The call for applications for R&D stays is now open to promote scientific advice in the Administration, with challenges related to the agri-food and forestry sector.
Description
The R&D Stays call opens a new opportunity for the Spanish scientific community to contribute directly to the design and improvement of public policies through scientific advice in the General State Administration.
This pioneering initiative, promoted by the National Office for Scientific Advice (ONAC) and the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) , offers 42 six-month research stays for PhD-level researchers, aimed at addressing strategic challenges identified by various ministries . The 42 scientific advisory challenges cover areas of great relevance to public policy, such as:
- risk management associated with biological agents,
- forest fire risk analysis,
- industrial and technological trends,
- new forms of employment and working conditions,
- use of public transport,
- management of architectural heritage, among others.
The placements will take place in organizations and units of up to 18 ministries , including the Directorate General of Civil Protection and Emergencies, the National Parks Autonomous Agency, the State Secretariat for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, and the Department of National Security.
The challenges addressed cover key areas such as forest fire risk analysis , biological risk management, industrial trends, new forms of employment, and the use of public transport.
The call is aimed at research staff linked to public research bodies, universities, technology centers and R&D centers , who must select and submit a proposal associated with one of the 42 defined scientific advice challenges.
Application period: from December 15, 2025 to January 16, 2026 .
Information session
To answer any questions about the call for applications, a virtual information day will be held on January 8, 2026 , from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
With this initiative, the R&D Stays reinforce the integration of scientific knowledge into public decision-making , moving towards a governance model more connected with scientific evidence and the country's major challenges.