The Aragonese Foundation for Research and Development (ARAID) has reached a historic high in hiring: 56 researchers, with 20 new contracts awarded in 20 months. This milestone was commemorated during a meeting with more than 20 researchers in Zaragoza, chaired by the Minister of Employment, Science, and Universities, Claudia Pérez Forniés, who highlighted the budget increase (28%) and plans to establish Aragon as a territory of scientific excellence.
Event and Participants
On July 23, 2025, in Zaragoza, a meeting took place between veteran researchers and new talents. Moderated by the Director General of Science and Research, Pilar Gayán, it included round tables with prominent speakers:
- Dr. Ángel Lanas (Head of the Gastroenterology Department at the Clinical Hospital)
- Dr. David Fernández Antorán (PhD in Molecular Biology from the CNB)
- Dr. Carlos Anerillas Aljama (Master’s in Biomedical Research)
- Dr. Yamir Moreno (PhD in Physical Sciences from the University of Zaragoza)
- Dr. Henrique Ferraz (PhD in Computing from the University of São Paulo)
- Dr. Javier Fernández Pato (Bachelor’s in Physics and PhD in Fluid Mechanics)
Budget and Hiring Progress
The financial investment increased from 3.5 to 4.5 million euros (+28%), allowing for the achievement of:
- 20 new contracts in 20 months
- Also read as 56 total researchers, the highest since the inception of ARAID (20 years of history).
Claudia Pérez Forniés emphasized the essential stability that the foundation offers to enhance research with social impact.
Future Objectives
The Government of Aragon, according to Pérez Forniés, will prioritize:
- Attraction and retention of scientific talent
- Internationalization of projects
- Knowledge transfer
The event marked the beginning of the celebrations for the twentieth anniversary of ARAID, which will continue throughout 2025.
