From 6 to 8 May, Granada hosted the Workshop on Management of Consortia and Singular Scientific-Technical Infrastructures, a technical and institutional meeting that brought together representatives from the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, as well as managers and administrative teams from various consortia and singular scientific-technical infrastructures within the Spanish R&D&I system.

The workshop provided a specialised forum to address the main management challenges faced by large-scale scientific infrastructures and public research consortia. Sessions were held at the Palacio de Quinta Alegre and also included a visit to the IFMIF-DONES facilities located in Citai (Escúzar).

Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Science, alongside managers and technical teams from leading Spanish infrastructures and organisations:

• IFMIF-DONES España Consortium (host of the event)
• Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS)
• ALBA Synchrotron (CELLS)
• CENIEH
• CLPU
• CNH2
• ESS Bilbao
• IAC
• LSC
• Spain Neurotech
• PLOCAN
• SOCIB

Advanced management in support of scientific excellence

Throughout the sessions, participants shared experiences and best practices in key areas for the efficient and safe operation of these entities, including R&D&I management, legal and administrative frameworks for consortia, public procurement, human resources management, financial planning, comprehensive safety and cybersecurity.

Attendees highlighted the importance of strengthening coordination between public administrations, governing bodies, management teams, scientific staff and administrative structures, particularly in a context of increasing regulatory, technical and organisational complexity.

Closing and conclusions

The closing session underscored the high level of participation and the relevance of the topics discussed. Conclusions pointed to the need to continue advancing in the professionalisation of management, simplification of procedures, legal certainty, financial sustainability and technological modernisation of scientific infrastructures.

Over these days, Granada has reinforced its position as a key hub for discussions on advanced science management, strengthening the commitment of participating organisations to modern, efficient and excellence-driven public management in service of the scientific community and society.