23% over the previous edition. More than 1,000 candidates have entered the three different calls for grants carried out by the foundation. 

The first call was for energy and environment postgraduate studies in leading universities in Spain, UK and US. Fundacion Iberdrola covers enrollment fees and a monthly allowance of $2,100 or 1,200 euro/pounds depending on the chosen country.

The second call for scholarships, named “Energy for Research”, is for advancing research in the field of energy and climate change. On this occasion, 15 young researches will benefit of an aid package of €20,000 per project for one year.

Under the partnership agreement signed between Fundacion Iberdrola and the Prado Museum, one art conservation graduate will complete training at the Prado restoration workshop for a year. Moreover, the foundation has extended the two scholarships granted last year with an allowance of €15,000 each.

About Fundacion Iberdrola

The Fundacion IBERDROLA carries out initiatives that make an effective contribution towards enhancing people’s quality of life in the territories and countries where the IBERDROLA Group operates, particularly in the fields of energy sustainability, art and culture, as well as solidarity and social initiatives.

In addition to the scholarships programme, the Fundacion Iberdrola actively participates in the conservation of artistic heritage. Its flagship project, the Atlantic Romanesque Restoration Plan in cooperation with Portugal’s Ministry of Culture and Castile and Leon regional government, seeks to restore ancient Romanesque churches around the Douro and Tamega rivers. It also contributes with new lighting facilities to relevant buildings such as the church of San Felipe Neri in Cadiz, the church of San Antonio Abad in El Toboso (Toledo) or the Corpus Christi Chapel of Tapestries in Valencia.

The foundation’s “Energy for Solidarity” social aid programme promotes different cooperation and development initiatives that have assisted well over 44 organizations based in Spain.

Media Information: Paul Ferguson, 0141 614 4535