Basque Government invests €140 million in CIC and BERC research programmes for 2026–2029

• The Basque Cabinet, on the initiative of the Department of Science, Universities and Innovation, has approved the allocation of €80 million to the CIC programme and €60 million to the BERC programme.
• It has also authorised a budget of €4 million for the acquisition of scientific equipment in 2026.
• Cabinet Secretary Pérez Iglesias: "These programmes aim to build a robust, sustainable, and internationally competitive science system”

The Basque Cabinet today approved the allocation of €140 million to the programmes of the Cooperative Research Centres (CIC) and the Basic Research and Excellence Centres (BERC) for the period 2026–2029, representing an increase of €20 million compared to the previous four-year period. The Cabinet also authorised a dedicated budget of €4 million for the procurement of cutting-edge scientific equipment for the 2026 financial year.

At the press conference following the Cabinet meeting, the Basque Cabinet Secretary for Science, Universities and Innovation, Juan Ignacio Pérez Iglesias, emphasised that "these programmes are designed to consolidate a robust, sustainable, and internationally competitive scientific system based on excellence and people's well-being".

"Through these programmes," he stressed, "the areas developed by these centres will reach or maintain levels of excellence, which will contribute to delivering the objectives of the Beacons of Innovation strategy in key sectors".

€80 million for CIC and €60 million for BERC

The programme aimed at CICs has total funding of €80 million for the period 2026–2029. This programme aims to consolidate the stability and leadership of these centres in cutting-edge research, strengthen their international profile, and increase their impact on the Basque scientific and technological ecosystem.

Meanwhile, the BERC programme has been allocated a budget of €60 million for the same four-year period. This funding aims to support the non-economic activity of these centres to safeguard their sustainability, ensure the sustained growth of their scientific output and promote their internationalisation.

Significantly, both programmes now include specific funding to support major unique scientific infrastructures within the CICs and BERCs that are open to other entities within the Basque Science, Technology and Innovation Network (RVCTI). These infrastructures play a key role in fostering collaboration between research staff at universities and research centres, which contributes significantly to the advancement of knowledge and the search for innovative solutions to global challenges.

Staff Psychological Well-being

For the first time, both programmes will specifically assess the centre's Psychological Well-being Plan to promote staff well-being in the scientific environment. Each centre's Equality Plan will also be evaluated to promote greater gender balance.

The new calls introduce improvements aimed at strengthening excellence and facilitating research work. They establish a more agile and stable management model based on trust in the centres, administrative simplification, and the reduction of red tape, in line with the government's objectives for this legislature.

The social dissemination of scientific knowledge is also promoted with the aim of bringing science closer to citizens and promoting their participation in the generation and understanding of scientific advances.

Applications will be evaluated by the Ikerbasque Foundation and its International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC), which will ensure a transparent and rigorous process based on criteria of scientific excellence.

Acquisition of scientific equipment

Furthermore, the Basque Cabinet also approved the programme for the acquisition of scientific equipment (INKER) today, with a budget of €4 million for the 2026 financial year. This programme aims to promote the renewal and improvement of advanced scientific equipment for entities comprising the Basque Science, Technology and Innovation Network (RVCTI).

The call for proposals includes the granting of funding for the purchase of scientific equipment during the next financial year, the cost of which (excluding VAT) is between €100,000 and €1,000,000.

Access to these programmes is open to entities accredited in the Network on the closing date of the application period within one of the following categories: BERC, CIC, and specific university research structures.

This investment will enable the members of the Basque scientific system to acquire or update infrastructures and high-level research equipment, which is essential for boosting competitiveness, excellence, and scientific collaboration.