Alignment with Award Category
Dr. Botija Yagüe’s work embodies the values of innovation and societal contribution that align with the Women Researcher Award category. Her commitment to addressing complex social challenges, coupled with her interdisciplinary approach, positions her as a standout candidate.
University of Valencia, | Spain
Profile
🎓Early Academic Pursuits
Education and Training
Mercedes Botija Yagüe, a dedicated social scientist, was born on January 4, 1977. She embarked on an impressive academic journey in Spain, marked by consistent excellence. She earned her Diplomatura en Trabajo Social from Universidad Complutense in 1998, where she achieved a notable average qualification of 75. Her pursuit of knowledge continued with a Licenciatura en Humanidades at Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, graduating in 2006 with a commendable 7.00. In 2011, she completed a Grado en Trabajo Social at Universidad Complutense with an impressive 8.75 average, followed by two specialized master’s degrees: Criminología y Delincuencia Juvenil from Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (2011, 8.80) and Inteligencia Emocional from Universitat de València (2014). Her crowning academic achievement was earning her Ph.D. in Ciencias Sociales from Universitat de València in 2014, graduating with honors (10.00), under the supervision of Francesc Xavier Uceda i Maza and José Vicente Pérez Cosín.
💼Professional Endeavors
Academic Positions
Mercedes Botija Yagüe’s career spans over two decades of impactful work in social services and academia. She began her professional journey as a Trabajadora Social at Instituto de Realojamiento e Integración Social (1998–1999) and later worked in Brazil under the Ministerio de Trabajo y Asuntos Sociales, focusing on international cooperation (1999–2000). From 2000 to 2005, she contributed to the Programa Regional Acción Sociosanitaria y Comunitaria. Her dedication to adolescent welfare and social reintegration is evident in her roles at the Centro Internamiento Medidas Judiciales, where she worked as both a Trabajadora Social (2003–2015) and Directora (2006–2007). Transitioning to academia, she joined Universitat de València as a Profesora Asociada in 2013, later becoming Profesora Ayudante Doctora (2015–2019) and eventually Titular de Universidad in October 2022.
📚Contributions and Research Focus on homelessness
Mercedes Botija Yagüe has made significant contributions to the fields of social work and well-being, specializing in areas defined by UNESCO codes: 530719 (Teoría del bienestar), 631000 (Problemas sociales), and 631011 (Bienestar social). Her research emphasizes inclusion, disability, emotional intelligence, and the intersection of criminology and juvenile delinquency. Her notable publications include: “Inclusión laboral y discapacidad invisible” in Revista Española de Discapacidad (2021), which explores barriers faced by individuals with cystic fibrosis in the labor market. “Experiences of Female Breast Cancer Survivors Concerning Their Return to Work in Spain” in Behavioral Science (2021), addressing the challenges of workforce reintegration post-cancer treatment. Her research is widely recognized for its quality, with works indexed in prestigious databases like JCR, Dialnet, and DOAJ, and positioned within competitive quartiles of social sciences journals.
🏆Accolades and Recognition
Mercedes has received numerous accolades for her outstanding academic and professional achievements. Her doctoral work was conferred with honors, highlighting her academic rigor and expertise. Additionally, her published works are indexed in high-impact journals, with strong quality indicators, further cementing her reputation as a leading researcher in social sciences.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Community Impact
Mercedes Botija Yagüe’s work has had a profound impact on the understanding and implementation of social work practices. Her focus on invisible disabilities, emotional well-being, and adolescent rehabilitation has influenced policies and practices within Spain and beyond. Through her teaching roles, she has mentored a generation of students at Universitat de València, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to address pressing social challenges. Her interdisciplinary approach—bridging criminology, emotional intelligence, and social work—has provided innovative solutions to societal problems, fostering inclusion and equity.
🔮Legacy and Future Contributions