Joan Romero is Professor of Human Geography at the Universitat de València, and one of the Spanish main specialists in political geography. He has developed the vast majority of his academic career at the Universitat de València, wher he has held some management responsibilities. His research activity was focused on Spanish territorial organisation, decentralisation, federalism, and globalisation, fields of which he is author of an extense bibliography. Additionally, he has leaded several research projects and is a distinguished voice within public discussion on territorial model.

In turn, Ana Lluch is Professor of Medicine at the Universitat de València and one of the role models of medical oncology, especially in the field of breast cancer. Her trajectory is marked by the combination of teaching, research, and assistance activity, making a key contribution to the development of clinical research and to the inclusion of new oncologic treatments. Througout her career, she has trained several generations of healthcare professionals, and she has participated in national and international research projects, which have implied a wide scientific and institutional acknowledge for her. 

With the Premis Valencià i Valenciana de l'Any (Valencian Man and Woman of the Year Awards), Levante-EMV inaugurates these awards intended to highlight figures that represent professional excellence and commitment to society. The Universitat de València celebrates this acknowledge given to two public figures that are closely related to the institution and that have stood out because of their contributions in the fields of medicine, research, teaching, and social sciences.