MERCURY Study Visit at University of Alicante, 28-29 September 2009, Alicante, Spain

On 28th and 29th of September 2009, representatives of Higher Education and Research Institutions from Russia, Moldavia and Ukraine visited the University of Alicante in the framework of the MERCURY project.

‘Technology Transfer and Fundraising’ was the focus of this second Study Visit at the University of Alicante.

The Director of the Technology Transfer Office (OTRI), Álvaro Berenguer introduced the structure and functions of the Spanish Network of Technology Transfer Offices (Red OTRI). Loren Monteagudo from the Innovation Unit, illustrated the reforms introduced on Spanish national level to boost the creation of spin-off companies and how these reforms have been implemented in the University of Alicante.

The visitors were especially interested in the University of Alicante’s fundraising strategies. Prof. Rosa Torres, Director for the UA’s Career Centre (GIPE), explained how Universities can reveal additional sources of funding for research and entrepreneurial activities, while strategies on how to gain competitive funding of R&D were discussed by Dr. Roberto Escarré, Director of International Project Management Office.

During the short but most intensive study visit, the group gained insight into the University’s Knowledge Transfer activities, while studying real life examples of successful cooperation with the business sector.

>> Download programme in English (*.pdf)
>> View list of presentations
>> View pictures of the event