RAICEX: a network of Spanish scientific talent around the world.

RAICEX seeks to promote the exchange of experiences and knowledge between Spanish researchers and scientists abroad and all agents of the Spanish System of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

• The network of associations of Spanish researchers and scientists abroad (RAICEX), which represents 15 associations with over 3,500 Spanish researchers and scientists abroad, is being presented in Madrid. RAICEX will support scientists, promote the value of science from a global perspective, foster multilateral international relations, and transmit the knowledge and experience acquired abroad. A significant number of representatives from universities, research centers, associations, and scientific communities in Spain, as well as representatives from public administration, attended the meeting. The representatives of RAICEX will be received that same day by the Committee on Science, Universities, and Innovation in the Congress of Deputies.

Madrid, 10 de julio 2018RAICEX, the Network of Associations of Spanish Researchers and Scientists Abroad, was presented in Madrid at the headquarters of the Ramón Areces Foundation. RAICEX represents 15 associations registered in various countries that group together more than 3,500 researchers and scientists.”

This organization, independent and non-profit, has come to light after years of work by the associations that comprise it, seeking to address the growing need to unite and represent the community of Spanish scientists and researchers abroad under a common framework. RAICEX is now being established with the desire to become an interlocutor capable of conveying and sharing the skills and knowledge acquired by Spanish researchers and scientists abroad, in a global scientific context and in multilateral collaboration.

In its first general assembly, the founding associations of the Network elected its first Board of Directors for RAICEX, which is now composed of Javier Escudero (President of RAICEX, representing CERU – United Kingdom), Hugo Gutiérrez de Terán (Vice President, representing ACES – Sweden), Sara Barrasa (Secretary, representing RECEMX – Mexico), and Paula Fernández-Guerra (Treasurer, representing CED – Denmark). Javier Escudero, President of RAICEX, stated that “a few years ago, Spanish researchers and scientists abroad were an abstract entity, but today we are organized under a common framework and represent a collective eager to contribute ideas, support the thousands of professionals working around the world, and promote international collaborations by channeling multidirectional information that helps advance science from a global perspective.”

The presentation of the initiative took place at the headquarters of the Ramón Areces Foundation, coinciding with the annual meeting that these associations hold with other agents of the Spanish System of Science, Technology, and Innovation. This was made possible thanks to collaboration with the aforementioned foundation, as well as with the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT). During this parallel meeting, representatives of the associations were able to convey the concerns and needs of the community of Spanish scientists abroad to the Secretary General for Coordination of Scientific Policy, Rafael Rodrigo; the Secretary General of Universities, José Manuel Pingarrón; and the Director of the State Research Agency, Marina Villegas, all representing the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities. The meeting also included the heads of Research and Universities from the Community of Madrid, Alejandro Arranz and José Manuel Torralba, respectively; the Vice President for International Relations of the CSIC, Elena Domínguez; Ana Díez representing AECID; and Francisco Marín, director of CDTI. After the meeting, Escudero expressed his “gratitude to all the present agents for helping to consolidate this annual meeting that allows Spanish researchers and scientists abroad to express their concerns and needs. RAICEX aims to establish a constant and multidirectional dialogue with all agents of the Spanish system of science, technology, and innovation, from scientists to managers, so that together we can advance and create a solid, stable, and attractive system.”

This international network of Spanish scientific talent abroad is founded with the objectives of supporting researchers in terms of mobility and professional development; raising awareness of the value of science and the work of scientists; promoting international relations and cooperation in research, science, and technology; and sharing the experience and knowledge acquired in different research and science systems abroad, thus contributing to the progress of science. On the same day,representatives of RAICEX will be received by the Committee on Science, Universities, and Innovation in the Congress of Deputies at the end of the parliamentary session.