USC and Fundación Caixa Rural Galega Renew Collaboration to Boost Research

The agreement will fund two predoctoral contracts for three years to foster research talent in strategic areas for Galicia.

O acto desenvolveuse na sede de Caixa Rural Galega

Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC)

The University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) and the Fundación Caixa Rural Galega Tomás Notario Vacas have signed an agreement to fund two predoctoral contracts, aiming to promote the training of research personnel and support excellent scientific projects.

The agreement, signed this Thursday, October 22, seeks to strengthen the scientific capacity of the Galician university and contribute to the attraction and retention of research talent. The collaboration will extend for three years and will enable the development of projects in key areas for Galicia such as sustainable agriculture, animal health, food safety, sustainable forest management, biodiversity, and the economic and social development of rural areas.
Present at the signing were the Vice-Rector for Campus Coordination of Lugo, Economic Planning and Infrastructure of the USC, Roberto Bande Ramudo, and the Director of Campus Terra, Marta Miranda. Representing the Foundation were its President, Tomás Notario Vacas, the President of Caixa Rural Galega and Vice-President of the Foundation, Manuel Varela López, and other members of the Board, including Alberto Cepeda Sáez.
In addition to hiring research personnel, the program includes the possibility of undertaking stays at prestigious national and international centers, aiming to foster research internationalization and the acquisition of new scientific skills. Both institutions highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities and society to generate knowledge and find innovative solutions to current challenges.
The Fundación Caixa Rural Galega Tomás Notario Vacas is contributing a total of 171,783.36 euros to this initiative, reaffirming its commitment to research, training, and innovation as fundamental drivers for Galicia's economic and social progress. The goal is to support projects that promote territorial development and enhance the competitiveness of Galician productive sectors.
Based on information from the official source: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC) — Xornal (22/10/2026)