Science generates little interest in Spanish society and the scientific system suffers from shortages that need to be corrected according to the European project Masis. But recent years have shown positive changes such as the creation of the Ministry of Science and Innovation, an increased budget for R+D, and new initiatives in popular science and education

STAFF | MARCH 23RD, 2011

Most Middle Eastern and Northern African countries spend less than 0.3% of GDP on research. But there are signs this may be changing. The Arab League is about to present a strategy for science and technology throughout the region, and recent political revolts may play to the favor of science in the region

DAVID SEGARRA | FEBRUARY 16TH, 2011

Catalonia’s political parties have already outlined their proposals for strengthening R+D, technology and industry and which energy models are most suitable for the future of the Spanish autonomous region. Here we offer a taste of the first debate on this topic ahead of the November 28th elections between the five major Catalan political parties.

ÀNNIA MONREAL | OCTOBER 15TH, 2010

While scientific forecasts fall short and global temperature increases at a rate higher than expected, many politicians prefer to mask their inaction in the guise of scientific doubt, even at the grave risk of acting too late if we do not quickly arrive at the solution for climate change.

OCTOBER 6TH, 2010

Over 700 people attended the first ever Connect-EU Day on Wednesday September 22nd in Barcelona to find out more about funding opportunities and support for innovation provided by the European Union for companies and research institutions in Catalonia.

STAFF | SEPTEMBER 23TH, 2010

In 1660, a dozen friends, among whom were Christopher Wren and Robert Boyle, met at Gresham College in London for a drink. As a result of that casual encounter, three years later, the informal group of colleagues would receive a royal charter giving them the title of the Royal Society of London charged with improving the knowledge of the natural sciences. Three hundred and fifty years later, the Royal Society maintains its academic and social prestige as well as a high degree of influence.

Xavier Pujol Gebellí | 12 July 2010

During 2009, 37 new Spanish scientific journals have been included in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR), an annual ranking of 7,600 scholarly journals.

Staff | June 25, 2010

The Foundation of the Institution of Research Centres of Catalonia (CERCA) is a tool to support research centers participated in by the Catalan Government to promote excellence and to generate economies of scale to optimize existing resources.

18 june 2010

On 10-11 June Hotel Campus will host the first meeting of the International Medical Research Association (IMRA), with members of UAB and eight research institutions of South Korea. The association was created in 2009 and will allow members to collaborate in high-tech medical research projects in the fields of neurology, biology and regenerative medicine. They will carry out joint research projects, exchange information and researchers and meet periodically at reunions such as the one taking place in Bellaterra.

Catalonia’s Councilor for Innovation, Universities and Enterprise Josep Huguet, accompanied by the Director of the Department of Regional Services for Central Catalonia Josep Palau, recently presented in Manresa the proposed Strategy for the Regional Innovation System in Central Catalonia. Speaking to the economic and social entities in the area, Huguet explained how the strategy examines the innovation system of the five counties that make up Central Catalonia as well as the opportunities and challenges in this field.

14 june 2010

Despite the achievements of the last decade in research and innovation policies, Catalonia still has much to do to join the world’s elite in R+D+I. In terms of innovation, the Spanish autonomous community is at the forefront of a disadvantaged OECD country, but it is still below the average for this group of countries. These and many other findings are highlighted in a report that the OECD itself has developed to evaluate the Catalan research and innovation system. The report was presented on Thursday, June 3, at the Capilla of Santa Àgata in Barcelona.

Clara Cardona | 7 june 2010

The Councilor for Innovation, Universities and Business of Catalonia’s Generalitat, Josep Huguet, has completed his official Asian tour, a tour that was marked by a heavy economic accent. The week-long mission began in Singapore and concluded with the opening of two plants of Catalan companies, one in Jiaxing, in the Zhejiang province, some 80 kilometers from Shanghai, China.

3 june 2010

In the framework of the Barcelona BioMed Forum, different experts analyzed the results of the four editions for Starting Grants and Advanced Grants and conclude that, despite the positive assessment, it is necessary that the European Research Council (ERC) has more independence from the European Commission to finally achieve its objective of enhancing European scientific excellence.

Clara Cardona | 1 june 2010

According to the OECD, governments should not cut R&D expenditures "essential to the country's future."

A. R. | 31 may 2010

Catalonia has become the center of excellence in southern Europe in terms of research and development in nanoscience. The recent addition of the Alba synchrotron to Spain’s list of major scientific and technological facilities places Barcelona in a leading position in the international nanotechnology scene. All these reasons have contributed to the Catalan capital hosting the GENNESYS 2010 Congress, an international meeting on nanotechnology, on May 27 and 28.

Octavi Planells, Clara Cardona | 28 may 2010