Last week, the Centre for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS) welcomed its External Scientific Advisory Board (ESAB) — a group of internationally renowned scientists who conduct a regular, independent evaluation of the centre’s research activity and provide guidance on its strategic direction. The visit formed part of the mid-term evaluation process for the 2023–2026 period.
Over several days, the ESAB members — a panel of high-profile researchers with outstanding scientific careers and strong international reputations — held meetings with CiQUS researchers and staff. The committee is composed of Thomas Carell, Janine Cossy, Rosario Fernández, Eva Hevia, Jesús Jiménez-Barbero, Ángel Rubio, Paolo Samorì, Jean-Pierre Sauvage and Helma Wennemers.
The programme included sessions to review the scientific progress of the centre’s research lines, individual meetings with principal investigators and other staff, and guided tours of CiQUS facilities. Board members also engaged in face-to-face discussions with the centre’s leadership team.
The ESAB evaluation is an important opportunity for CiQUS, which holds the CIGUS recognition from the Galician Government and is co-funded by the European Union through the Galicia ERDF Programme 2021–2027. The board’s feedback provides an independent, constructive assessment that helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement — informing future strategic decisions and enhancing research quality.
CiQUS sincerely thanks all members of the ESAB for their dedication and for sharing their expertise. Their contribution is essential for the centre’s continued progress in scientific knowledge and impact on society.
