COMFUTURO, a public-private collaboration committed to science and the future

Project Information

COMFUTURO

Grant agreement ID: 101034263

DOI

10.3030/101034263

EC signature date 4 October 2021

Start date 1 January 2022

End date 31 December 2026

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 3 310 200,00

EU contribution

€ 1 655 100,00

Coordinated by

FUNDACION GENERAL CSIC
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - COMFUTURO (COMFUTURO, a public-private collaboration committed to science and the future)

Reporting period: 2022-01-01 to 2023-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

COMFUTURO, a 60-month MSCA-COFUND initiative, addresses pressing research challenges by awarding 15 fellowships to Experienced Researchers (ER) of any nationality who complied with the MSCA mobility rule, to carry out innovative projects. Fellows are hired by the Spanish National Research Council, with additional support from 6 partner organizations which offer fellows training opportunities and secondments. The programme aims to foster employability while addressing societal demands aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It provides a platform for ERs to propose transformative solutions to urgent challenges like climate change and healthcare. COMFUTURO offers comprehensive support including mentorship, training, and networking to enhance research capabilities and societal contributions. Ultimately, COMFUTURO seeks to cultivate versatile researchers capable of offering innovative solutions and succeeding in diverse professional settings, thus driving positive societal impact and research excellence.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The following description of the work performed during the first reporting period of COMFUTURO is structured across its objectives or Work Packages, outlining main results achieved and key milestones associated with each objective.
Objective / WP 1: Management
Main Results Obtained: Efficient coordination, successful application management, and strategic dissemination marked the management of the ComFuturo programme. Noteworthy achievements include recruiting 15 fellows, organizing a successful kick-off meeting, and ensuring rigorous financial management for transparency.
Key Milestones during this period: Preparation of Collaboration Agreements with Partner Organisations; Launch Preparation of the ComFuturo call and public event; Scientific-technical evaluation by the Spanish State Research Agency; Coordination with CSIC for smooth recruitment and signing of employment contracts; Organization of a kick-off meeting to welcome fellows; Intensive communication and dissemination efforts; Tracking of expenses and transfers to CSIC for fellowship payments.
Associated Deliverables: WP1 D1.1: Progress Report (M14)
Objective / WP 2: Evaluation and Selection
Main Results Obtained: Transparent, fair, and impartial evaluation and selection processes led to the selection of 15 deserving candidates across diverse research lines, reflecting the programme's commitment to excellence.
Key Milestones during this period: Opening of the ComFuturo call; External evaluation by the Spanish State Research Agency; Announcement of preselected and definitive fellows; Commencement of fellowships for selected candidates.
Associated Deliverables: WP2 D2.1: Report on evaluation and selection for the 1st Call
Objective / WP 3: Dissemination of the programme and its calls
Main Results Obtained: Enhanced visibility and engagement within the scientific community and the public through a comprehensive dissemination strategy, increased website traffic, extensive social media outreach, events, and media coverage.
Key Milestones during this period: Development of a comprehensive dissemination strategy; Significant increase in website traffic; Social media outreach generating notable impressions; Organization of dissemination events; Securing media coverage and publication of articles.
Associated Deliverables: WP3 D3.1: Report on dissemination activities for the 1st Call; WP3 D3.2: Link to Euraxess website for the 1st Call
Objective / WP 4: Training and Career Development
Main Results Obtained: Significant advancements in skill development, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with outcomes including Personalised Career Development Plans, extensive training opportunities, and planning of secondments.
Key Milestones during this period: Establishment of Personalised Career Development Plans; Submission of Declaration of Responsibility by CSIC supervisors; Extensive training facilitated for fellows; Participation in non-academic and academic secondments; Specific training programme for transferable skills; Success stories of fellows transitioning to prestigious positions.
Associated Deliverables: WP4 D4.1: Training & Career Development Report (M24)
Objective / WP 5: Ethics Management
Main Results Obtained: Adherence to ethics requirements and principles, highlighted by the provision of ethical guidelines, successful evaluation and approval of candidates with ethical issues, and ongoing monitoring of ethics management.
Key Milestones during this period: Provision of ethical guidelines and assessments; Verification of completion of Ethics Self-Assessment form; Successful evaluation and approval of candidates with ethical issues; Ongoing monitoring of ethics management; Constant support of a heterogeneous and interdisciplinary CSIC Ethics Committee.
Associated Deliverables: WP5 D5.1: Ethic Report for 1st Call

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The ComFuturo project represents a significant leap forward in various research domains, driving both scientific knowledge and societal impact. Researchers are actively engaged in cutting-edge projects spanning biodiversity, bioplastics, quantum computing, and cellular signal transduction. Top-level postdoctoral scientists, which were recruited through rigorous evaluation processes, ensure the production of cutting-edge research output.
Five publications by ComFuturo fellows have already been published in high-impact journals, making significant breakthroughs in their respective fields. "Hydrogeologic and magmatic controls on phreatomagmatism at the La Garrotxa monogenetic volcanic field (NE of Iberian Peninsula)" offers valuable insights into volcanic hazard assessment and mitigation. "β‑Turn Induction by a Diastereopure Azepane-Derived Quaternary Amino Acid" introduces a novel method for inducing β-turn conformations, enhancing our understanding of protein folding and design, with implications for drug development and molecular biology. "CatVolc: A new database of geochemical and geochronological data of volcanic-related materials from the Catalan Volcanic Zone (Spain)" facilitates future research in volcanology, geology, and related disciplines. "Linear-in-momentum spin orbit interactions in planar Ge/GeSi heterostructures and spin qubits" advances the field of spintronics offering new pathways for the development of spin-based quantum technologies. Finally, "Variational Quantum Simulators Based on Waveguide QED" pioneers the development of variational quantum simulators with potential applications in materials science, chemistry, and beyond.
Anticipated expected outcomes include new groundbreaking findings published in top journals, presentations at national and international congresses, and innovative solutions for global challenges. The programme's focus on energy efficiency, biomaterials or land property rights are already driving economic growth and societal advancement.
The second reporting period promises impactful activities, with meaninful dissemination actions or additional training offered to fellows in knowledge transfer, communication, etc. All this, taken the talent of the fellows, will cotribute to assuring that ComFuturo continues enhancing scientific advancement and societal progress.

Logo COMFUTURO