The resolution, published this Friday in the Official Gazette of Aragon, concludes a process that attracted 97 applications. Of these, 94 were assessed, and the grants were awarded through a competitive process until the available funding was exhausted. The aim is to finance initiatives that bring science, research and technological development to Aragonese society.
The University of Zaragoza received the largest share of the funding, with €48,789.82, while the CSIC will receive €19,000. Other beneficiaries include the EINA Culture Commission, Academia de Inventores, San Jorge University, the Aragonese Institute of Health Sciences, the Binaced Town Council and Esciencia Eventos Científico.
NASA, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND STEM CAREERS
One of the most appealing projects is the 13th Zaragoza NASA International Space Apps Challenge, which receives €7,000. The same amount is being allocated to Despierta STEM-Teruel, designed to encourage scientific and technological careers, and to Cuadros con Ciencia, a CSIC proposal that combines art, science and artificial intelligence to communicate knowledge in a different way.
The solar eclipse also features prominently. The University of Zaragoza receives €5,000 for Servet 2026, a citizen science initiative in the stratosphere linked to observing the total solar eclipse. In addition, €4,200.18 is being allocated to La fiesta del eclipse 2026: Aragón bajo la sombra del sol, organized by Esciencia Eventos Científico.
Technology and digital outreach feature in other funded initiatives. BIFI receives €5,880 for an interactive science outreach application, while the IA2divulga program receives €7,000. The CSIC is also being awarded €5,000 for the “En Materia” podcast, which was ultimately included in the final list of subsidized projects.
SCIENCE FOR STUDENTS, FAMILIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
The call also makes room for proposals aimed at students and families. Academia de Inventores receives €7,000 for the second STEAM Congress 2026, while San Jorge University will have €6,160 for its “Farmacia Mediterránea” program. The Binaced Town Council receives €1,130 for an activity focused on observational astronomy.
Other projects aim to turn science into an everyday experience. The University of Zaragoza receives €7,000 for “Recursos en Juego,” focused on science and sustainability; €6,998.82 for activities organized by the Faculty of Sciences; and €2,911 for “Descubriendo el método científico.” The IACS, meanwhile, will have €6,720 for its outreach group.
The grants may cover up to 100% of eligible expenses, although the allocation is determined by the score obtained and the budget limit. In fact, several initiatives that exceeded the minimum score were placed on a reserve list after the €100,000 budget was exhausted, reflecting the high demand for projects that bring science closer to citizens in Aragon.
