University of Chile researcher wins Alsea Prize for breastfeeding study

Researcher María Paulina Correa Burrows from the University of Chile has been awarded the 2026 Alsea Prize for her study on the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and biological aging in individuals with persistent obesity.

The project, titled “Early origin of resilience to biological aging in people with persistent obesity: the role of exclusive breastfeeding,” will receive $150,000 in funding to examine how early-life nutrition influences aging processes. The research will involve international collaboration with the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and the Clock Foundation.

The award, presented by Fundación Alsea, A. C. and World Vision in Mexico City, saw a record 142 applications this year. This marks the second consecutive year that a Chilean institution has received the distinction.