CIGUS Network research centres attract over 46% of researchers from outside Galicia in 2024

The Regional Minister for Science encourages these university centres to bring their work closer to society, one of the objectives of the forthcoming Science and Innovation Act.

The Regional Minister for Education, Science, Universities and Vocational Training, Román Rodríguez, met today with representatives of the research centres that make up the CIGUS Network to highlight the talent concentrated in these university centres and the importance of their work. In fact, in 2024 they attracted more than 46% of researchers from outside Galicia, 35% of whom came from other countries and 11% from the rest of Spain.

The representative of the Xunta pointed out that these figures show “a constant flow of talent towards Galicia”. Overall, 14% of the researchers working within the CIGUS Network come from abroad. “This consolidates the reputation of the CIGUS Network and of research carried out in Galicia, while also contributing to the overall quality and global competitiveness of its projects,” he added. Across Spain as a whole, Galicia has attracted over 1,100 researchers from other regions since 2020. “This capacity to attract talent reinforces the idea that our region offers competitive conditions and first-class research opportunities,” remarked Román Rodríguez.

In this regard, the Minister for Science, who was accompanied at the meeting by the Secretary-General for Universities, José Alberto Díez, emphasised the importance of raising awareness of the work carried out in research centres and of showcasing the “significant role of the CIGUS Network”, thereby helping to project Galicia as a land of knowledge, talent, and opportunity In fact, the Xunta convened this meeting to explore different ways of bringing the work of CIGUS Network professionals closer to society — such as organising networking events between research centres and students.

Furthermore, the Minister recalled that promoting research is one of the objectives of the forthcoming Galician Science and Innovation Act, a key instrument to accompany the major growth of R&D&I. Indeed, the Xunta is today launching a public consultation on the draft law, open until 28 November, so that all citizens can contribute to its preparation through an open and participatory process.

More than 1,600 researchers
The CIGUS Network is made up of ten centres belonging to Galicia’s three public universities (USC, UVigo and UDC) and brings together more than 1,600 researchers. Under the CIGUS brand, the Xunta funds, coordinates, and promotes university research excellence. Over the past four years, it has secured more than €180 million in competitive projects, representing a significant economic return for a network to which the Xunta has allocated nearly €68 million. In the current call — in which eight centres renewed their accreditation and two new ones joined — the regional government’s contribution has increased by 31%.