Somos RAICEX: celebrating 7 years of unity, talent and global science

On 17–18 December, nearly 200 scientists representing the 22 associations that make up RAICEX convened at the Fundación Ramón Areces in Madrid to commemorate the network’s seventh anniversary. The event comprised two days dedicated to reflection, learning, and community building.

RAICEX is a unique global network of 4,500+ researchers, across 22 associations in 40 countries, united by a shared commitment to science, collaboration and public service.

SRUK/CERU was represented by a delegation of more than 20 members, including founding presidents, members, volunteers, executive committee representatives, and recipients of previous SRUK/CERU Emerging Talent Awards, reflecting the strength and diversity of its community.

The event was organised by Dr Irene Echeverria, former President of SRUK/CERU, and Dr Almudena Muñoz. Dr Echeverria also opened and presented the event and moderated several roundtable discussions. Over the past year, she led the development of RAICEX’s seven strategic objectives for the next seven years.

Three SRUK/CERU members: Dr Cristina Barrero (director of SRUK/CERU International Collaborations), Dr Carlos Soler Montes (SRUK/CERU president) and Dr Maria Vivero-Lopez, participated in the organisation as volunteers and contributed significantly to the successful execution of the event.

Key moments for SRUK/CERU included:

• The participation of Dr Sara Franco Ortega (SRUK/CERU Vice President) in the roundtable “Awards and recognitions granted by associations,” highlighting the work of Spanish scientists abroad.
• The participation of former President Dr Javier Pardo Diaz in the roundtable “International lessons,” alongside associations from all five continents.
• The participation of former President Dr Eduardo Oliver in the roundtable “Somos y seremos,” focusing on the mission of RAICEX, its achievements to date, and future challenges.
• The closing session on 17 December, delivered by Dr Susana Garcia, winner of the 2020 SRUK/CERU Emerging Talent Award.
• Dr Igor Arrieta Torres and Dr Javier Pardo Diaz, together with Dr Esther González (from RICE) and Dr Carlos Pascual (from SIEF), co-led a workshop on talent attraction, presenting RAICEX’s position and the opportunities offered by the Spanish research system.

RAICEX General Assembly

After two years of dedicated service, Dr Irene Echeverria, Dr, Igor Arrieta Torres, and Dr Javier Pardo Diaz stepped down from the RAICEX Board of Directors. Their dedication, leadership, and vision were formally acknowledged and appreciated.

SRUK/CERU continues to be strongly represented on the new Board of Directors through Dr Carlos Soler Montes (head of Science in Spanish) and Dr Cristina Barrero (as the co-head of Institutional Relations).

In addition, Dr Igor Arrieta Torres and Dr Javier Pardo Diaz will continue to support the Board of Directors in their new roles as Deputy Secretaries General.