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GENERAL SERVICES

Strategic Projects Unit

The Strategic Projects Unit (SPU) aims to provide strategic solutions to the institute’s challenges. It leads the organisation and ensures the effective implementation of the ICMAB Strategic Plan.

The SPU is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the funding obtained by ICMAB. It was created in 2016 to reinforce strategic initiatives and institutional projects. For instance, it supports all the actions related to ICMAB’s Severo Ochoa Seal of Excellence. The Unit works in full coordination with the Institute Director and is in charge of the control and reporting of strategic projects.

The SPU also collaborates closely with ICMAB’s Governing Bodies and Research Units, ensuring that the institute’s activities are aligned with its long-term vision. Through continuous strategic development, ICMAB remains one of the leading European research institutes in materials science.

The activities led by the SPU include: the design, implementation and monitoring—together with the governing bodies—of ICMAB’s Strategic Plan; the coordination of institutional projects and initiatives; strategic support to the Direction; and the identification and assistance for researchers in the preparation, submission, and reporting of new projects and grants.

The Unit is constantly searching for new opportunities, always focusing on the strategy and innovation objectives defined in the Severo Ochoa framework and the Strategic Plan.

Organisation

The Strategic Projects Unit is structured into three specialised offices, each of them linked to a strategic institutional project:

  • Institutional and Strategic Projects Office: coordinating institutional projects such as the Severo Ochoa programme, strategic partnerships, and other cross-cutting initiatives that reinforce ICMAB’s leadership and impact.
  • International Projects Office (PROLIDER project): supporting researchers in the preparation, submission and management of international funding proposals.
  • Talent Office (TALICMAB project): focused on attracting, retaining, and developing research talent, and fostering career development and training initiatives.

    Meet the Team

    The Strategic Projects Unit is formed by:

    • Laura Cabana (Head of the Unit)
    • Montse Salas (Severo Ochoa project)
    • Lucia Maginley (MSCA COFUND DocFam+)
    • Patricia Hannon (International Projects Office)
    • Dolors Grillo (Talent Office)


    Institutional and Strategic Projects Office

    The Institutional and Strategic Projects Office coordinates and monitors all the institutional and cross-cutting initiatives that are key to ICMAB’s long-term strategic development.

    This office manages projects related to the Severo Ochoa Programme of Excellence, as well as other institutional partnerships, alliances, and strategic collaborations at national and international level.

    The office also coordinates Doctoral and Postdoctoral Programmes initiatives funded by the European Commission through MSCA COFUND actions, such as the DocFam+. 

    It also supports the ICMAB Governing Bodies in the design and follow-up of institutional actions, the Strategic Plan, and the evaluation of strategic indicators and impact.

    Through its activities, the Institutional and Strategic Projects Office ensures that ICMAB remains at the forefront of research excellence and institutional innovation, strengthening its visibility and positioning within the CSIC and the European research landscape.


    International Projects

    Inside the Strategic Projects Unit there is an area dedicated to International Projects. The SPU provides support to researchers in preparing, submitting and reporting new projects and grants. The work of the SPU for international projects is divided into:

    • Pre-award: give support in the proposal preparation (writing, budget, consultancy, proposal revision…); identify calls and opportunities; ensure the accomplishment of the internal procedures; partner search; training in funding opportunities and proposal preparation.

    • Post-award: Grant/Consortium Agreements preparation technical and financial project management; ensure the achievement of the milestones, tasks, meetings, external/internal communication; problem solving; scientific and financial reporting to funding agents; support in audits; amendment management.


    Talent Office

    In 2024, the Talent Office was incorporated into the SPU to further strengthen the institute’s human capital.

    The Talent Office aims to attract, retain, and develop top-tier researchers and professionals by implementing talent acquisition strategies, career development programs, and training initiatives.

    It provides guidance on funding opportunities for individual researchers, facilitates networking and mentoring activities, and ensures a supportive environment for professional growth.

    By fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, the Talent Office contributes to ICMAB’s long-term success and international reputation.

    Staff

    Strategic Projects Unit

    Address:

    ICMAB
    Campus UAB
    (in front of Firehouse)
    08193, Bellaterra
    Spain

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