The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) has received funding through the Spanish State Research Agency’s 2025 call for proposals for the preparation and management of European projects and attraction of international talent. This funding will allow IBEC to launch the HE-mPOwer project, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen the institute’s internationalisation and increase its competitiveness within the Horizon Europe programme.
The Projects Office at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) has obtained financial backing from the Spanish Research Agency (AEI) through the 2025 call for proposals for the preparation and management of European projects and the attraction of international talent. The two-year HE-mPOwer project, which is expected to receive almost €300,000 in funding, aims to establish the Projects Office as a driving force behind IBEC’s participation in European projects. It focuses on anticipating the priorities of the European Commission, strengthening the institute’s leadership in international consortia, and promoting research with greater social and economic impact in European projects.
We want to consolidate a management model that increases IBEC’s economic return and enhances its visibility and internationalisation in the field of bioengineering.
Isabel Sáez Martínez
To this end, the Office will recruit two new cross-functional staff members: a Promoter to drive strategic positioning, internationalisation and promotional activities, and an Impact Manager to maximise the scientific, social and economic impact of proposals. Digital tools and artificial intelligence-based solutions will also be implemented to optimise project preparation and management. Specialised conferences and workshops on European calls for proposals will be organised for researchers and managers alike.
“We want to consolidate a management model that increases IBEC’s economic return and enhances its visibility and internationalisation in the field of bioengineering,” says Isabel Sáez Martínez, coordinator of the Project Managers.
The HE-mPOwer project is expected to enable a qualitative leap in the preparation and management of European projects, strengthening IBEC’s capacity to meet the challenges of the Horizon Europe programme and align itself with the future priorities and requirements of the next Framework Programme (FP) for research and innovation in the European Union.
This is a unique opportunity to address new key aspects of European projects, such as impact and promotion. It will enable us to develop a more cross-cutting approach, making our Projects Unit much more competitive.
Rosa Miralles Llumà
“This is a unique opportunity to address new key aspects of European projects, such as impact and promotion. It will enable us to develop a more cross-cutting approach, making our Projects Unit much more competitive,” says Rosa Miralles Llumà, head of the Projects Office Unit.
Through this initiative, the Projects Office intends to secure a return of €13.25 million in Horizon Europe funding between 2026 and 2027, consolidate IBEC’s position as a leading bioengineering centre in Europe, and create skilled jobs, attracting international talent and bolstering the competitiveness of Spain’s R&D&I system.
