The 9th BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Awards have recognized a group of researchers and cultural creators who are distinguished for their excellence. The winners’ contributions are outstanding for their originality and for pushing back the frontiers to open up new areas of knowledge.

Not long ago, Mercedes Gatti of BBVA Uruguay wouldn’t have been able to finish a race of any length, let alone a 5K. However, when the bank started a running club, she had the opportunity to participate in one of the toughest and most beautiful races in the world: the Crossing of the Andes. She discovered that everything works better as 'One team'.

At BBVA Momentum, entrepreneurs go back to school, but this time in an innovative way that fits in their fast-paced lifestyle. Technology is the new edition’s biggest ally, allowing participants to refresh their knowledge, acquire new skills and interact with each other.

One of the thorniest consequences for the banking industry of the outbreak of the war and the country’s division into two opposite sides was the inability to carry accurate and reliable accounting records. Already in 1936, after barely six months of conflict, banks were not able to close their accounting books.

The Roca brothers continue demonstrating their enthusiasm for exploring new territories and supporting young talent. After three international tours, their new challenge focuses on Spain. La Coruña, Bilbao, Seville, Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands are their upcoming destinations.

The University of Alabama and its rich gridiron history has dominated college football headlines in the past decade, winning four national championships, producing two Heisman Trophy winners, and sending 18 first round draft picks to professional football’s most prominent league since 2007.

“Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas”. This is one of the most famous quotes from renowned scientist Marie Curie. IT was, precisely, her interest in the world that led her to become the first woman to ever win a Nobel prize, at a time when women were rarely allowed to pursue University studies, at least in Poland.

The BBVA Foundation is once again helping talented people through the annual Leonardo Grants for scientific researchers and cultural creatives. This initiative seeks to make innovative projects a reality, and is one of the wide range of grants the bank offers to researchers, students and scientists throughout the year.

Billy Smith works as Visual Specialist at BBVA Compass and he is always looking for new ways to tell stories. He never thought he’d work at a bank.

With Spain’s banking industry divided in two, and some of the banks’ CEOs and directors going over to the enemy, it was the professionals at the savings banks and banks who made it possible for everyday life to be as normal as possible within the confines of such a harsh war. To the extent possible, executives and workers came up with ways to get by.