In a significant move to bolster its research capabilities, the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities has earmarked €38.9 million for the 2025 ATRAE Programme. This initiative is designed to recruit 37 distinguished researchers from globally acclaimed research groups, with a notable 56.7% originating from the United States. The program is a strategic effort to elevate Spain's research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) system on both national and international stages.

Minister Diana Morant underscored the program's importance in drawing leading scientists to Spain, portraying the nation as "a sanctuary of democratic values" amidst global reductions in science funding. She pointed out that Spain's appeal lies not only in its prestigious research institutions but also in its steadfast commitment to democratic ideals.

Surge in International Talent

For the first time, the ATRAE Programme has seen a greater influx of international talent compared to domestic, with foreign nationals making up 83% of the selected researchers. This includes a significant 32% from the United States, marking a substantial rise from previous years. The program's funding has seen a nearly 30% increase from its previous iteration, which allocated €30 million to 31 researchers in 2024.

This year's funding call introduced additional financial incentives for researchers previously based in the United States, offering an extra €200,000 per project. On average, each researcher will receive one million euros to establish their research teams in Spain, with more than half receiving €1.1 million.

Focus on Strategic Research Domains

The recruited researchers will concentrate on pivotal areas such as Health, Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Climate and Environment, Digitalisation and Telecommunications, Advanced Materials and New Manufacturing Techniques, Culture, Creativity, Inclusive Society, Science, and Space Technologies.

Regarding their host institutions, 29.7% of the researchers will join the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 48.6% will be affiliated with universities, and 21.6% will work at other R&D centers. These institutions have pledged to ensure job security for the researchers after the ATRAE funding period concludes.

Enhancing Research and Funding Opportunities

The selected researchers will play a crucial role in training predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers, thereby expanding the critical mass at their respective institutions. This initiative is expected to position them as key figures in attracting both national and international funding.

In terms of funding distribution across autonomous communities, 35.1% is allocated to Catalonia, 29.7% to Madrid, 10.8% to Murcia, 8.1% to Galicia and the Basque Country, 5.4% to the Valencian Community, and 2.7% to Andalusia.

This edition of the program evaluated 254 applications, with 73.2% submitted by men and 26.8% by women, averaging 49 years of age. The majority of applications, 33.5%, originated from the USA, followed by 11% from the UK and 5.1% from Germany.