The Regional Government grants 200,000 euros to the UEX for research institutes

The Regional Ministry of Industry, Energy, Science and Territory of the Junta de Extremadura has granted a direct subsidy of 200,000 euros to the University of Extremadura (UEX) to finance the Joint University Institutes for the 2026 fiscal year. The aid is intended to consolidate the operation of the University Institute for Biosanitary Research of Extremadura (INUBE) and the University Institute for Research in Agricultural Resources (INURA), two key centers for biosanitary and agricultural R&D&i in the region. The grant is formalized through the Resolution of July 22, 2026, of the General Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation, published in the Official Gazette of Extremadura (DOE) number 168, of August 31, 2026 (reference 2026062206).

A direct grant for public interest

The aid is processed through the direct grant procedure, under articles 22.4.c) and 32.1.a) of Law 6/2011, of March 23, on Subsidies of the Autonomous Community of Extremadura. The Junta justifies the exceptionality on the grounds that UEX is the only public institution providing higher education services in the community, making a public call for applications inappropriate. The measure is part of the commitments of the Pact for Science and Technology of Extremadura, signed on February 12, 2021, and the VII Regional Plan for Research, Technological Development and Innovation (VII PRI+D+I) 2022-2025.

The application was submitted on March 19, 2026, by José María Carvajal González, Vice-Rector for Research and Transfer of the UEX, and the resolution is signed by the General Secretary for Science, Technology and Innovation, José Manuel Benítez Medina.

Distribution of aid between the two institutes

The budget is divided equally between both centers, with 100,000 euros for each:

• INUBE (biosanitary): €91,000 for personnel and human resources, €4,000 for scientific activities, €2,000 for consumable materials, €1,500 for web and dissemination, €1,000 for consultancy, and €500 for travel and per diems.
• INURA (agricultural resources): €41,000 for consumable materials, €30,000 for personnel, €25,000 for inventoriable scientific equipment, and €4,000 for scientific activities.

The eligible equipment for INURA includes a portable greenhouse gas analyzer, a headspace injector for GC/MS chromatograph, and a Customer Dual MPA 580 system. Variations of up to 20% between expenditure items within each institute are permitted, but never between institutes.

Deadlines, payments, and justification

The eligible activities must be carried out and paid between January 1 and December 31, 2026, with Social Security payments for December accepted until January 31, 2027. Payment is made in two installments:

• A first payment of 50% (€100,000) once the award resolution is signed.
• A second payment of the remaining 50% after justifying the first, to be submitted before November 16, 2026.

The final justification must be submitted before March 31, 2027, via the Junta’s grants website. Personnel costs with a current contract with the UEX, as well as training or catering expenses, are not eligible for subsidies.

Impact for the scientific community

The grant reinforces the UEX’s strategic commitment to its research institutes as a lever for knowledge transfer to society. INUBE promotes excellence in biomedical and biosanitary research in Extremadura, while INURA works on improving the quality of agricultural products and the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, a basic pillar of the regional economy. With this funding, the Junta consolidates the scientific infrastructure of the Extremaduran university system and its integration into the Extremaduran System of Science, Technology and Innovation (SECTI).

Source: Official Gazette of Extremadura, no. 168, August 31, 2026, section III (official reference: 2026062206).