
BSC has been accredited as Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence, the award with which the Spanish government recognises leading research centres in Spain of international standing in their respective areas.
The Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness' Department of Research, Innovation and Development, within its Institutional Strengthening programme, awards the Severo Ochoa mark to research entities involved in frontier research activities that are among the best in the world in their respective fields. The international scientific impact and leadership shown by these centres is a central consideration for receiving a Severo Ochoa award for excellence.
BSC first obtained a Severo Ochoa award in 2011 (SEV-2011-0067), receiving a grant for 4 years. It was awarded a second in 2015 (SEV-2015-0493), for a programme to be developed in the period 2016-2019.
- Improve the capacity of high-level research centres to organize and carry out their investigations.
- Improve their ability to attract, recruit, train and retain talent
- Encourage their relationship with other reference centres
- Disseminate research results to the general public
Accreditation as a “Severo Ochoa Centre or Unit of Excellence” is valid for four years and includes a grant of one million Euros per year during this period.
A limited number of Severo Ochoa centres or units of excellence are accredited each year. At the end of their four-year accreditation period they may apply again for accreditation.