On Thursday, November 21, the Cidade da Cultura hosted the IV Encontro Oportunius, bringing together researchers with projects supported by the European Research Council (ERC) and representatives from the universities and research centers hosting them. This program, with technical support provided by FEUGA, aims to attract, retain, and bring back top-level research talent to Galicia.
Carmen Cotelo, Director of the Galician Innovation Agency (Axencia Galega de Innovación), opened the event by emphasizing the significant role of the program and the dedication of the Oportunius community in enhancing the productive fabric of Galicia and establishing its identity as a research-driven region.
During the event, José M. F. Labastida, Head of the ERC Scientific Department, highlighted the program’s progress and Galicia’s notable position as the sixth-ranked region in Spain. Izaskun Lacunza, Director General of the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología, FECYT), introduced new tools to support scientific careers and strategies for generating societal impact through science.
A roundtable discussion featured five ERC grant winners and finalists, who not only showcased the advancements in their projects but also underscored the vital support they had received from the Oportunius program. Representatives from national and international scientific associations also shared their perspectives on attracting and retaining talent.
A Decade of Oportunius Impact
The Oportunius Program celebrates 10 years of fostering high-level scientific careers in Galicia through its association with ERC grants. Over this decade, approximately €14 million has been invested to support 33 researchers leading 41 projects across Galician universities and research centers. Among them, 18 researchers are directly employed as distinguished scientists under the Galician Innovation Agency’s support.
Additionally, 27 ERC finalists have received financial support and guidance to refine their proposals and improve their chances of success. More than 25 training sessions have been organized to prepare candidates.
The impact of ERC grants during this period has been substantial, with an additional €30 million secured through related projects, complementing the €60 million directly linked to ERC-funded initiatives. The program has also led to the publication of over 1,900 scientific articles, 80% of which have appeared in high-impact journals. Furthermore, in 2023, the program’s efforts translated into the creation of over 100 highly skilled jobs.
Expanding Horizons in 2025
The meeting also announced that, starting in 2025, the Oportunius program will expand its offerings with new services. These include mentoring for proposal development, interview preparation assistance, and guidance on transferring ERC-funded projects. The program will also broaden its scope to attract postdoctoral projects under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and implement initiatives to improve international visibility.
Additionally, efforts will be made to promote Galicia as a hub for research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) through prestigious scientific publications, further enhancing the region’s global reputation in science and innovation.
