Minister Diana Morant chairs Plenary of the Council of Universities to Discuss Important Issues
The Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant, led the Plenary of the Council of Universities on Monday at the Official College of Physicians of Madrid. The meeting discussed various topics including the creation of working groups to address bureaucracy in science, new criteria for establishing universities, and the transfer of approvals for medical degrees.
Regarding the transfer of approvals for medical degrees, Morant stated that no other community besides the Basque Country has approached the Ministry with a similar proposal. She emphasized that the agreement with the Basque Government would be applied to any other community requesting the same. The minister also noted that the Basque Country’s management of approvals would only apply to citizens registered there, while the Ministry processes requests from all individuals.
In addressing the overwhelmed system of approving medical degrees, Morant described the current situation as a “redefinition” of the approval process. The Ministry is exploring ways to streamline the system, including the potential use of Artificial Intelligence.
Furthermore, Morant announced the establishment of a working group next week to develop new criteria for the creation of universities. This initiative aims to ensure that universities meet quality standards and are more demanding in their approach to teaching, research, and innovation.
The meeting also addressed challenges facing universities in terms of retaining research talent and offering doctor assistant professor positions. Morant urged universities to stabilize research personnel who had previously left the country due to lack of opportunities.
In conclusion, Morant highlighted the importance of universities playing their part in addressing these challenges and emphasized the need for collaboration between institutions and the Ministry to improve the quality of education and research in Spain.