The Galician University System Network of Research Centres (CIGUS Network) is a superstructure promoted and funded by the Autonomous Government of Galicia (Xunta de Galicia) to strengthen and boost excellence in university research and drive progress in the region. It is currently made up of 10 centres that hold the CIGUS seal,which certifies the quality and impact of their research and is based on a rigorous process of ongoing external assessment and evaluation.
The CIGUS Network transforms the individual potential of the system’s cutting-edge research centres into a powerful collective force through the application of coordinated strategic actions aimed at consolidating their excellence, driving their social impact and converting the Galician university research system into a scientific benchmark on the Spanish and international scene.
The CIGUS seal, which represents a single model in Spain, articulates and visibilises excellence in university research conducted within the region and is articulated through a firm commitment to economic growth, social wellbeing and Galicia’s future development.
Galicia, the Basque Country, Madrid and Catalonia are the only autonomous communities in Spain to hold quality seals that identify their research centres.
OBJECTIVES
To develop more effective, transparent, efficient and inclusive research structures through ongoing training and professional development , with a particular focus on staff working in the centres’ management units.
To promote shared knowledge, the exchange of experiences and active collaboration between the centres in order to optimise resources, generate synergies and achieve results with a greater scientific and technological impact.
To drive strategic cooperation between the centres and other key actors within the Galician, Spanish and international R&D&I systems in order to deliver solutions that will boost business competitiveness and social wellbeing.
To further the reputation and position of CIGUS centres both in Spain and abroad and to promote Galicia as a leader in science and research.
To attract, retain and support scientific talent in order to raise the standard of science in Galicia and reinforce its innovative ecosystem.
To guarantee scientific excellence and promote the ongoing improvement of its centres through rigorous selection and assessment process carried out independently by an external scientific committee.
BACKGROUND
The CIGUS Network and the centres it currently comprises have evolved from the structuring and consolidation policies that have been applied to the Galician university scientific system since 2008. The process began with funding for the initial “Strategic Research Groups of the Galician University System (SUG in its Spanish initials)”. These groups were created in order to progress from a traditional scientific organisation model (based on research groups and individual researchers within departments) to a system of more flexible and dynamic specialised research structures with a larger critical mass, yet which are also capable of competing within an increasingly global and complex scenario.
In 2016, further progress was made in this direction following the launch of the programme for the funding, structuring and improvement of singular research centres and consolidated research groups. In addition to financial support, this also brought with it the explicit autonomous acknowledgement of infrastructures of this nature. However, it was between 2019 and 2021 that the Galician model of excellence in research centres was truly consolidated, which focused on the central role played by the scientific projects, the strengthening of governance structures and the promotion of external advisory committees and regular assessment processes conducted by external institutions. This period also saw the creation and development of the CIGUS seal and its support network. The most outstanding feature is precisely the determination to apply ongoing, highly rigorous external assessment processes to the centres included in the model and the Network.
HITOS
STRUCTURE
The structure of the CIGUS Network is made up of a high level working group, a mixed working committee, several specialised working commissions and an operations unit.
HIGH LEVEL WORKING GROUP
This body is responsible for identifying strategies and providing the Network with support and advice. It is made up of leading experts in the fields of scientific policy, innovation and centre management and assessment.
OPERATIONS UNIT
MIXED WORKING COMMITTEE
This committee defines the Network’s activities for each year. It is formed by representatives from the various centres, the Regional Secretary General for Universities and FEUGA.
WORKING COMMISSIONS
An internal working mechanism for addressing potential problems and improvements in areas of common interest to the centres. They are made up of specialised staff from the centres and external experts.
OPERATIONS UNIT
This structure coordinates and provides support for the Network’s activity. It is made up of FEUGA staff members.
THE CIGUS NETWORK
Ten centres currently hold the CIGUS recognition, all of which belong to Galicia’s three universities:
the University of A Coruña (UDC), the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) and the University of Vigo.
Cinbio Research Center
UVIGO
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