The CIGUS Network strengthens ties with the Basque Research System

Between 28^th and 30^th October, a delegation from the Galician University System’s Network of Research Centres (CIGUS), an initiative launched by the regional government (Xunta de Galicia) that groups together centres of accredited scientific excellence, visited the Basque Research System in order to obtain an insight into its model, share best practices and forge new relations and contacts to boost the synergies between both territories.  

The delegation, led by the Secretary General for Universities, José Alberto Díez de Castro, was made up of 31 members, including directors and managers of the CIGUS centres (CICA and CITIC from the University of A Coruña;  CiMUS, CiQUS, CiTIUS, CRETUS, and IGFAE from the University of Santiago de Compostela; and atlanTTic, CIM, and CINBIO from the University of Vigo); the pro vice-chancellors of research from the three Galician universities; and members of Secretariat General for Universities office. The visit was organized by the CIGUS Network’s Technical Office, which is run by the Galician Business-University Foundation (FEUGA by its Galician initials). 

During the course of three intensive days, the Galician delegation visited some of the Basque Country’s leading research centres, including prominent research centres in the Basque Country, including IBF-FBB, Achucarro, Tecnalia, CIC bioGUNE, BCBL, and CIC nanoGUNE. Additionally, the group met representatives from Ikerbasque and BRTA, key institutions in the Basque scientific ecosystem.

Galicia and the Basque Country both face the challenge of attracting and retaining scientific talent, a fundamental pillar for the future growth of both regions.

In addition to addressing this issue, the working sessions centred on topics such as research centre governance, strategies for transferring research results to the market, and internationalization policies, among others. The delegation also had the opportunity to tour the centres’ singular facilities and infrastructures.

CIGUS is a network promoted by the Galician autonomous government (Xunta de Galicia) to consolidate and encourage university research of excellence, acting as a driving force for progress in the region. It is made up of research centres that hold the CIGUS seal, which certifies the quality and impact of the research conducted. The network currently includes ten research centres that collectively bring together 1,600 researchers. Its achievements include 32 ERC grants, as well as 6,325 scientific publications and more than € 180 million in competitive funding in the 2020-2023 period. Moreover, in 2023, alone, these centres were awarded 245 new competitive projects and signed 228 contracts and agreements with businesses.