IPHES-CERCA hosts the SOMMa 2026 Meeting of Project Managers: a strategic forum for scientific management of excellence

More than 70 research management professionals from centres and units accredited with the Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu excellence distinctions took part on 18 and 19 June in the SOMMa 2026 Project Managers Meeting, jointly organised by IPHES-CERCA and the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ).

The meeting forms part of the coordination activities promoted by the SOMMa Alliance (Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu Alliance), which brings together research centres and units recognised with Spain’s most prestigious scientific excellence accreditations. The aim of the meeting was to share experiences, exchange best practices and address common challenges related to the management of excellence programmes and research activities.

The first day was held at IPHES-CERCA and began with an institutional welcome by the centre’s director, Dr Marina Mosquera. Participants also had the opportunity to learn about the institute’s facilities and scientific activities through a guided visit led by Dr Isabel Cáceres, Head of Research at IPHES-CERCA.

The programme continued with a working session involving representatives of the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI), Cristina Espa and Justyna Chojnacka, who manage the excellence programmes. During the session, participants were updated on the latest developments concerning the CEX call and discussed common questions and challenges related to the management of the Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu programmes.

The second day took place at ICIQ and focused on mobility and exchange initiatives between institutions, as well as strategies aimed at fostering the professional development of research project managers at both the national and European levels.

Throughout the two-day meeting, participants also discussed a range of topics related to research management, including researcher mobility, exchange programmes for research management professionals, and the main challenges shared by institutions holding the Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu excellence accreditations.

Beyond the working sessions, the meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among professionals from different institutions and to consolidate the SOMMa network as a platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences in the field of research management.

About SOMMa

The SOMMa Alliance (Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu Alliance) is an association that brings together research centres and units accredited with the Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu excellence distinctions. Its mission is to promote scientific excellence, foster collaboration among research institutions and contribute to strengthening Spain’s research and innovation system.