The Andalusian Interuniversity Institute in Data Science and Computational Intelligence (Dasci), a collaborative effort involving the universities of Granada, Jaén, and Córdoba, has been included in the definitive resolution published by the Ministry of Science. This resolution highlights the 30 top-rated projects vying to become centers and units of excellence in Spain.
“"It's a big step."
This recognition as a center or unit of excellence signifies a substantial increase in funding and confirms its position among the nation's leading research projects. The recent resolution also mentions the Institute of Mathematics of the University of Granada, which aims to renew its María de Maeztu unit title, while Dasci seeks to achieve this prestigious accreditation for the first time.
“"It shows that we are meeting the quality standards required by the Ministry."
The inclusion in this list, published in April, is a critical step in the call process, which had already received initial support with a draft resolution in January. Becoming a María de Maeztu unit of excellence provides crucial backing for the work carried out, offering additional funding to expand research areas and hire qualified personnel. The selection is made through a rigorous competitive process, evaluated by independent international experts.
Currently, Granada hosts the Severo Ochoa center, the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia (part of the CSIC), and two excellence units from the University of Granada: the Institute of Mathematics and the Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center. It is anticipated that the Institute of Mathematics will renew its accreditation and that Dasci, with the participation of two other Andalusian universities, will achieve this prestigious recognition in the coming months.
Accredited centers of excellence enhance their international visibility, increase the impact of their research, and attract scientific talent, ultimately leading to improved scientific outcomes. The 2025 call will allocate 78 million euros among the 16 centers and units that obtain accreditation, with 4.5 million for each Severo Ochoa and 2.25 million for María de Maeztu units, distributed over four years.
