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In order for the Spanish System of Science, Technology and Innovation (SECTI) to achieve its objectives of generating, disseminating and transferring knowledge aimed at solving the great social challenges, it is essential that it has an adequate complement of research personnel. This concept covers both research staff and technical and management staff.

It is also essential to establish a clearly defined research career, with effective selection, evaluation and promotion mechanisms. This career must contemplate and promote mobility as an enriching element of the SECTI, favoring the exchange of experiences and knowledge.

Having a structured and well-regulated scientific career not only stimulates the research vocation, but also contributes to retaining talent in our country. This professional itinerary must guarantee the principles of job security, as well as equal treatment and opportunities between women and men.

The participation of the citizens in science has been taking place even before the scientific profession was consolidated: we recognize the inventors and the fans and lovers of science contributing with their observations and with the registration of data to the advancement of knowledge. Scientists have also sought the collaboration of the population in their projects

Today, however, we are witnessing a significant increase in citizen science in Spain and in the world, with different degrees and forms of involvement of citizens in research, largely thanks to the fact that numerous digital tools are expanding the possibilities of involving citizens in research. At the basis of this growth is the potential of citizen science to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in multiple areas. Citizen science has come to complement and enrich science, contributing to the education of citizens and favoring their acceptance.

The term Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructure (ICTS) refers to facilities, resources or services necessary to develop cutting-edge and high-quality research. ICTS are unique or exceptional in their kind, with a very high cost of investment, maintenance and operation, the importance and strategic nature of which justifies their availability for the entire R+D+I collective. They are characterized by three fundamental aspects: they are public owned infrastructures, they are unique and they are open to competitive access.

The Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS) offer an opening percentage of the capacity of its essential services under Competitive Open Access for use by researchers from the public and private sector, national and international, with the support of the technical and administrative staff of the ICTS.