News
21.11.2025First Meeting of Research Support Centers and Scientific-Technical Services (CAIs-SCT)
The Scientific and Technological Centers of the University of Barcelona (CCiTUB) participated in the 31st Research Conference, organized by Crue Spanish Universities and the University of Vigo. This year, for the first time, the Meeting of Research Support Centers and Scientific-Technical Services (CAIs-SCT) was included, designed to promote the professionalization, coordination, and visibility of these essential services for scientific development.
Over three days, the Conference brought together more than 720 leaders in science policy, knowledge transfer, and innovation from across Spain, consolidating the event as a reference forum for strategic debate and the creation of new alliances.
In this context, Juan Fran Sangüesa Ferrer, director of CCiTUB, served on the organizing committee and took part in the round table Financing, management processes, where experiences, management models, and funding opportunities aimed at strengthening university scientific-technical services were presented.
Main topics addressed during the meeting
The CAIs-SCT meeting provided an opportunity to delve into several strategic challenges shared by these centers. Among the most relevant issues discussed were:
• The essential role of CAIs-SCT in supporting research, both in generating knowledge and in fostering innovation.
• The need to promote collaboration with companies and other actors within the R&D&I system, fostering a more competitive and open ecosystem.
• The consolidation of the professional career path for technical staff, recognizing their key role within research and transfer processes.
• Shared management challenges, such as process standardization, inter-center coordination, and improved administrative efficiency.
• The sustainability and updating of advanced scientific equipment, crucial for maintaining research leadership and ensuring that services continue operating under optimal conditions.
• The proposal to create a national CAIs-SCT network to share resources, establish common standards, and reinforce cooperation at a national scale.