The Spanish capital's research capabilities flourish
Considered Spain's largest technological university and one of Europe's leading institutions, UPM is focusing on innovative solutions for sustainable development, from sports sciences to architecture. The institution has put formidable effort into hiring highly competent researchers and professionals, ensuring competitiveness on a global scale. In this context, the EU-funded project UNITE (UPM - Marie Curie international mobility programme) supported researcher mobility and the recruitment of top-notch researchers. It introduced mobility schemes to attract both European and non-European researchers through three calls for the selection of senior researchers and experienced researchers. To achieve its aims, the project team outlined selection, evaluation and recruitment criteria, including remuneration packages and contract details. It disseminated the calls through different websites, portals, conferences and workshops. This led to the recruitment of four senior researchers in collaboration with industry or foundations in technological research and innovation, including nanotechnology and biotechnology. It also led to four new positions for experienced researchers under the University's outgoing mobility scheme, involving notable universities in Brazil, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United States. Moreover, the UPM recruited 12 experienced researchers under its incoming and reintegration mobility scheme, bringing a host of high-level researchers into its fold. By creating a critical mass of experienced and senior researchers at UPM, the project successfully advanced the institution's capabilities and helped it maintain its leading position in Europe. This is an important development for enhancing the competitiveness of the bloc's academic potential and strengthening the European Research Area (ERA).
Keywords
Biotechnology, nanotechnology, international mobility, researcher mobility, mobility schemes
