A year of publication of the Science Act to promote Catalonia as a European research centre

Now just one year ago, on January 13, 2023, it was done Science Law in CataloniaIt was approved shortly ago by a large majority in the Catalan Parliament. The new standard is imagined The Catalan model of research, development and innovation (R+D+i) as a tool to contribute to the well-being of people, the competitiveness of companies, the effectiveness of public institutions and sustainability. A law that specifically focuses on serving citizens, responding to major social challenges, and promoting knowledge transfer, scientific publishing, and transparent and collaborative research.

The law has completed its stages and is being published in order to strengthen the country's commitment to the society and economy based on the knowledge generated in Catalonia and to strengthen the country as a reference research center in Southern Europe. A big challenge too Striving to improve public and private funding for research and enhance scientific care. “With the Catalonia Science Law, we are putting R&D and innovation in a better position The political, social and economic priorities of the countryThe Minister of Research and Universities explained, Joachim Nadal and VarerasWhen the Catalan Chamber gave its approval to the new rule.

Currently, the Catalan R&D+i system is already distinguished by its distinction, leading, for example, in attracting competitive research funds: Catalan centers represent the fourth European institution to receive funds. EC Horizon Europe Catalonia, which has 1.8% of the European Union's population, received 3.3% of aid to science from the European Research Council. Also from our knowledge system, successful programs are deployed to attract scientific talent, e.g ICREA or Industrial Ph.Dwith a significant multiplier effect in terms of employment and scientific impact.

Judgment

In terms of governance, the law has made progress in its first year with the formation of two of its main entities. On the one hand, in May 2023 Interdepartmental Committee for Research and Innovation (CIRI), which enhances internal coordination of the general government in promoting research and defines strategic lines for public financing. Recently, on December 22, it was done Research and Innovation Council of Catalonia (CORICAT), composed of 14 figures related to research and innovation and chaired by Dr. Joan Massagi, who will advise the government in designing its strategies.

Moreover, the government has already appointed its representatives in Research, Development and Innovation Sponsorship Councilwhich will enter into force soon.

Strategies

Within the scope of the road map he drew Science lawThe government has previously presented and approved two of the four plans and strategies stipulated in the regulations. in summer, Strategic innovation and knowledge transfer plan, which aims to place Catalonia among the most dynamic European regions in transport and innovation. The plan seeks to promote the transformation of research into action for the benefit of progress, competitiveness and well-being.

On December 5, The university's strategic plan in the field of research and transfer of excellencean initiative to promote research at universities and encourage the generation and transfer of influential knowledge

Moreover, we must add that the remaining two strategies have already been developed and are awaiting implementation. On the one hand, Catalan Open Science StrategyThis will facilitate the arrangement of scientific production and data from research activity in open access repositories in an understandable manner. On the other hand, Strategy for gender equality in scienceWhich aims to enhance parity between women and men and integrate a gender perspective into knowledge production.

infrastructure

The progress of science law on the ground must also be noted, leading to the consolidation of advocacy Scientific arc Research, a range of centres, infrastructures and large knowledge projects to improve the capabilities of science made in Catalonia.

Among these projects, the launch of the supercomputer stands out Mare Nostrum 5 at the Barcelona Supercomputing Centrethe impetus for building the fourth generation synchrotron Alba 2 in Cerdanyola del VallesOr the Innovab semiconductor plant, also in Cerdanyola del Valles, or the merger and resizing of research centres. We must also highlight progress on other strategic projects, such as the Ciutadella del Coneximent (Barcelona) Inside is the BiomedBIST building (known as Mercat del Peix), Center de Advanced and Emerging Teràpies in Catalonia (CTAEC) Wave Quantica Valley.