• The award coincides with the celebration of the technology centre’s 175-year history, recognising its track record of excellence in agri-food and forestry R&D&I.

 

NEIKER adds a new milestone to its century-long history. The Official Association of Agricultural Engineers of Aragon, Navarre and the Basque Country has announced that it has awarded our organisation the 2026 Honorary Member Award. This distinction, agreed by the General Assembly of Members at its meeting last December, recognises NEIKER’s work as a public benchmark in research, development and innovation, highlighting the effective management that the centre has been carrying out in favour of the sector.

 

175 years of excellence in R&D&I

In awarding this prize, the Association has recognised NEIKER’s outstanding track record, which this year celebrates 175 years of history. For more than a century and a half, the centre has constantly evolved to respond to the challenges of the agri-food, forestry and agri-livestock sectors, consolidating its position as a key player in improving the competitiveness and sustainability of the primary sector. This recognition highlights not only the historical importance of the institution, but also its current capacity to lead cutting-edge projects that transform the rural environment and generate high-impact scientific knowledge.

 

A tribute to NEIKER’s team

Olatz Unamunzaga, managing director of NEIKER, expressed her gratitude upon hearing the news: “Receiving this award is an immense honour for everyone who is and has been part of NEIKER. The fact that the Official Association of Agricultural Engineers has given us this distinction precisely as we celebrate our 175th anniversary is the best possible recognition of our commitment to the sector. This award motivates us to continue working with the same enthusiasm in the search for innovative solutions to the challenges of the future.”

 

Award ceremony in Zaragoza

The official award ceremony will take place next May in Zaragoza, coinciding with the festivities of San Isidro, patron saint of agricultural engineers. NEIKER would like to express its deepest gratitude to the Governing Board and all the members of the professional associations of Aragon, Navarre and the Basque Country for this distinction, which strengthens the ties of collaboration with professionals in the sector and highlights the efforts of so many generations of researchers and technicians who have contributed to the development of the field since our foundation.