Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas
CSIC
El CSIC es un organismo público de investigación adscrito al Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, que forma parte del Sistema Español de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación y desarrolla investigación básica y aplicada en las áreas de las Ciencias de la Vida, de la Materia, así como en Ciencias Sociales y en Humanidades.
ID: 921611151686-18
Lobbying Activity
Response to Advanced Materials Act
13 Jan 2026
To address the structural problems that the Advanced Materials Act must address, the Commission proposes four sets of solutions that are subject to consultation. CSIC, through its Coordination of the Matter Area and in connection with its specialised research institutes, addresses these solutions in a series of statements that contextualise the state of the art in Advanced Materials, as well as the needs and challenges of the field, in relation to the Commissions proposals, described in the attached document
Read full responseResponse to EU quantum Act
15 Dec 2025
The Spanish National Research Council (Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC) welcomes the European Commissions initiative to strengthen Europes competitiveness through the Quantum Act. Based on its experience in research, knowledge transfer, and innovation, CSIC believes that addressing structural barriers will be key to unlocking the potential of publicly funded quantum R&I. CSIC responds to the Commissions consultation on the Quantum Act and its three main identified challenges: fragmented research, industrial capacity gaps, and supply-chain vulnerabilities, through the attached position paper. 1. Quantum technologies require collaborative basic research. 2. Solid technology infrastructures are essential. Both academia and industry need access to dedicated infrastructures for prototyping and testing. 3. Governance must ensure coordination, accountability, and inclusivity. CSIC remains committed to contributing to the European Research Area and supporting a competitive, inclusive, and innovation-driven EU.
Read full responseResponse to European Innovation Act
2 Oct 2025
The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Spains largest public research organisation, welcomes the European Commissions initiative to strengthen Europes innovation ecosystem through the European Innovation Act. Based on its extensive experience in research, knowledge transfer, and support for deep-tech entrepreneurship, CSIC identifies key structural barriers and proposes strategic recommendations to unlock the full potential of publicly funded research and innovation. CSIC stresses the need for a coordinated and innovation-friendly regulatory framework across the EU. The current fragmentation of national regimes creates unequal conditions and hinders the growth of start-ups and scale-ups. Clear definitions and tailored pathways for different types of companies are essential, particularly for deep-tech ventures that face long development cycles and high risks. Regulatory flexibility, fiscal incentives adapted to start-ups, and mechanisms such as regulatory sandboxes can help reduce barriers and accelerate market entry. Funding remains a major challenge, especially in the intermediate stages of innovation, often referred to as the valley of death. CSIC calls for stronger public-private investment mechanisms, including venture capital funds focused on pre-seed companies emerging from research organisations. Public investment plays a catalytic role in mobilising private capital, but current volumes are insufficient. Proof-of-concept projects, IPR-backed financing, and flexible funding calls are needed to support early-stage technologies and reduce bureaucratic burdens. Talent attraction and retention are also critical. Europe must offer more competitive conditions, reduce regional disparities, and facilitate international recruitment. Fiscal tools such as employee stock options can incentivise long-term commitment. Intersectoral mobility should be recognised within research careers, and the shortage of experienced start-up managers must be addressed to support business development in innovation-driven companies. Innovative procurement, both public and private, can be a strategic tool to support start-ups and scale-ups, but participation requires sufficient company capacity. Simplifying access and processes would enhance their involvement. Access to research and technology infrastructures must also be improved. This requires clearer definitions, updated frameworks such as the European Charter of Access, and better visibility of available services. Dialogue between research infrastructures and innovative enterprises is essential to overcome cultural and operational barriers. A dedicated European platform could help match company needs with infrastructure capabilities, while high-TRL calls should promote interaction between these actors. Managers of research and technology infrastructures must be equipped with innovation-related skills, including knowledge of intellectual property rights. Finally, CSIC highlights the importance of promoting the commercialisation of publicly funded research. Many innovations require valorisation support to reach maturity and market readiness. Standardisation is often a prerequisite for market entry, yet mechanisms and expertise in this area are lacking. To incentivise technology transfer, valorisation activities must be recognised within scientific careers through clear indicators, training, and advisory support. Strengthening professional profiles dedicated to knowledge transfer is also essential.
Read full responseResponse to Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030
1 Aug 2025
CSIC has a long-standing commitment to gender equality, integrating its principles into its organisational culture, aligning with ERA objectives and EU fundamental rights. Its contribution to the future EU Gender Equality Strategy 20262030 can be summarised in three key areas: I. Gender balance in highly skilled positions: Despite overall parity in staff composition, only 26% of top research positions in CSIC are held by women. Internal evidence collected over many years disproves common biases: women show similar productivity to men; gender composition of evaluation panels does not affect outcomes; women apply for promotions and leadership roles at comparable rates. The main barrier is the leaky pipeline: too few women with stable intermediate positions eligible for advancement, slowing improvement in final indicators. Policies should invest in stabilisation of early-career researchers, revise competitive recruitment processes, apply CoARA principles, support new research lines for young scientists, and recognise contributions that are essential yet often undervalued, typically carried out by women. II. Combating gender-based violence: CSIC has implemented a zero tolerance policy, with a pioneering prevention and intervention protocol, a dedicated Commissioner, decentralised mechanisms, training and awareness campaigns under its Equality Plan. Implementing these measures is resource-intensive, especially to protect temporary and early-career staff, contributing to improved working conditions (HRS4R). EU policies should support institutions financially and technically, funding specialised personnel, training, and dissemination channels to ensure effective implementation and reduce administrative burden. Maintaining initiatives such as WIDERA, gender-related research projects, and the Gender Equality Champions Award is essential to foster progress. III. Better gender mainstreaming in research content: Integrating the gender dimension improves the quality and social impact of research but remains limited despite Horizon Europe incentives. Evaluators receive guidelines, yet She Figures and CSICs internal data show low application rates. Future EU policies should strengthen gender analysis as a scored excellence criterion in R&I calls (Horizon Europe 20282034), provide practical and easy-to-apply guidance for applicants, ensure proper evaluator training, and maintain expertise networks to support adoption across all disciplines. CSICs long-term evidence and expertise underline the need for policies that go beyond individual responsibility, strengthening institutional capacity to achieve real progress in gender equality, improve career advancement for women, combat gender-based violence effectively, and mainstream the gender perspective in all research and innovation activities.
Read full responseMeeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament) and Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren e.V. and
4 Jun 2025 · European science policy
Response to Quantum Strategy of the EU
3 Jun 2025
The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) fully endorses the scientific and technological interest of quantum technologies, both as a driver of new fundamental research and as an engine for economic growth and competitiveness of the European industry. The development of quantum-based secure communication infrastructures, the creation of new and more accurate metrological standards, the discovery and engineering of better and more efficient sensors and, in the medium to long term, the application of quantum computing to a broad variety of scientific and societal challenges are all strategic areas for the EU. Therefore, they should receive coordinated support from the European Commission, together with a broad spectrum of involved authorities in the Member States (MS). As the largest research organisation in Spain, CSIC brings a unique perspective, reflected in the following strategic considerations: 1. The development of communication, sensing and computation technologies based on quantum systems is still an ongoing challenge, with deep roots in basic science. A proof of this is that all major start-ups in the EU come from research groups and still require scientific developments to improve and consolidate their technologies to achieve competitiveness with state-of-the-art classical solutions. 2. Investments that promote the route to industry should not forget the innovation potential of big and small research organisations. A solid path towards economic impact lies in a coordinated public-private effort that is founded on cooperation, transparent competition and accountability, both in the public and private sectors. 3. Certain efforts, such as large-scale communication infrastructures and the creation of scalable quantum computers, may need to be reconsidered and redesigned to improve efficiency, synergise existing and future investments and increase the outcome's ambitions. Consolidated initiatives such as CERN have demonstrated how fair and inclusive participation can achieve great goals while maintaining a great level of participation from all nations. 4. The EU needs to carefully plan its path towards quantum leadership to avoid a potential increase in inequalities among MS and regions. An efficient concentration of resources is compatible with supporting emerging quantum ecosystems, to address challenges such as weak investments, fragmented ecosystem, lagging infrastructure - e.g., fabrication, enabling technologies - and challenges in talent retention. 5. It is of utmost relevance to move towards a quantum economy in a coordinated way, endorsing the creation of a Quantum Act that not only enforces a regulation around investment and innovation, but which also carefully organises the ecosystem with a deeper involvement of public administrations, research organisations, industry and academia. 6. In alignment with its traditions, the EU should not embark on a competitiveness sprint without regard for international cooperation, both with leading (US, China, Japan, Canada) and less developed partners worldwide. Research must remain an open endeavour that promotes free exchange of information and people, while safeguarding research security and strategic autonomy. Our scientific ecosystem must never become isolated. This is also extremely relevant if we want to pursue a quantum-based economy, for we not only need producers (EU) but also consumers of whatever products we create. As a closing remark, CSIC reaffirms its commitment to this area of research and offers its motivated community of scientists, gathered around its Platform on Quantum Technologies, for further consultation and participation in these efforts.
Read full responseResponse to European strategy on research and technology infrastructures
21 May 2025
The contribution of RIs to the European Research Area is unquestionable, but, as the document for the call for evidence mentions, they face significant challenges related to funding, visibility, transnational access management and AI use and integration, among others. These challenges not only affect and should be addressed by European and national science and innovation policy makers, but the contributions from funders, other than ministries and/or regional authorities, managers and users of such RIs should also be contemplated. To contribute to the public consultation, CSIC answers the questions proposed in the attached document.
Read full responseResponse to EU Life sciences strategy
17 Apr 2025
With more than 16.000 employees and 121 research institutes, the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) is the largest public research performing organisation (RPO) in Spain, and holds a prominent role in the European Union (EU) and internationally. Its LIFE global area represents the largest and most diverse research community in Life Sciences in Spain, with more than 9.100 research staff working in 64 research institutes. CSIC appreciates the European Commission focus on life sciences and their relevance as a key driver of competitiveness and prosperity. Improving the Unions position in critical fields in which life sciences play a core role such as health, food, energy, biodiversity, or circular economy is also crucial to the Unions strategic autonomy, security and defence. However, the initiative seems to focus mainly on the final stages of technological development and innovation uptake. If the Union wants to achieve and maintain its strategic autonomy and be a competitive global actor, it needs to increase its investments in fundamental blue-sky research. Focusing only on what can give short term results will risk the medium- and long-term competitiveness and wellbeing of the Union and its citizens. It is essential to invest in low TRLs and very fundamental science phases and allow collaborations between basic science groups and others focused on more applied research to foster the proper development of emerging research areas where multidisciplinary collaboration is compulsory in order to lead to whole new approaches in life sciences. Furthermore, there are several aspects associated with research in life sciences that must considered, such as a lot of experimental and field work, the need for very cutting-edge laboratories and research infrastructures, the aspect of seasonality, or the complexities related to health or biomedical research. Moreover, when it comes to nurturing knowledge transfer and the transition to most advanced stages of the R&I value chain, the pace and different stages that research results need to go through to reach the market are quite longer than for other fields, and this is something that needs to be taken into account. Other main challenge for the advancement of life sciences is the complexity of the regulatory system. Clear and simplified guidelines on ethical and legal requirements would be extremely helpful for researchers in order to fully understand the whole lifecycle of products development. Additionally, the relationship between life science research and social sciences and humanities is also key, as is the involvement of the society at large to support the uptake of the technological advancements and solutions provided by life sciences. Another fundamental pillar for the development of life sciences is the ability of the EU to attract and retain the best R&I talent. Europe needs to be able to encourage the future scientific figures in life sciences to come/stay in the EU and develop their careers here. Fostering mobility between industry and academia is of the highest relevance. International cooperation in life sciences is also key to foster research, technological development and innovation, and to tackle global challenges in health, agriculture, or the green transition. European research and technology infrastructures are also a pivotal asset to the Union, both to researchers and to support technological companies including SMEs. These infrastructures need joint efforts at regional, national and EU level to support their start-up and operation. Additionally, the EU needs to improve the availability, sharing and accessibility of life sciences data. Shared data infrastructures should be strengthened, and progress should be made towards real interoperability between regional, national and European systems, while safekeeping the security of these infrastructures. The use of AI in life sciences has a huge potential that needs to be supported and exploited.
Read full responseMeeting with Lina Gálvez (Member of the European Parliament)
24 Jan 2025 · Research
Response to Communication on the European Research Area Implementation
30 Sept 2024
The re-launch in 2020 of the new European Research Area ambitioned to be a new push towards a real single market for knowledge, talent and technologies. It includes key measures such as the new ERA policy agenda and its actions, and a new governance model with the creation of the ERA Forum, to better coordinate its implementation. Four years after its launch, many of these measures have helped reinforce institutional initiatives, encouraging and boosting their development. One of the strengths of the ERA is that it has helped to internally prioritise these actions at institutional level, thanks to their European added value. Clear examples are Open Science, research and technology infrastructures, gender equality, research careers or research assessment, among others. Nevertheless, it is important to try not to be overly ambitious and end up implementing too many measures simultaneously. It is key to perform a more in-depth analysis of the progress made and the achievements of the current actions before proposing new ones. It is also important that institutions and stakeholders are updated on the progress of each action. Furthermore, it is necessary to consider these initiatives in the medium and long term, as well as the possibility of closing up those that do not have a clear progress, after serious consideration. Another aspect to reflect on is the increasing effort invested by institutions in order to be able to follow the progress of the political agenda and react to advances in a timely manner. The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) is looking forward to continue working with the EU institutions, national and regional authorities, and all European Research Organisations and stakeholders towards a complete ERA.
Read full responseMeeting with Iliana Ivanova (Commissioner) and
29 May 2024 · Meeting with the Presidents of the G6 Research Network. G6 president's shared their views for the future of European Research.
Meeting with Marc Lemaitre (Director-General Research and Innovation)
29 May 2024 · European Research Area