We are thrilled to share the fantastic news that our Health CASCADE research fellow, Dr Jorge R Zapata successfully defended his PhD thesis at Fundació Blanquerna on Wednesday, 25th February 2026.
Jorge’s thesis, titled “EngAGE4Change: Co-creating outdoor spaces with older adults living in care homes and the community to promote physical activity and reduce loneliness —a Health CASCADE project,” provides valuable insights and contributions to the field. Jorge’s work was expertly guided by his supervisors, Dr. Maria Giné-Garriga, Dr Sacra M Torne, Prof Dawn Skelton, Prof Mai Chin A Paw and Philippa Dall.
The defence consisted of a presentation delivered before evaluators Wilbert den Hoed, Leon Staines Diaz, and Josefa Ros Velasco, who had reviewed Jorge’s thesis in advance and posed a series of challenging questions.
Jorge has been awarded Sobresaliente, the highest grade that can be granted to a doctoral thesis in Spain – what an achievement!
Jorge has published findings from his research in academic journals, which can be accessed here.
We wish Jorge every success in his future career.
Congratulations once again, Dr!
