Nebrija: The driving force behind innovation

Research is one of Nebrija University’s strategic priorities and is aimed at generating knowledge with scientific, social and economic impact, whilst promoting innovation, knowledge transfer and internationalisation.

Nebrija’s research model is characterised by a multidisciplinary and applied approach, organised through research groups and centres integrated within the University’s various faculties and schools. These teams carry out national and international projects designed to address major contemporary challenges in fields such as technology, health, sustainability, education, communication, security, artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

The University promotes research linked to the business and social environment through collaboration with national and international institutions, companies and organisations, fostering knowledge transfer and the development of innovative solutions with a real impact on society.

The research strategy is coordinated by the Vice-Rectorate for Research and the Office for the Transfer of Research Results (OTRI), which promote the acquisition of competitive research projects, researcher mobility, internationalisation, doctoral training and the continuous improvement of scientific quality. Furthermore, Nebrija fosters a research culture based on excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethics, transparency and the professional development of research staff, in line with the principles promoted by the European Research Area and the HRS4R strategy.

Nebrija University’s HRS4R strategy is implemented in accordance with the Spanish and European regulatory framework applicable to research and university activities. Key regulatory references include Organic Law 2/2023 of 22 March on the University System (LOSU), which reinforces quality, internationalisation, transparency and the development of academic and research careers; Law 14/2011 of 1 June on Science, Technology and Innovation, aimed at promoting excellent, responsible and competitive research; the Statute for Pre-doctoral Research Staff in Training (EPIPF), which regulates the working and training conditions of pre-doctoral research staff; as well as national and European regulations on equality, non-discrimination, scientific ethics and integrity, and the principles of Open Science linked to the European Research Area (ERA).

The implementation of HRS4R helps to strengthen the alignment of Nebrija’s institutional policies with this regulatory framework, fostering transparent, ethical research environments geared towards continuous improvement.

In this context, the HRS4R strategy is integrated across the board into Nebrija University’s institutional model and its commitment to high-quality, international, innovative research that is connected to the needs of society. The implementation of the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers reinforces the University’s overall strategy in areas such as internationalisation and attracting talent, applied research and innovation, institutional quality and continuous improvement, transparency and governance, the professional development of research staff, and policies on equality, diversity and inclusion.

Furthermore, HRS4R helps to consolidate open, transparent and merit-based recruitment processes (OTM-R), in line with European standards and current national regulations governing higher education and research.

The strategy is also coordinated with Nebrija’s other institutional policies and structures, including the research and knowledge transfer strategy, quality and transparency policies, training and professional development plans, internationalisation initiatives, and policies on equality and workplace wellbeing.

The HRS4R project at Nebrija University is being carried out using a participatory and cross-cutting model that involves the University’s various academic, research and management departments.

The project is governed by a working group jointly coordinated by:

• Human Resources.
• Office for the Transfer of Research Results (OTRI).

Representatives from the following also participate:

• Faculties and schools.
• Research staff at different stages of their academic careers (R1–R4).
• Quality and institutional management departments.
• Research support services.

During the process of assessing the situation and drawing up the action plan, various mechanisms for participation and consultation have been put in place, including:

• Surveys aimed at the research community.
• Literature review and internal analysis.
• Working meetings and participatory sessions.
• Collection of proposals for improvement.

This participatory approach enables us to identify strengths and areas for improvement, thereby facilitating the development of a strategy aligned with the real needs of the Nebrija research community.