The Basque Government has recognised the work in excellence, specialisation and proximity to market of 21 researchers of the Basque Science, Technology and Innovation Network (RVCTi). The event to mark this recognition, promoted by the Basque Government Department of Economic Development and Infrastructures, was presided over by the Basque Premier, Iñigo Urkullu Rentería. In acknowledgement of their work, the researchers, including Óscar Millet of CIC bioGUNE and Neils Reichardt of CIC biomaGUNE, were awarded a diploma of recognition. The researchers recognised for their work were selected by the Technology Centres and Cooperative Research Centres (CICs) themselves.

In his intervention, the Basque Premier referred to Cooperative Research Centres and Technology Centres as a core element of research and innovation. “You researchers are key actors in the Basque Country, the cornerstone of innovation” he added, highlighting that the key to the competitiveness of the Basque Country lies in integrating more knowledge into our production processes. “An effort”, he observed, “that requires the commitment of government institutions, the business world and society alike”.

All those recognised at the event were personally congratulated by the Premier, by the Minister Arantza Tapia and by the Vice-Minister Estibaliz Hernáez. In the course of the event, which was also attended by the Chairmen and Senior Management of the Technology Centres and the CICs, both the Minister and the Premier thanked the researchers for the work they do in generating knowledge, which is directly reflected in the competitiveness of the Basque business fabric.