Prof. Antonio Echavarren attended the Severo Ochoa Centres and María de Maeztu Units of Excellence Event in Madrid

The Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant, presided over the ceremony at CaixaForum, recognizing Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu Accreditations awarded by the MICIU through the State Research Agency (AEI)

Prof. Antonio Echavarren, ICIQ Group Leader and Scientific Director of Severo Ochoa Excellence Programme at the Institute, attended the event hosted by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities on September 5th in Madrid.

During the ceremony, Minister Morant highlighted the ‘transformative capacity’ of the recognised institutions in addressing global challenges through science. The event honoured centres accredited from 2018 onwards and featured prominent figures including the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Universities, Juan Cruz Cigudosa, the director of the State Research Agency, Domènec Espriu, and Javier Solana, chair of the Scientific Board of ”la Caixa” Foundation.

*Prof. Echavarren, alongside other directors from institutions awarded the Severo Ochoa distinction in 2019*

The Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence recognition is a hallmark of excellence within the Spanish research community. Awarded through a competitive process, it recognises institutions that demonstrate global impact, competitiveness, and the ability to attract top talent. This accreditation provides research centres like ICIQ with enhanced visibility, social and scientific recognition, and crucially, a total funding of 4.5 million euros over four years.

Reflecting on the significance of this accreditation, Prof. Antonio Echavarren stated “Being recognized as a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence is a crucial milestone for ICIQ. It not only affirms our leading role in both national and international chemical research but also provides a significant boost to our ongoing efforts in pushing the boundaries of science”.

*Prof. Antonio M. Echavarren, Scientific Director of the ICIQ Severo Ochoa Excellence Programme, and Sonia Sayalero, Severo Ochoa Project Manager, during the event.*

In July 2020, ICIQ was accredited as a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence. This was the second time the institute received this esteemed recognition, following its initial accreditation in 2014.

This project has received funding from the State Research Agency / Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence Programme 2019 (CEX2019-000925-S, MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, 2020-2024)

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