Research career

Research is about systematically carrying out creative work to increase the volume of knowledge, including knowledge relating to human beings, culture and society. This translates into using knowledge to create new applications, its transfer and dissemination.

It is essential to establish a well-defined research career with effective selection, assessment and promotion mechanisms in which mobility is included and facilitated as an enriching element of the Spanish Science, Technology and Innovation System (SECTI). The availability of a defined, structured scientific career stimulates and retains scientific talent in our country. The route designed must respect and guarantee the principles of job security and equal opportunities between women and men.

Welfare of animals used in research

Animals may only be used for scientific purposes when the use is justified by the purpose pursued, and it is necessary to implement the '3Rs principle', i.e. replacement, reduction and refinement of procedures, encouraging the use of alternative methods to live animal testing.

The basic rules applicable to the protection of animals used in experiments and other scientific purposes, including teaching, are set out in Royal Decree 53/2013 of 1 February.

The body responsible for advising the State Administration, the Autonomous Communities, the cities of Ceuta and Melilla and the bodies responsible for animal welfare, as well as ensuring that best practices are shared, is the Spanish Committee for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes (CEPAFIC), which is part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Awards and recognitions

The National Research Awards recognise the merit of Spanish researchers who are doing outstanding work in scientific fields relevant internationally and who are contributing exceptionally to the advancement of science, to a better understanding of human beings and their coexistence, to the transfer of technology and to humanity's progress.

On the other hand, the Medal of Merit in Research and University Education was created for honorary purposes to distinguish the people and entities that have stood out in the development and promotion of university education and scientific and technical research. The Medal of Merit in Research and University Education has three categories: gold, silver and bronze.

Access to ICTS users

The term Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructure (ICTS) refers to the facilities, resources and services needed to conduct cutting-edge, top-quality research. ICTS are unique or exceptional in their nature, with a very high investment, maintenance and operating cost, whose importance and strategic nature justifies their availability for the entire R&D&I collective. They are characterised by three key aspects: they are publicly-owned, they are unique and open to competitive access.

Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS) offer a percentage of the capacity of their essential services in the Competitive Open Access system for use by researchers in the public and private, national and international sectors, with the support of the technical and administrative staff of the ICTS.

International Science Council (ISC)

The International Science Council (ISC) is a global non-governmental organisation with a growing international membership that brings together 40 international scientific associations and unions, as well as more than 140 national and regional scientific organisations, including academies and research councils.

The Council is unique in its ability to gather and integrate scientific excellence and scientific and political experience in all fields of science in all regions around the world.

Spain has been a "National Member" since 1922 and is currently represented by the General Secretariat for Research.

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