1. The general framework | 2. The 3rd Research Plan for Catalonia (2001-2004)

2.5 Horizontal Programmes

Various key actions in the 3rd Research Plan for Catalonia will be implemented through a series of horizontal programmes which will accompany the Plan's main themes.

2.5.1 Human Resources Programme

The 3rd Research Plan will have a bearing on different aspects of human resources policy, in particular, training and employment for researchers, supporting and mobilizing actions for researchers and research groups.

2.5.1.1 Sub-programme for the Training of Research Personnel

a) Training inCatalunya
-Training in Catalonia
-Full time pre-doctoral grants for the preparation of PhDs.
-Support for the creation and maintenance of 'world-class' doctoral programmes

b) Training outside Catalonia
- Grants to PhD students for overseas study
-Grants for post-doctoral overseas study
-Grants to lecturers and researchers for overseas study

2.5.1.2 Sub-programme for the Incorporation of Researchers and Technicians

a) Increased employment of researchers with established international reputations in the Catalan science and technology system. To reach this objective the Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA) will be created in collaboration with the Catalan Foundation for Research.

b) Promoting the contracting of overseas lecturers and researchers and promoting post-doctoral study in Catalonia by young researchers from around the world.

c) Assistance packages for technicians and other personnel to support research.

2.5.1.3 Sub-programme for Support to Researchers and Research Groups

a) Support to Recognised Research Groups. This line of action included in the 2nd Research Plan enabled the development of a map of existing groups in Catalonia. Now this map will be improved and, where necessary, new groups will be promoted.

b) Recognition for University Research. This action is intended to give official recognition to a group of especially productive researchers each year and to provide them with more time to devote to their research.

a) Assistance with organising conferences, symposia, lectures and specialised courses. Special support will be given to conferences of international importance.

b) Assistance for the creation, development and consolidation of thematic networks promoting collaboration between different groups in order to provide multidisciplinary answers to specific research questions.

2.5.2 Programme for Research Centres

This programme is the other core action of the 3rd Research Plan. The 2nd Plan promoted the creation of Reference Centres (RCs). Reference Centre is the name given to centres, university departments and R&D groups that work, in a complementary way, on issues that are strategically significant to the development of the Catalan research system. It is necessary to continue to work in this way and to provide adequate support to existing centres. But, at the same time, it is also necessary to establish other officially approved centres to carry out research in areas of special interest to Catalonia. These research areas will include those that correspond to the new priorities in the framework of the European Research Area.

2.5.2.1 Sub-programme for Officially Recognised Research Centres

The Generalitat will promote the creation of Officially Recognised Research Centres, either creating new institutions or reorganising existing centres. These centres will be required to demonstrate excellence in research in key strategic fields for Catalonia. The creation of an Officially Recognised Research Centres will be undertaken by the responsible ministry or ministries of the Generalitat jointly with universities, other public research centres and businesses from the sector. Funding will come from business and well as State and European sources. Furthermore, the creation of centres linked to Public Research Organisations (PRO), state organisations (for example CSIC or the CIEMAT Centre for Energy and Environmental Research) and European bodies (for example, ESA) will also be promoted in Catalonia.

2.5.2.2 Sub-programme for Reference Centres

The 3rd Research Plan continues to promote and support Reference Centres drawing together groups in the same strategic research field capable of producing high quality co-operative research.

2.5.3 Programme for Research Infrastructure

2.5.3.1 Sub-programme for Infrastructure Funding and Maintenance

In partnership with other stakeholders, particularly the Spanish State special attention will be paid to the establishment and co-ordination of a network of scientific-technical services in universities and research centres.

2.5.3.2. Sub-programme for Large Research Facilities

It is necessary to establish Large (and Medium) Research Facilities in Catalonia, some of which will be international in scope, to help consolidate the position of Catalan research groups as key stakeholders in the leading European research networks.

2.5.4 Programme for International Co-operation

Actions in this programme will be governed by collaboration agreements established between the Generalitat de Catalunya, various regions and institutions of higher education and research around the world. These agreements will define the framework for reciprocal collaboration.

a) mobility of students and researchers to promote training and exchange of personnel between university and research centres both at home and overseas

b) programme for inter-regional co-operation including actions set out in the various international R&D agreements signed by the Generalitat

c) establish specific programmes to promote collaboration with prestigious international institutions

2.5.5 Programme for Technology Transfer

This programme will be carried out jointly with CIDEM based at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (DICT) with the intention of stimulating co-operation between universities and other research centres and enterprises. The objective of the programme is to promote the transfer of knowledge and the creation of technologically innovative companies.

2.5.6 Other Actions in the Research Plan

a) Special actions to back R&D activities of particular interest to Catalonia.

b) Multidisciplinary research projects managed by one or more Generalitat ministries, co-ordinated by CIRIT, in order to develop strategic actions in sectors or themes of particular interest to Catalonia.

c) CIRIT support for the development of R&D projects at local level in Catalonia.

d) Promoting a scientific spirit in young people by awarding CIRIT prizes and other actions to motivate new generations to pursue careers in research.

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