Meeting with Spanish universities and research centers

The Autonomous University of Madrid, the University of Granada, and Ikerbasque share their research and internationalization strategies with the Leaders

Following a meeting between their representatives and participants in the Leaders Program, the CDTI headquarters hosted a gathering where Australian experts met with representatives from the Autonomous University of Madrid, the University of Granada, and Ikerbasque.

These three Spanish institutions are notable for their success in the Horizon Europe program and possess proven experience in collaborating with Australia. The meeting served to explore opportunities for expanding institutional collaboration between Australian and Spanish universities through joint research projects, researcher mobility programs, cooperation on doctoral studies, and strategic partnerships.

Professors Maria Angeles Martin and Jose Luis Ayuso represented the Autonomous University of Madrid, highlighting the university's extensive research activities and the presence of specialized centers in fields such as physics, molecular biology, mathematics, theoretical physics, food science, nanoscience, and health sciences. They also emphasized their experience with European programs, including participation in the Seventh Framework Programme, Horizon 2020, and Horizon Europe, as well as projects linked to Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions and the European Research Council.

Regarding potential areas for collaboration with Australia, they highlighted health and biomedicine, food and agriculture, sustainability and climate change, energy, advanced materials, and digital technologies. Additionally, student and researcher mobility was identified as a means to consolidate long-term institutional relationships.

Professor Jose Luis Ayuso offered a perspective grounded in years of involvement in European projects and evaluation activities. He explained that entering this system requires time, preparation, and collaborative networks, underscoring the importance of institutional support to enable researchers to dedicate resources to preparing proposals, finding partners, and coordinating projects.

He further noted that participation in European initiatives should not be measured solely by the acquisition of funding; in his view, the process fosters stable international networks, promotes researcher mobility, and strengthens institutional capabilities. He also highlighted the value of participating as an evaluator to gain firsthand insight into the procedures and criteria used in the calls for applications.

The Granada experience

Representing the University of Granada, Professor Maria Ros Izquierdo and Dr. Joaquin Valderrama presented an experience characterized by growing participation in European programs and the existence of support structures for researchers. They highlighted sustainability, artificial intelligence, and the connection between research, industry, and innovation as key strategic areas.

Representatives from the Andalusian institution also emphasized their involvement in European research infrastructures and projects spanning artificial intelligence, health, biodiversity, Earth observation, and new technologies. They noted that the university places particular importance on fostering connections between universities, businesses, and other stakeholders to capitalize on opportunities within Horizon Europe.

Researcher Joaquin Valderrama outlined his career path between Spain and Australia, citing it as an example of the value of personal and scientific relationships in building lasting collaborations. He also pointed out that prior contact with researchers in the same field and familiarity with institutional support systems facilitate the preparation of international proposals.

Ikerbasque and the Basque ecosystem

The third case study presented was that of Ikerbasque, within the Basque Country's scientific ecosystem. Gabriel Molina-Terriza outlined the characteristics of a regional system that combines public funding, universities, research centers, and technology organizations.

Key elements highlighted included research centers focused on both fundamental science and applied research, as well as their connection to the industrial sector. He also explained Ikerbasque's capacity to attract international researchers and foster scientific careers within the Basque Country.

Gabriel Molina, who also spent part of his research career in Australia, emphasized how the movement of researchers between the two countries can create scientific ties that endure even after researchers return to their home countries.

Finally, regarding quantum technologies, he underscored the potential for collaboration between Spanish and Australian scientific communities, as well as the interest in exploring mobility programs and joint projects.

The importance of support and networks

A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the need for offices and professionals specializing in European projects. Such structures can help identify calls for proposals, find partners, organize meetings, and assist researchers during the proposal preparation process.

The distinction between fundamental research and calls focused on societal and technological challenges was also highlighted. Participating in Horizon Europe projects requires more than simply transferring an existing line of research; the research must be aligned with the objectives, impact, and specific needs outlined in each call.

The meeting concluded with a call to continue building long-term institutional relationships between Spanish and Australian universities, leveraging Australia's association with Horizon Europe and the existing scientific networks between the two countries.

Meeting attendees:

Universidad de Granada: