José Luis Méndez Awarded National History Prize in Cuba

The 2026 National History Prize was awarded today to Doctor of Science José Luis Méndez Méndez, in recognition of the comprehensive nature of his investigative work and its exceptional practical and social impact.

According to the National Union of Historians of Cuba (Unhic), the decision was made by a jury of experts—previous winners of the prize—who ruled unanimously after evaluating the 11 proposals received. The jury considered his formative mentorship and the broad institutional recognition that supports him.

Other highlighted merits included his extraordinary and prolonged dedication, spanning over 40 years, to the study, reconstruction, and defense of Cuba's historical memory against US aggressions, reported the ACN news agency.

Extensive and Influential Body of Work
The jury also emphasized his extensive body of work, documented through 27 books and hundreds of articles.

They considered that his research into over 65 years of Cuba's life constitutes a transcendental contribution to national historiography, providing a theoretical framework that evidences and explains the policy of aggressions and constant hostility toward the Antillean nation.