The ICREA Acadèmia programme was launched in 2008 to foster and nurture excellence in research done by professors of Catalan public universities. The programme provides a research intensification to selected university professors who are in a fully active and expansive phase of their research careers.
The grant provides funds for teaching discharge for a period of five years. The 12th edition of the programme was launched in September 2020.
The total number of ICREA Acadèmia grants as of 31st of December 2020 is 299.
Selection process
Selection focuses on the scientific performance of each candidate, along these three main lines:
- Scientific excellence
- Leadership
- Potential for growth
Five international committees are set up to evaluate candidates. Each committee is responsible for one the following areas: Engineering sciences; Experimental sciences & mathematics; Humanities; Life & medical sciences; and Social & behavioural sciences. Committee members are of high international standing and always come from outside the Catalan research system. The key features of the selection process are:
- Selection by independent, external experts
- Independent on-line evaluation of each candidate by each committee member
- Meeting of committee members, exchange of information, discussion, and consensus.