The first call for applications has opened for this strategic initiative aimed at attracting and consolidating research talent for the research centres within the CIGUS Network
Talentgal has a budget of more than €11 million to recruit 40 internationally outstanding scientists, with 20 to be selected in this first call
Professionals interested in developing their careers in Galicia may submit their applications through the programme platform until 23 July
Santiago de Compostela, 24 May 2026
The Xunta de Galicia aims to attract 40 international postdoctoral researchers to the CIGUS Network, which brings together the centres of excellence of the Galician universities. This is the new TALENTGAL programme, a strategic initiative for attracting and consolidating talent with the goal of positioning Galicia Calidade as one of Europe’s leading hubs for R&D&I. The Regional Ministry of Education, Science, Universities and Vocational Training has just opened the first TALENTGAL call, in which the first 20 high-level researchers will be selected.
This project, for which Galicia secured funding under the prestigious European Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) Cofund programme, marks a new milestone for R&D&I, as it will enable the recruitment of 40 scientists to carry out research activities in specialised areas at the most prestigious centres of Galicia’s public universities. The new professionals joining the CIGUS centres will be able to focus their research on key areas for Galicia such as biotechnology, medicine, chemistry, nanomaterials, ICT, environmental engineering, and marine and physical sciences, among others.
TALENTGAL has a budget of more than €11 million. In this first call, 20 people will be selected to develop their careers at one of the ten centres of the CIGUS Network. The second call is scheduled for 2027 and will allow the incorporation of another 20 outstanding scientists.
The application period will remain open until 23 July, and interested candidates may submit their applications through the platform set up by the programme.
Commitment to Scientific Excellence
The selected professionals will have access to competitive contracts and excellent research environments, as well as a comprehensive professional development programme that includes advanced training, personalised mentoring, and international placements at universities, companies, and public administrations. This initiative seeks to strengthen knowledge transfer, foster cross-sector collaboration, and expand the social and economic impact of research carried out in Galicia.
The CIGUS Network is made up of 10 research centres from the three Galician universities and includes more than 1,600 researchers. Under this brand, the Xunta funds, promotes, and structures university research excellence. In fact, over the last five years it has secured more than €221 million in competitive projects, representing a significant economic return for a network to which the Xunta has allocated nearly €68 million.
With the launch of TALENTGAL, the Galician Government reinforces its commitment to scientific excellence, the internationalisation of the Galician R&D&I system, and the attraction of global research talent, consolidating Galicia as a leading destination for high-level postdoctoral research in Europe.