THE UNIVERSITY OF SEVILLE

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THE UNIVERSITY OF SEVILLE: CAMPUS OF INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE


PROJECT DESCRIPTION

I. PRESENTATION

1. General Aims 2. Primary features 3. A University City 4. Courses of action:

1st. Excellence in teaching 2nd. Research results transfer 3rd. Remodelling of the historical sites 4th. Research excellence and consolidation of strategic alliances 5th. Health Sciences Campus in the University Hospital Virgen del Rocío 6th. Cultural driving force 7th. Development cooperation

8th. 5. Budget Summary

II. RANGE OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN

1. Improvements in Teaching 2. Scientific Improvements 3. Campus Transformation for the development of an integral social

model 4. Improvements aimed towards the adaptation and implementation of

the European Higher Education Area. 5. Knowledge and technology transfer to the enterprise as a result of

academic research and the strategic association of agents. 6. Interaction between the campus and its environment

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I. PRESENTATION


1. GENERAL AIMS The University of Seville will consolidate an ecosystem of education, research, and innovation which will be a lever for social change and a strategic centre for regional development. The university and associated agents will work towards shaping the future, progressing principles of liberty and justice, and towards bettering quality of life. The University of Seville is an active and lively institution and a dynamic agent for change within the society it serves. Moreover, the University is prepared to confront the aforementioned challenges rigorously and competently through the development of the Strategic Plan 2008. This project was approved by the University’s Governing Council in June 2008, following an extensive debate in the university community. The Strategic Plan 2008 takes into account the University’s social setting and establishes a vision of the University of Seville as an institution of national and international renown due to its excellence in the areas of teaching, research and the management of services. Moreover, it will be known, in particular, for its significant contribution to the transformation and progress of society, based on the application and transfer of the results of its research, the quality of training that its graduates will receive and its commitment to fulfilling its social responsibilities and acting as a cultural driving force. 2. PRIMARY FEATURES The University of Seville has many unique features, giving it a unique profile; with over five centuries of history it is an extensive institution, reflected by its large and diverse community which is its greatest source of wealth. Thus, it is an academically rich university which brings together all branches of academia and offers a global portfolio of teaching, investigation, culture and transfer of knowledge to society. Finally, the University is deeply rooted in the city where it has a great social, economic and cultural influence. This variety, a mark of its unique identity, constitutes part of the university's rich heritage to be cultivated and protected, bringing together all the knowledge, perspectives and cultures that exist in a joint university project. This thus allows for the creation of sinergies amongst the entire productive network specifically incorporating a sense of University unity. The University of Seville's principal advantageous feature for achieving the proposed objectives is its large university community, consisting of 25 schools and faculties where 124 departments teach. In addition there is the Language Institute, the Center for Lifelong Learning and the Institute for Science Education. Information taken from the 2008/09 Yearbook data confirm these figures (registration for the academic year 2009/2010 is not yet closed): Number of students who registered in the academic year 2008/2009: 68,599

• In nationally accredited qualifications: 61,005 - First and second cycle: 57,235

54,752 are from University of Seville centres 2,483 are from associated centres

- Accredited masters: 1,150 - PhD programmes: 2,620

• In University of Seville qualifications: 7,594

- USE postgraduate courses: 4,121 - Language School courses: 3,473

Number of foreign students who matriculated in the academic year 2008/2009: 1,408

• In first and second cycle qualifications: 1,092 (2%) • In nationally accredited master qualifications: 154 (13%) • In PhD programmes: 332 (13%)

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The number of students participating in the Erasmus programme in the academic year 2009/10 is 1,688 foreign students received and 1,517 University of Seville students in European host universities, respectively. It must be noted, moreover, that 406 University of Seville students are benefiting from the assistance of other mobility programmes and that, through these other programmes, the University has welcomed a further 574 foreign students.

Number of students who graduated in the academic year 2007/2008: 8,702

• in first and second cycle programmes: 7,431 - 6,707 are from University of Seville centres - 724 are from associated centres

• in nationally accredited master qualifications: 334 • in the training stage of phd programmes: 603 • approved phd theses: 334

Teaching and research staff on the payroll as of 31 December 2008: 4,393

• civil servants: 2,203 - Chairs: 421 - Full Professors and University School Chairs: 1,451 - University School Full Professors: 331

• permanently affiliated contract employees: 731 • other contracted employees: 1,459 • other research staff: 1,883

Administrative and services staff on the payroll as of 31 December 2008: 2,342 • Civil Servants: 1,120 • Labour contract staff: 1,222

3. A UNIVERSITY CITY Since 1965, the University of Seville has undergone significant expansion throughout the city and has developed a significant physical presence, as can be seen following a north-south axis along the Guadalquivir river, intersected by three east-west axes which comprise nine university centres with social, economic and cultural influence. The University of Seville has a far reaching presence in the city as a whole.

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This prominent position is strengthened through partnerships with agents associated to the project, amongst whom we would like to draw attention to the following:

Public organizations and corporations: -‐ The Government of Andalusia -‐ Seville Town Council -‐ The Spanish National Research Council (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas) -‐ The International University of Andalusia -‐ The Andalusian Technology Centre

Technology parks: -‐ Cartuja 93 -‐ Aerópolis

Companies: -‐ Abengoa -‐ Endesa -‐ EADS

The role of the University of Seville as a driving force behind urban development is evident in our city, where the presence of the university centres plays a clear role in revitalizing their surroundings. Our implementation plan, with the aid of influential centres throughout Seville, aims to streamline resources and thus make a positive impact, while also reducing any disadvantages that may result from merging a university community of more than 75, 000 people. Effective implementation of this plan, in close cooperation with the authorities responsible, will offer a solid framework for the city.

CARTUJA -‐ Engineering F

-‐ Industrial -‐ Telecommunication -‐ Chemical -‐ Aeronautical -‐ Civil (pr)

-‐ Communication F -‐ Centre for Transfer of Research Results (pr) -‐ Other institutes

-‐ Materials Sciences -‐ Vegetal Biology and Photosynthesis -‐ Chemical Research -‐ Andalusian Centre for Molecular Biology

and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER) -‐ National Accelerators Centre -‐ Microelectronics -‐ Ecology Station

LOS REMEDIOS Polytechnic F Fine Arts F (pr)

LOS PERDIGONES

-‐ Odontology F -‐ Health Sciences F

-‐ Podiatry -‐ Nursing (pr) -‐ Physiotherapy

-‐ Kindergarten CENTRE

-‐ Fábrica de Tabacos: -‐ Rectorate -‐ Philosophy F (pr) -‐ Philology F -‐ Geography and History F

-‐ Fine Arts F -‐ Pabellón de Uruguay -‐ Senior residence (pr) -‐ Cultural Centre (pr)

MACARENA Medicine F Health Sciences F Nursing Virgen Macarena UH Hall of Residence in Pino Montano (pr) RAMÓN Y CAJAL -‐ Resource Centre for Learning

and Research and University Library (pr)

-‐ Law F -‐ Job Sciences F -‐ Psychology F -‐ Philosophy F -‐ Economics F -‐ Business Sciences F -‐ Education Sciences F (pr) -‐ Kindergarten (pr) -‐ Sport facilities

GU

AD

ALQ

UIV

IR

RIV

ER

REINA MERCEDES -‐ Physics F -‐ Chemistry F -‐ Mathematics F -‐ Biology F -‐ Computer Sciences F -‐ Architecture F -‐ Pharmacy F -‐ Technical Architecture F -‐ Research, Technology and Innovation

Centre of University of Seville (CITIUS) -‐ Research Institute in Mathematics -‐ Halls of Residence -‐ Resource Centre for Learning and

Research in Sciences (pr)

SOUTH

-‐ Pabellón de Méjico -‐ Pabellón de Brasil -‐ Research Foundation -‐ University Halls of

Residence "Ramón Carande" and "Estanislao del Campo"

-‐ Sport facilities "Bermejales". -‐ Virgen de Valme UH -‐ Agricultural Engineering F

(pr)

VIRGEN DEL ROCÍO -‐ Medicine F (pr) -‐ Pharmacology F (pr) -‐ Biomedicine Institute -‐ Virgen del Rocío UH

(pr)=in progress F=faculty

UH=University hospital

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In addition to having a rich historical and artistic heritage, the University of Seville is a powerful and dynamic generator of culture. Through the dissemination of culture among the citizens of Seville and the surrounding areas, the university fulfils one of the essential functions assigned to it as a public service. Therefore, the commitment to culture has an important place within this project. 4. COURSES OF ACTION 1. EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING We intend to consolidate a diverse portfolio of excellence in teaching by expanding the number of University of Seville programmes and nationally accredited qualifications offered, and improving the quality of teaching and the level of satisfaction with teaching activities:

• Development of the 1st Official Teaching Project. • Laptop resources for new students. • Specific academic support and advice for students who combine their studies with work. • Internationalising postgraduate courses. • Boost for the Centre for Permanent Training as a tool for long life learning.

2. TRANSFER OF RESEARCH RESULTS By creating a Vicerectorate for Technological Transfer to promote the transfer of research results in 2004, the University pioneered the creation of technology-based firms (TBF) and the application of research results through patenting.

• Construction of specific buildings: o Centre for the Transfer of Research Results (CENTRIUS) o University of Seville Research Foundation Building

• Founding of an official plan for the transfer of knowledge fostered by the agents of the strategic aggregation.

• Encourage business posts to promote a culture of enterprise. 3. REBUILDING OF HISTORICAL SITES In order to promote the Humanities and the position of the University of Seville as a cultural driving force, two large-scale projects will be undertaken:

• Conversion of the Tobacco Factory into the Humanities Campus, including a museum and offices for trade unions

• The creation of a Cultural Centre in the centre of the city (Madre de Dios Building) and the remodelling of the Iglesia de la Anunciación.

4. RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AND CONSOLIDATION OF STRATEGIC ALLIANCES A key aspect of the project is to consolidate the strategic alliances forged over the last few years; following this the University plans to increase its nine joint research centres:

• An agreement with the CSIC (Superior Centre for Scientific Research) to establish new Research Institutions under shared management; in particular, that of American Studies, in conjunction with the International University of Andalusia and the Archivo de Indias.

• The establishment of the Seville Biomedical Institute (IBIS) and of the Andalusian Centre for

the Research of Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER) Construction of two new complexes:

• The building planned by Zaha Hadid for the University Library and the Centre for Research and Learning Resources.

• The "Antonio de Ulloa" complex, which will house: • The Science Centre for Research and Learning Resources. • The "Antonio de Castro Brzezicki" University Institute for Mathematics. • General Research Services for the fields of Ecology and Natural Resources.

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5. HEALTH SCIENCES CAMPUS IN THE “VIRGEN DEL ROCÍO” UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL The University Hospital Virgen del Rocío is one of the foremost hospitals in the field of biomedical research, driving both teaching and scientific development through the creation of a new health sciences campus which groups together associated buildings:

• Completion of the IBIS building • Construction of new buildings for the Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacology

6. A CULTURAL DRIVING FORCE The University of Seville’s cultural appeal stems from the Centre for Cultural Initiatives (CICUS), which organises dance and music workshops and performances, plays, film screenings, fine art exhibitions, and creative arts competitions. The project includes the extension of this range of cultural activities to all Seville residents and those of the province. The following tasks can be cited specifically:

• Reissues of the Factor Humano Conference. • Cataloguing and exhibiting in a new museum of the historical, artistic and bibliographical

heritage. 7. DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION The University of Seville will become a European benchmark for activities concerning development cooperation.

• Expansion of cooperation programmes, chiefly in education. • Grants for students from developing countries. • Cooperation with areas of research linked with development and the eradication of poverty. • Supporting aid workers from the university community.

5. BUDGET SUMMARY Development will be carried out through an ambitious investment plan, of which a breakdown is shown in the table below. The majority will be devoted to the construction of buildings and, to a lesser extent, human resources in technology transfer, research equipment, resources for better teaching and development cooperation. Total investment is €312.5 M, €49.3 M (15%) of which is requested for the Campus of International Excellence programme. In 2009 the Andalusian Government awarded €8M, bringing the total sum requested to 41.3M€.

Item (figures in M€) 2008 2009 2010 2011 TOTAL

Improving teaching, establishing and adapting to the European Higher Education Area

21,7 39 38 63,5 162,2

Scientific improvements and transfer of knowledge and technology 9,3 23,2 43,7 34,4 110,6

Transformation of the campus into an integral social model which interacts with its surrounding environment

3 9,1 8,55 19,05 39,7

TOTAL 34 71,3 90,25 116,95 312,5

Following the Ministry instructions, this budget is detailed in an attachment.

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II. RANGE OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN:

1. IMPROVEMENTS IN TEACHING

• Academic offer and timetable for adaptation to the EHEA

Current situation:

The University of Seville is offering 311 nationally accredited qualifications in the academic year 2009/10:

• Graduate (Licenciado), Engineering, Architecture: 44 (22 have begun to adapt to the EHEA),

• Graduate(Diplomado), Technical Engineering, Technical Architecture: 24 (8 have begun to adapt to the EHEA),

• Degree level: 32, • Nationally accredited Masters programmes: 43, • PhD programmes adapted to the EHEA: 40, • PhD programmes which follow the previous regulations: 128

In the nationally accredited qualifications taught in University of Seville centres, the student/teacher ratio is 58,522/4,393 = 13.3, a little higher than the Spanish average (12) but better than the European average (16.4). Projects:

1.a.1. For the academic year 2010/11 all qualifications will have been adapted to the EHEA. Furthermore, we intend to extend the portfolio of qualifications to bring our capabilities into line with social demand. It is lso pertinent to draw attention to the ongoing project to incorporate the undergraduate and Master level qualification leading to the awarding of a Road, Canal and Port Engineering Degree, new graduate qualifications in Health Sciences and the creation of a degree in Humanities by 2013. 1.a.2. In order to ensure that this good student/teacher ratio is equally distributed between the different branches of learning, the University of Seville will maintain a policy of assigning teaching posts in areas where they are wanting or which have teaching staff approaching retirement age. It will also promote its programme to reward voluntary retirement, the savings from which will be used for the hiring of new teacher staff. 1.a.3. To increase the portfolio of Master level qualifications of a multi-disciplinary nature, with the aim that they will constitute 10% of the total by 2012. b) Portfolio of PhD programmes.

Current situation:

The portfolio of PhD course includes some 100 programmes which span all branches of learning, of which 30 have been granted a quality award, with around 700 lines of research to follow in PhD theses.

Projects:

1.b.1. Adaptation of the previous PhD programmes to the EHEA model. 1.b.2. Increasing the international renown of the PhD courses, promoting the assimilation of foreign students and Double Degree agreements with other universities. The aim is to increase the number of foreign PhD students in the academic year 2012/13 to more than 20% of the total.

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c) Coordination units Current situation:

In 2008 the Centre for Lifelong Training was established to respond to the social need for training based on ongoing learning and the recycling of professional skills. This centre welcomes members of the community, businesses and institutions, and is committed to offering effective solutions to their training needs.

In the academic year 2008/09, the Centre for Lifelong Training offered 159 internal qualifications: 74 Masters and 85 at expert level, a highly qualified and specialised PhD qualification, and 75 Lifelong Training Courses, which are more flexible as regards duration and entry requirements. Within this portfolio, teaching via e-Learning is in use in 60 courses with 1,054 students.

During the academic year 2008/09, a total of 112 agreements with different companies and institutions have been arranged with the aim of facilitating both the completion of work placements for Centre for Lifelong Learning students and the implementation of courses tailored to the needs of the students.

With the introduction of the nationally accredited Master programmes, the Office of Postgraduate Studies was established. It is responsible for the academic and administrative management of those Master level courses that, due to their multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary nature, do not pertain to any one Faculty or School. As such, it coordinates the activities of the various Centres responsible for the Masters programmes, and advises and deals with verification reports for new qualifications and advertising.

Projects:

1.c.1. To apply the accreditation process for Internal Qualifications using the Quality Control System for Internal Qualifications approved in December 2008, with the aim of ensuring that all internal qualifications are accredited by the academic year 2012/13. 1.c.2. To increase the number of students studying for internal qualifications by 25% by the academic year 2012/13. 1.c.3. Internationalisation of the postgraduate portfolio: new technologies for the communication and dissemination of information will be promoted in order to attract students from other countries, primarily from Latin America, with the aim to increase the number of foreign postgraduate students to 25% of the total by the academic year 2012/13. d) Commitment to excellence in teaching Current situation:

The University of Seville’s global academic results are comparable to the average for the Spanish public system, especially notable is the increased presence of our graduates in the National End of Degree Awards.

While satisfactory, these academic results must improve. As such, in 2008 the First Self funded Teaching Scheme covering a four year period was approved . This initiative allocates more than € 6M in its first year, 2009, to 20 activities, including the following: Careers advice and additional training, teaching research, information for pre-university students, welcome schemes for new students, tutorial action plans, material available online and training for new teaching staff.

Alongside this plan of action is the provision of laptop computer to recently matriculated students. This policy is based on the extension of the wireless Wi-Fi EDUROAM network to the entire campus, which has already been carried out, on the construction of computerised teaching rooms and on the savings made from eliminating the need for specific Information Technology rooms: with the laptops connected via EDUROAM, any and every room is an IT room. In the academic year 2008/09, 8,516 laptop computers have been presented to new students. This policy will allow all degree students access to IT equipment in the classroom within four years.

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A basic cornerstone for contrasting teaching excellence is the evaluation of the teaching quality of the staff. The design for an evaluation system in keeping with the standards of the “Programa Docentia” (teaching programme) are currently being completed, the rough outline having already been approved.

Projects:

1.d.1. Development of the First Self funded Teaching Scheme over the next three years and its eventual renewal along the following strategic lines:

• Promotion of the virtual teaching platform as a teaching tool, until it is in use in 60% of the Graduate and Master level subjects.

• Open access to a portfolio of high quality teaching materials, with the determined support of the teaching staff involved in the Open Course Ware project.

• Promotion of bilingual teaching • Reinforcement and renewal of training programmes for teaching staff, and especially new

staff, in order to improve the quality of teaching and to provide the teaching staff with better access to accreditation and promotion processes.

1.d.2. To complete and put into effect a teaching quality evaluation protocol for teaching staff approved by ANECA (Spanish Agency of Quality Assessment and Accreditation) within the “Programa Docentia” (Teaching programme). Our aim is that 30% of the teaching staff appraised will be rated as “Very favourable”. 1.d.3. Use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching:

• Creation of Advanced Teaching Rooms • Provision of laptop computers for all teaching staff and students with the aim that, by the

academic year 2012/13, all graduate students will have one. • Creation of a storeroom for electronic learning aids. • Training for students on how to use ICT tools for learning. • Incorporation of Web 2.0 methodologies into the University website.

e) Work placement programmes for students and employment policy Current situation:

In the last academic year more than 9,000 work placements in businesses have been offered from which more than 8,000 students on nationally accredited courses have benefited. This is almost equal in quantity to the number of graduates, from which it is possible to conclude that currently all graduate students have the opportunity to carry out a work placement.

Over the last year the number of new businesses and institutions collaborating with the University as regards work placements was 698, which brings the total cumulative number up to 3,300 in the present day.

In April 2008, the Work Placement in Industry Service was the first service in the University to obtain the Certificate of Business Registration and the right to use the AENOR (Spanish Association for Standardisation and Certification) brand.

On the other hand, we would also like to draw attention to the fact that there are some 16,000 students working. Methods are being established to allow these students to continue with their studies in a way which is compatible with their paid work.

Projects:

1.e.1. Formalisation of cooperation agreements with councils where students who meet the requirements to do a work placement live, with the aim that they will do them in this area outside of teaching hours, primarily over the summer months. The target for 2012 is that 80% of students in the province of Seville will be able to carry out work placements in places under 30 kilometres from their place of residence.

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1.e.2. Excellence Club for University Student Work Placements. The aim of this project is that the students and graduates with the best academic records will actively participate, suggesting organisations in which they would be most interested in doing work placements in accordance with the knowledge acquired in their degree. 1.e.3. From the current academic year 2009/10 onwards, those students that need to combine their studies with paid employment will receive support and academic advice appropriate to their situation. Among other measures, a specific commission will analize their situation and propose a suitable pace at which to progress with their studies, providing timetables for clinical work placements, placements in laboratories, etc. f) Promotion of a culture of innovative and enterprise in the student body

Current situation:

The following measures have recently been carried out: • Creation of the Chair of Entrepreneurs and New Economics dedicated to encouraging a

culture of enterprise, innovation and the use of ICT. • Creation of the Bancaja Chair for Enterprising Youth to promote business spirit and acumen,

supporting enterprising initiatives and the production of new business products. • Establishment of the Business Initiatives Competition. The aim of this competition, which

celebrated its fourth anniversary in 2009, is to promote and identify commercial ideas based on the results of research carried out in the University.

Furthermore, as either electives or as part of multi-disciplinary Master qualifications, training activities related to the writing of business plans, market research and virtual business models are provided. Projects:

1.f.1. Option for a Business Creation Course, offered by the Lifelong Training Centre by members of the Strategic Collective. 1.f.2. Boost participation in cultural university activities. 1.f.3. Implementation of mechanisms to allow and encourage University of Seville students to take volunteer work, establishing specifically related grants. 1.f.4. The creation of courses for students to reach their maximum potential using IT equipment. 2. SCIENTIFIC IMPROVEMENTS a) Human Resources and Results Current Situation:

Research at the University of Seville is wide ranging and of high quality, integrating with its social environment and producing results in industry. There is room to further benefit from its research capacity and make improvements. We can strengthen already established links and develop relations between institutions involved in the Campus of Excellence project.

Human Resources dedicated specifically to research are the following: Stable Research and Teaching Staff with doctorate: 3,028

• Civil servants: 1,996 • Permanently Contracted Staff: 482 • Other Contracted Staff: 730

Other Research Staff: 1,883 • Contracted Post Docs: 67 • Research Staff in training (placement stage): 212 • Research Staff in training (contracted stage):106 • Staff in training involved with projects or contracts: 754 • Contracted Staff involved with projects or contracts: 744

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The University of Seville has participated in Science and Technology Systems initiatives to hire researchers of excellence. It has participated in the Ramon y Cajal and Juan de la Cierva programmes, as well as the Research Return and Recognising Research Worth programmes in the private sector, also associated with the excellence project.

We provide varied career options, with promotion opportunities for our researchers; researchers involved in programmes such as Ramon y Cajal may take up stable teaching posts once they have obtained the necessary accreditation. We have independently hired prestigious researchers who have been incorporated as university professors. Furthermore, the Visiting Teacher post is used to temporarily contract researchers with the capacity to help in research activities or postgraduate training.

Generally speaking research takes place within 387 research groups, thus distributed:

Scientific Area % Humanities 31,0 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics 15,5 Social Sciencees, Economics and Law 12,4 Health Science and Technology 11,6 Production Technology 9,3 Biology and Biotechnology 8,3 IT and Communications 5,2 Natural Resources and Environment 4,9 Agricultural Engineering and Food Industry 1,8

Research output is outlined in the following table:

Year Journal article Books Book Chapters Presentations

2001 2.973 643 1.622 2.588 2002 2.937 605 1.761 2.893 2003 3.082 655 1.736 3.054 2004 2.992 705 1.882 3.178 2005 3.134 674 1.644 3.053 2006 2.275 551 1.522 2.526 2007 2.532 481 1.390 2.335

Statistics from the ISI (Institute for Scientific Information), a key reference for research article citations, confirm that the number of citations from articles published by the University of Seville has risen from over 700 in 1998 to over 1,200 in 2007. The essential Science Indicators shows us that the University of Seville is in the top 1 percent of institutions for research in 11 of 22 fields.

Last year, research groups at the University of Seville obtained more than €64m of external funding.

Origin Projects/ Scholarships Contracts 68/83 Total

Andalusian Government 16,973,552,60 15,222,563,87 32,196,116,47

National 21,236,072,39 8,838,112,70 30,074,185,09 International 623,302,40 1,958,743,00 2,582,045,40

Total 38,832,927,39 26,019,419,57 64,852,346,96

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Projects:

2.a.1. The breadth and quality of research carried out is a resource which we must take advantage of and promote, thus we will implement global support policy with the following general aims:

• Support and strengthening for lines of research which are recognised for quality and have already established links: Biomedicine, Sciences and Engineering.

• By 2015 we hope to be in the top 1 percent of institutions in at least 15 research fields • The development of relationships to strengthen research in Humanities, Social Sciences,

Economics and Law. • The creation of new Mixed Research Institutes with the Spanish National Research Council,

especially the American Studies Institute with the International University of Andalusia and the Archivo de Indias.

• To continue with our policy to attract researchers of excellence. The objective for 2015 is that 5% of stable teaching staff will have entered through the aforementioned programmes.

• To establish a Research Incentives Programme this will partly reduce teaching duties in order to increase research activity. The objective for 2013 is for 30% of stable teaching staff to be able to have a 25% reduction in teaching duties.

2.a.2. We will consolidate the Fourth Research Plan (2008/11) which will be focused around three key areas:

Research Grants - Mobility Grants - Grants for visiting researchers - Grants for the organisation of seminars and meetings - Periods of Sabbatical leaves with substitute teaching staff - Technology Transfer Activity

Yearly HR Distribution - 22 assistant places - 30 postdoctoral placements - 25 introductory research placements - 10 research technicians

Popularization and communication of research - Prize for the best popularized research - Publication of the Popular Science Collection

2.a.3. Support for research careers, enabling promotion through merit and attainment criteria. This includes contract stabilisation projects such the Ramón y Cajal Programme. 2.a.4. A programme to reduce teaching duties of high ranking University of Seville professors will be established. This will be achieved by hiring substitute teachers. b) Facilities Current Situation:

The University of Seville enjoys top quality scientific and technology facilities which are evidence of its capacity as a postdoctoral and research centre. The university provides essential support to a total of 14 General Research Centres which in turn provide services to external bodies.

The following General Services are available at the University of Seville Centre for Research, Innovation and Technology (CITIUS): Biology, Mass spectrometry, X-Ray Lab, Microanalysis, Microscopes, Radioisotopes and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Furthermore there are provisional workspaces for Technology Based Businesses. The remaining General Services are:

• Production and animal testing centre • Agricultural Research Service • Photoelectron Spectrometry in the Material Science Institute. • Cryogenics Service • Plant Nursery • Greenhouse • Photo Collection of the Art Laboratory

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Furthermore, we are working with other institutions in various centres, all of which are lead by University of Seville researchers:

• National Accelerators Centre (CNA), which is a Technological Facility (ICTS) with the Spanish National Research Council and the Innovation, Science and Business Council.

• The “Isla de Cartuja” Scientific Research Centre in cooperation with the Spanish National Research Council and Innovation, Science and Business Council composed of three institutes: The Plant Biochemistry and Photosynthesis Institute, the Seville Materials Institute and the Chemical Research Institute.

• Seville Biomedical Institute in the Virgen del Rocío campus (IBIS), in cooperation with the Health Council, Innovation, Science and Business Council and the Spanish National Research Council.

• Andalusian Centre for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER), in cooperation with the Health Council, the Innovation, Science and Business Council, the Spanish National Research Council and Pablo de Olavide University. Located in the Cartuja Campus.

• Seville Microelectronics Institute, part of the National Centre of Microelectronics, which is a Spanish National Research Council centre in the process of becoming a joint centre. Located in the Cartuja Campus.

• Aquatic Ecology Station, a joint centre between the University of Seville and the Seville County Water Company.

• Andalusia Plan Research Institutes, located in the Higher Technical School of Engineering; the Renewable Energy Institute; the Lasers and Metrology Centre; and the Automation and Robots Institute.

OPIS

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Projects:

2.b.1. General improvements to communal research facilities as well as research centres where groups and individuals from this campus operate thus complete the distribution of General Services. 2.b.2 Strengthen relationships with aforementioned institutions through coordinated human resources and facilities policy aiming to increase research and postdoctoral training capacity. 2.b.3. Creation of Joint Research Centres in areas not currently provided for. An immediate priority will be the creation of a University Institute for American Studies in collaboration with the International University of Andalusia, the Spanish National Research Council, and the Archivo de Indias. More widely, the objective for 2015 is to have created 4 new centres for Humanities and Social Sciences. 2.b.4. Creation of a Higher Engineering Research Centre to attract research groups and Technology Based Businesses so that they may share targets and resources during the opening stages of the development of this business initiative. 2.b.5 In 2010, the completion of works on the Seville Biomedical Institute (IBIS), to which will be joined a new Production and Animal Testing Centre. 2.b.6 Construction of the “Antonio de Ulloa” Complex to be located in the Reina Mercedes Campus which will house:

• The CRAI (Learning and Research Resources Centre) Science Library • The University “Antonio de Castro Brzezicki” Mathematics Research Centre. • The General Research Services for Ecology and Natural Resources.

3. CAMPUS TRANSFORMATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRAL SOCIAL MODEL: The University should lead the development of the society, to which it belongs, and work as an effective and dynamic development agent. At the same time it must remain sensitive and open to social problems, aspirations and demands, and effectively work with all other social institutions and agents. In this regard, the principles on which project activities are based are:

• The University of Seville must remain rooted in the city with which it identifies. • It must be committed to it’s environment, contributing to its fair and balanced development. • It must maintain a cooperative institutional stance, loyal and critical at the same time,

collaborating with other institutions in the area. • The University of Seville should show concern for neighbourhoods and nearby towns, with a

broad understanding of its social commitment towards them, and consequently, making its activities and benefits available to them.

a) Improvements to buildings with a unique historical or cultural value Current Situation:

The historic buildings of the University of Seville are part of the heritage of the city. This implies significant effort and management of resources for their conservation as Assets of Cultural Interest (BIC):

• Tobacco Factory (S. XVIII), site housing the Rectorate and the Faculties of Geography and History, and Philology.

• Church of the Anunciación and Pantheon of Illustrious Sevillanos, annexed to the former Professed House of the Jesuit Order, which currently houses the Faculty of Fine Arts.

• The Castle of the Guzmanes, home of the Residence Hall Santa Maria del Buen Aire in Castilleja de Guzman,, whose gardens were designed by Forestier.

• The Pavilion of Uruguay, from the 1929 World Exhibition, site of the University of Seville Student Union Council, the Cultural Center and the University Community Assistance Service.

• Building annexed to the Madre de Dios Convent, housing the Labor Sciences Faculty until 2008.

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In recent years, the following buildings with cultural value have been restored:

• The home of the painter Gonzalo Bilbao, as the new headquarters of the Fine Arts Faculty • The Pavilion of Mexico, from the 1929 World Exhibition, current site of the Lifelong Learning

Center and the Office of Post Graduate Studies at the University of Seville. • The Brazilian Pavilion, of the Exhibition of 1929, current headquarters of the Vice Rectorate

Offices for Student Affairs, Research, Technology Transfer and Infrastructure. Projects: 3.a.1. The extensive remodeling of the Tobacco Factory into the Humanities Campus. Together with the Rectorate, it will host the CRAI-Humanities Library and the Faculties of Philology; Philosophy; and Geography and History. This project will include the construction of a preserved space with an interpretation centre as well as new offices for Trade Unions, Works Councils and Staff Committees, for both service and administration personnel (PAS) and teaching and research personnel (PDI). 3.a.2. Establishing a Cultural Center of the University of Seville in the historic old town. 3.a.3. Adapting areas of the Guzmanes Castle for cultural activities, summer courses and an Interpretive Museum Center, introducing the Forestier gardens to the visitors. 3.a.4. Establishing a Senior Residence for members of the university community and their close relatives. b) Major remodeling projects and construction of new educational buildings Current Situation:

Recent actions include the construction of a new building housing the Faculties of Law and Labor Sciences, inaugurated in 2008 in the Ramón y Cajal Campus.

New buildings for the School of Health Sciences have been established in the Perdigones Campus. The first building houses Physiotherapy and Podiatry Studies and the Offices for Occupational Hazard Prevention. The second, which is under construction and will be operative in 2011, will be the site of the Nursery School. These projects as well as those in planning stages have been designed in accordance with the new configuration of academic spaces as set out by the EHEA teaching paradigm. The Audiovisual Resources and New Technologies Secretariat relies upon audiovisual media for teaching and the creation of teaching content, and the use of a multimedia classroom to provide courses on the applications of new technology. The Computer and Communications Service has several videoconferencing rooms and provides a variety of platforms for online training and web hosting for teaching. Projects: 3.b.1. Psychology Faculty: Remodeling of the building starting in 2012. 3.b.2. A new building, operative in 2010 for the Education Science Faculty, including a sports center. 3.b.3. The Agricultural Engineering School: Construction of a new building in the “Dehesa de Valme” Technology Park in the city Dos Hermanas, included an Internships area. 3.b.4. A new building, operative in 2015, for the Medicine Faculty next to the University Hospital “Virgen del Rocío”. 3.b.5. A new building, operative in 2015 for the Pharmacy Faculty next to the University Hospital “Virgen del Rocío”. 3.b.6. The Fine Arts Faculty: Construction of a new building in Los Remedios.

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3.b.7. Polytechnic University School. A new complex will be built, through the Urban Planning Agreement with the City Council, in response to the academic needs which have arisen because of the new qualifications framework. c) Living facilities and meeting places. Current situation:

The University of Seville has several meeting spaces for the university community, many of which are open for the public.

The University Community Assistance Service (SACU) is responsible for:

• Dining halls: available at the Campuses of Reina Mercedes, Cartuja, Ramón y Cajal and University Hospital “Virgen Macarena”.

• University Halls of Residence: Colegio Mayor Hernando Colón, Colegio Mayor Santa Maria del Buen Aire, Residence Hall Ramon Carande Rector, Residence Hall "Rector Estanislao del Campo".

• The Nursery School: " El Nido de los Perdigones”. We have already mentioned the Pavilion of Uruguay houses the Student Union Council, the Assistance Services, the University Ombudsman, cultural activities, etc.. With regards to facilities for cultural activities, the University of Seville has cinemas in the Pavilion of Uruguay, the School of Architecture, Polytechnic University School, Computer Engineering School and Medicine Faculty. Furthermore, the School of Engineering and the Polytechnic University School are equipped with stages designed for theater production. The Anunciación Church and the assembly hall of the Engineering school are also used as concert halls. The entrance halls to the Uruguay and Mexico Pavilions and the arcaded courtyard of the Fine Arts Faculty are used for temporary exhibitions. Projects: 3.c.1. Construction of a new Hall of Residence Hall in Pino Montano for 2012. 3.c.2. Construction of two new nursery schools: one joining the “Estanislao del Campo” Residence and the other one joining the Education Sciences Faculty for 2012. 3.c.3. Construction of a playground in El Prado de San Sebastian near the new Main Library providing free Wi-Fi. 3.c.4. Future plans call for a series of remodeling works in the Pavilion of Uruguay to improve it`s facilities, expanding the space available for the Student Union Council. 3.c.5. The major remodeling project for the Tobacco Factory will include new sites for Trade Unions, Works Councils and Staff Committees, for both service and administration personnel (PAS) and teaching and research personnel (PDI). 4. IMPROVEMENTS AIMED TOWARDS THE IMPLEMENTATION AND ADAPTION TO THE EUROPEAN HIGHER EDUCATION AREA The adaptation to the European qualification framework must guarantee the highest possible quality for university studies, maintaining and keeping the essential balance between main areas of study. The education reform should serve to consolidate a model of a self governed public university devoted to the comprehensive development of the society which supports it. Thus it will construct an academic portfolio that:

• is broad, as befits a university that nurtures a wide range of knowledge in all academic fields; • is consistent with the potential of our centers, optimizing its resources; • responds to social demands of university teaching and learning in an effective way that will

not condition the qualifications portfolio solely to market interests;

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• nurtures lower demand disciplines without sacrificing the historic diversity that characterizes our study programmes ;

• will enhance the components, which overlap between studies and qualifications, encouraging mobility and academic success for students as well as the possibility of double and triple degrees, including European degrees.

a) Adapting teaching spaces to the new teaching methodology Current Situation:

In recent years, the following measures have been implemented taken place, some of which have already been detailed in previous sections,:

• all university facilities are provided with Wi-Fi (EDUROAM net). • Implementation of the e-learning platform Open Course Ware. • Over 50 computer labs have been set up. • Large classrooms have been divided up, enabling teaching in smaller groups. • Power points for benches and tables enabling the use of laptops. • group work rooms in libraries. • Multimedia sets in the Communication Sciences Faculty.

Projects: 4.a.1. All the aforementioned measures will be used in future construction works concerning classrooms for traditional classes. 4.a.2. E-administration:

• On line registration in all study programs. • New corporate intranet based on a virtual desktop. • Implementation for electronic processing for various different administrative procedures. • Promote the use of an online register. • IT supports in order to implement quality models. • General introduction of a Management information system.

4.a.3. Communications:

• By 2010, increase backbone network speed to 10 Gb / s (increasing the current speed tenfold) • Each user will have access to a 1 GB access point (between 10 to 100 times the current one). • Implementation of IP telephony.

b) Libraries and Learning and Research Resource Centres

Current situation:

The University Library forms part of a system of central services and local libraries, distributed in accordance with the history of the University and its growth throughout the city. The relevant figures are to be found below:

• Student capacity: 5,794 university places • Number of published output: 1,558,523 printed outputs and 356,484 electronic

outputs. • Library stock in metres: 18.873 metres of open stacks and more than 32.705

metres of closed stacks. Over the last few years, new developments and adaptations to departmental libraries have been undertaken, and in particular we would like to highlight the opening of the Law and Work Sciences Library. Other recent milestones are the first phase of the digitalisation of the Library's Rare Books Collection, which is accessible to the public via the website, and the development of the Library Service Charter.

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Projects:

4.b.1. Construction of spaces, installations and equipment: • Construction of the Central Library building and the Learning and Research Resource Centre

(CRAI). • Construction of the Architecture CRAI • Launch of the Humanities Library in the Tobacco Factory building. • Project for the science campus CRAI, to be installed in the "Antonio de Ulloa" Complex. • Increase the number of places in 24 hours reading rooms.

4.b.2. New technological resources:

• Continue Innopac system update, incorporating service improvements in order to provide higher quality and more advanced library services.

• Supply the libraries with a sufficient amount of modern, high quality ICT equipment. • Facilitate access to the various electronic resources through the implementation of new

instruments and developments: meta search engines, link resolvers and integrated online applications.

• Second phase of the digitalisation process of the Library's Rare Books Collection. c) Coordination policies with Secondary and Vocational Institutions located within the campuses' areas of influence on overall project strategy. Current situation and projects:

The collaborative work with the Institutes of Secondary Education and Vocational Training is managed through the Portico Programme. The purpose of this programme is to provide pre-university students with accurate information in order to help them to make consistent decisions about their academic future. With the introduction of the EHEA, this programme has become even more important; as such, various measures are being undertaken which will only be strengthened over the years to come:

• Discussions, which provide students with information and guidance on features of university qualifications, curriculums and professional opportunities.

• Orientation talks to inform interested students about various academic, administrative and institutional aspects related to University access: Entrance Exams, the pre-registration process, etc.

• Student Fair, whose objective is twofold: firstly students will have direct contact with the University of Seville and, secondly, they will be able to obtain up-to-date information on all aspects of university life. It is held in conjunction with Ferisport, and organized by the University of Seville's Sports Activities Service (SADUS), and is thus becoming an excellent opportunity to show the potential of our University.

• Orientation Seminar for University Access with participation open to all sectors related to access to higher education.

d) Level of internationalization of academic portfolio Current situation:

Our University is committed to the strengthening of Europe through enhancing the European dimension of its research studies and reinforcing the mobility of both students and teachers within European exchange programmes. The University of Seville has made a firm commitment to the Erasmus Programme, complementing the existing provision of scholarships with its own grants, especially for low-income students. Through this project, we are also seeking to enhance and reinforce our ties with Latin America, making our presence felt and our academic and cultural influence visible in Latin American countries. Regarding the data required by this official announcement, let us note that the number of students enrolled from other education systems is 1,584, and the number of foreign students in nationally accredited degrees (excluding, in both cases, Erasmus students) is 1,578, distributed as follows:

- First and second cycle degrees: 1,092.

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- Nationally accredited Master qualifications: 154. - PhD Programmes: 332.

The number of Erasmus students over the 2009/10 academic year is: 1,688 foreign students and 1,526 University of Seville students in European universities. The number of students receiving grants from other mobility programmes is 406; through these programmes we are hosting 574 foreign students. The University's Self Funded Development Cooperation Plan includes annual public calls for foreigners who wish to pursue postgraduate studies. In addition, it has signed agreements to provide both foreign and domestic undergraduate students (American Universities International Programmes, Carolina Foundation ...) with scholarships, and we participate both in the Erasmus Mundus Programme, through which we offer three Masters level courses, and in the External Cooperation Window Eubranex. An essential service for international students is the opportunity to continue learning the Spanish language in order to reach a high level of fluency. The academic portfolio of the Language Institute includes teaching of "Spanish for foreigners", which is taught on a termly basis, and in which 1,885 students were enrolled during the academic year 2008/09. Other significant moves undertaken by the University of Seville during the past four years include the signing of joint honours degree agreements. Currently these agreements have been signed with ten other universities (Italy, 3; Germany, 2; France, 2; United Kingdom, 1; The Netherlands, 1; USA, 1), affecting a total of 20 first cycle degrees and 3 Masters.

Projects:

4.d.1. Extending the international dimension of our studies through the provision of joint honours degrees with prestigious foreign universities and the strengthening of mobility flows. 4.d.2. Developing an effective languages policy aimed at boosting fluency in foreign languages, and which will follow the recommendations of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and will consider measures such as:

• Bringing the Language Institute teachings to all campuses. • Accreditation of qualifications from the Languages Institute in the Andalusian Agency for

Quality in order to meet the targets set in the contract-funding programme. • Boosting the provision of teaching in other languages, and especially in English, as a training

tool, and in order both to prepare for joining the jobs market and to attract foreign students. 4.d.3. Ensure the academic recognition of training received abroad in official international programmes and facilitate the administrative management of such recognition. 4.d.4. The increased provision of the Erasmus scholarships from the Government, while it is substantial, is still not sufficient for some low-income students to afford to do a placement abroad. Consequently, the University of Seville is complementing the state and European Union grants with an additional grant for students from low income families. Our project is to continue to maintain the growth of this policy so that, within four years, the number of students in European mobility programmes will reach 4.000. 4.d.5. To launch a four-year project in order to increase the number of European students who choose our University as an Erasmus destination by 50%. The plan of action for this project is as follows:

• Logistical and cultural aspects: -‐ Reception and orientation programme at the University and in the city of

Seville, organized together with the City Council and with the assistance of the consulates.

-‐ Buddy system run by the University students. -‐ Development of a virtual registration system

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-‐ Support services to promote the integration of foreign students: accommodation services to help students find housing, the expansion of university canteens, etc.

-‐ Training programme for administrative and services staff in the Office of International Relations, with attention to the foreign student body in mind.

• Academic aspects -‐ Support from the Language Institute for foreign students through the

provision of free Spanish classes for non-native students. -‐ Development of curricula in English, especially in postgraduate studies.

4.d.6. Increase the number of scholarships offered to students from developing countries who wish to pursue postgraduate studies. 5. KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TO ENTERPRISES AS A RESULT OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH AND STRATEGIC ASSOCIATION OF AGENTS

a) Portfolio based around scientific and technological capacity and research results Current Situation:

In 2004, the University of Seville became a pioneer by establishing a Vice-Rectorate of technology Transfer. The following describes the entities and institutions founded for the management and development of technological transfer as established in articles 68 and 83 of LOU (Organic Law of the University), the creation of Technology Based Businesses (TBB) and the commercial use of patents.

• FIUS, University of Seville Research Foundation. Founded in 2006, this institution deals with the management of projects and contracts established by professors, departments and centres with companies and other institutions.

• OTRI, Research Results Transfer Office, whose main objective is to encourage

relationships between the university community, businesses and other social economic parties in order to take advantage of research results.

• AICIA, Andalusian Industrial Investigation and Cooperation Assosiation. This is a non-profit organisation, created in 1982 and linked to the ETS (Higher Technical School of Engineering). It is recognised by the Ministry of Science and Innovation as a Research and Technology Centre (CIT). The association is particularly notable for its participation in National centre for technological Innovation (CENIT) projects, international projects and within various projects involving businesses and institutions.

• FIDETIA, Andalusian Foundation of Information Technology Research and Development, which was founded in March 2000 as a base for teaching and research. FIDETIA is a certified Knowledge Agent and is associated with the Technological Network of Andalusia (RETA).

• Institute of Regional Development (IDR) This is a university foundation that specializes in research and training experts in regional knowledge areas. It receives economic support from both public and private institutions and focuses its activities on:

-‐ Theoretical and applied research (studies, reports, projects, consultancy, etc). -‐ Evaluation and public policy planning -‐ Expert Training -‐ Organising courses, seminars and conferences -‐ The production of scientific literature and key information -‐ Participation in institutional networks

• Business Chairs. These chairs aim to promote interdisciplinary teaching and research activities to study the reality and perspectives of the around which their creation was based. This is done through the development of a training and research program supporting the improvement of training for students in cooperation with their business sponsors.

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The University of Seville particularly stands out for its number of registered patents; this is shown in the 2008 REDOTRI (Network for Research Results Transfer) where it came first on a national scale for patent licensing revenue and in third place for the total number of patent requests between 2000-07.

Year National International Extensions

2003 26 9 2004 28 7 2005 25 16 2006 17 18 2007 17 13 Total 112 63

Another major task carried out by the University of Seville within the area of technology transfer has been to promote the establishment of TBB (Technology Based Businesses) by members of research groups to facilitate the use and commercialisation of their research results. The 2008 REDOTRI report places the national average for Technology Based Business creation at 2,4 TBB per university per year, a figure which was surpassed by the University of Seville in 2007 with its seven sponsored business initiatives. The Technology Based Businesses created by the University of Seville over the last 5 years have generated more than 200 jobs and a revenue of more than 30 million euros. Finally, to give an idea of the quality of these Businesses , some of those created in the 90’s have strengthened their position and are leaders in market sector, as is the case for INERCO or ISOTROL with over 200 strong workforces and revenues that exceed 40 million euros. We rely on following rooms and equipment for TBB enterprise incubators or concept tests where research groups can initiate new projects at business' request:

• Higher School for IT Engineering Enterprise Incubator. • The CITIUS Enterprise incubator (Centre for Research, Innovation and Technology). • Agreements with enterprise incubators such as Cartuja 93, CREA, EROCEI and CADE.

Projects:

5.a.1. Official Transfer plan 2010/12 sponsored by the University of Seville and key associated agents 5.a.2. Actions to facilitate the access of information within the investment and manufacturing sector:

• A web 2.0 based tool on the OTRI web page that facilitates the interaction between research groups and companies.

• To promote sector meetings as transfer mechanisms, awarding financial aid to the researchers that attend these international meetings and attend venture capital funding meetings for patent licensing.

5.a.3. To establish cooperation agreements for the promotion of TBB; it is possible that Research Results Transfer Offices of certain institutes might include potential projects of businesses founded in the group of key agents in their R&D portfolio. 5.a.4. To promote the creation of business chairs, increasing the present number by 50% by 2013. 5.a.5. Construction of new facilities:

• A Centre for Research, Innovation and Technology on the Cartuja Campus, aiming to improve facilities for the promotion of knowledge and technology transfer. The center is an innovation in terms of understanding the technology transfer process and will serve as a meeting point for research groups and companies. Here researchers themselves as well as the associated parties will be able to share resources, in order to create multi-skilled groups to carry out R&D projects.

• The University of Seville Research Foundation • The Alamillo Building in Isla de la Cartuja including an enterprise incubator and laboratories.

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5.a.6. Senior Transfer Program, in which a researcher with supervisory experience will oversee the process of transferring junior researchers’ results. 5.a.7. Our objective is to have increased our 68/83 contract returns by 50% by 2015. b) Associated agents Current Situation and Projects:

The current Campus of International Excellence Project relies on the direct participation of associated parties, research centres, science and technology parks, companies and public agencies. Cooperation agreements, which will be developed on the basis of existing policies, shall contain multi-dimentional politics and mutual recognition in terms of budget and staff and will be translated into strategic plans for research centres in which all institutions participate cooperatively to establish common goals related to scientific excellence. Given the importance of this issue and following Ministry recommendations, the specific objectives of association are described in detail in a separate document which is summarized below. 5.b.1. The research centres with which the University of Seville participates along with other institutions are described in paragraph 2b of this application: the National Accelerators Centre (NAC), which is an ICTS, the Scientific Research Centre Isla de la Cartuja, The Biomedicine Institute of Seville (IBIS), the Andalusian Center for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER), Institute of Microelectronics of Seville of the mircro-electronic centre, the Aquatic Ecology Station, the Institute of renewable Energies, the centre of Metrology and lasers and the Automation and Robotics Institute. We would like to make special mention of our relationship with the Technological Corporation of Andalusia which began in October 2005. This was led by the Department of Innovation, Science and Commerce and a group of companies committed to innovation in order to encourage knowledge transfer between universities and the work place, with the conviction that this is crucial to ensure competitiveness. The University of Seville is now the institution with the largest number of groups contributing to this innovative transfer mechanism which has resulted in effective knowledge transfer from the scientific to the business world. This it thanks to strong commitment by the universities which have used the Corporation as a vehicle for promoting the valuable work of its research groups

Centre for Research, Innovation and Technology on the Cartuja Campus

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Furthermore, this Strategic Plan incorporates the Andalusian International University (UNIA) as an additional agent to the project of excellence which will strengthen three of its objectives: globalization, development cooperation, especially in American and North African areas, and the empowerment of the studies of Humanities and Social Sciences. The UNIA provides research departments that specialize in Latin American and contributes to the creation of an international education space, allowing the transfer of teaching activities between regions to benefit those poorest and to redistribute information, knowledge and technology. The experience it has accumulated over the years has turned the UNIA into a unique, powerful and vibrant meeting point between Andalusia and the Latin American Community. This approach is fully complementary to the University of Seville’s teaching proposal and thus both institutions will benefit from the jointly coordinated action proposed in this association. To promote the collaborative activity of associated parties, we propose the creation of a joint University American Research Institute. Through the combined efforts of the UNIA’s Andalusian Center of Iberoamerican studies, the CSI’s School of Hispanic Studies, the Archivo de Indias and the University of Seville, it will be come a first class institute and benchmark. 5.b.2. Science and Technology Parks taking part in this Project are:

• CARTUJA 93, has managed the Seville Science and Technology Park since 1993. Located in ‘Isla de la Cartuja’, it houses businesses, Public R&D Services, research centres, technology centres, universities, business schools and training centres. This has establishe it as a key tool in the Andalusian Innovation System. Cartuja 93 provides Transfer support services, of which the most notable is its Technology Based Business "technoincubator".

• DEHESA DE VALME RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PARK (DOS HERMANAS

TECHNOLOGY PARK), is a corporation, founded in 2007, which manages the land ownership, infrastructures, buildings, facilities, projects and programs of the Technology Park located in Dos Hermanas. On a physical level, the company is a management tool for urban development; on a social level, it is a means for human development. Intellectual growth is promoted through equal access to education and new communications technologies, and sustainability is served by the development of environmentally friendly infrastructures.

Technological Park

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AEROPOLIS, Aerospace Technology Park of Andalusia, involved with the aerospace industry with the aim of boosting this sector by uniting it with its supporting industry partners. The resulting united industry space would be equipped with the latest technologies and the ability to provide advanced services. Aeropolis plays an important role in supporting Andalusian SMEs in the aeronautical sector, including many university technology based businesses (TBB), providing financial and technological support to improve their competitiveness, and dealling with large scale projects, especially those relating to the A400M military transport aircraft and the manufacture of components for the Airbus 380.

5.b.3. The University of Seville has a long tradition of university-industry relations based on the conviction that this is an essential instrument for the transfer of research results to the productive sector. The University maintains stable collaborative links with a significant number of domestic and foreign companies, thus in this section we will focus on the companies that, due to their special relevance and proximity to campus, belong to the strategic association of agents.

• ABENGOA: with whom the University collaborates in scientific activity, research and technological developments, the expert exchange, staff training and in the use and marketing of technology developed within the University to third parties; in 2007 the number of joint research projects signed was 31, and this figure has increased to 56 in 2008.

• EADS: with whom the University has a well-established relationship which was originally

established with the former Aeronautical Constructions SA. At the end of 2008, a cooperation framework agreement between EADS, the Universities of Seville, Carlos III and Madrid Polytechnic University was signed in Madrid.

• ENDESA: over the course of recent years, the longstanding ties with the company Sevillana

de Electricidad have been strengthened. Together we participate in projects financed by the European Union, PROFIT, PETRI, CENIT; as well as in the establishment of awards and scholarships. Furthermore, closer ties are being forged through the creation, in 2007, of the University of Seville Laboratory - ENDESA (LUSEND) and ENDESA RED Chair.

• VODAFONE, with whom an agreement was signed in 2006 for the implementation of the

Minerva project, "Mobility Services Platform - Cartuja 93", which consists of the creation of a platform for experimentation and development of new mobile communications. This allows companies and institutions to conduct R+D+i (Research, Development and Information Technology) projects in order to create cutting edge products and services, using Cartuja 93 as a testing ground

• University of Seville TBBs (Technology Based Businesses). Another of the key tasks has

been to promote the establishment of TBBs by members of research groups, for the commercial application of their results. The TBBs created by the University of Seville in the last five years have generated in excess of 200 jobs and a total turnover of more than € 30M. They will also all benefit from the butterfly effect of the proposed grouping, in which the business incubators within both the technology parks, those of Sevilla Global (Seville City Council) and those that depend on the Andalusian government’s Ministry of Scientific and Commercial Innovation (EUROCEI, CADE, etc) will participate.

c) Initiatives for the training of innovation managers Current situation:

Currently teaching is being provided for the training of I+D+i (Research, Development and Information Technology) experts in the fields of innovation, transfer and valuation, as a stimulus for entrepreneurial and commercial spirit in the following areas:

• Masters qualifications in the management of European projects. • RED OTRI (Network of Offices for the Transfer of Research Results) Courses • Andalusian RED OTRI Work groups

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Projects: 5.c.1. I+D+i (R&D) Project management course, organized in conjunction with the project agents. 5.c.2. Entrepreneurship seminars with the participation of the Chair of IAT (Andalusian Institute of Technology), Chair of Entrepreneurs and Bancaja Chair as well as other strategically associated parties. 5.c.3. Creation of an innovative management training programme in which OTRI trainers instruct young graduates in management tasks. This programme, alongside the technology parks and the businesses which are part of the strategic association, will offer work placements to technicians trained in the R&D departments of the companies. 6. INTERACTION BETWEEN THE CAMPUS AND ITS ENVIRONMENT As mentioned at the beginning of this document, the University of Seville has a far reaching presence in the city as a whole and its socioeconomic influence stems, at large, from its spatial configuration. The envisaged projects aim to strengthen the network of influential centres. To cite some data, the Socioeconomic Survey of the city of Seville (2005) dedicates the entirety of Chapter IV to the university’s collective economic impact on the city. In accordance with this source, the following data is offered:

• Annual expenditure generated by the university collective: €208,6m • Extraordinary expenses made by the university collective: €106,7m • Goods and Services to satisfy the needs of the university collective: €535,8m • Indirect Employment (university personnel not included):10.989

Relatedly, it is worth noting that the contracted research represents 40% of the total research revenue which shows the confidence of the field's productive network in our researchers' abilities. a) Optimisation of shared equipment by the University and the City Current Situation:

In 2005, the university signed an Urban Agreement with the Seville City Council regulating the provision of land given by the city for the construction of university facilities; the short term proposals that have been described in previous sections are the result of this agreement. Apart from this, the University of Seville has a Comprehensive Bicycle Plan for which specific infrastructures have been designed and agreements with relevant organisations have been made to facilitate the use of bicycles within the university community:

• CCTV Monitored Parking • Bicycle Loans • Cycling Sports Club • Health Guides • Promotion Campaigns • Agreement with the Seville City Council for use of the public bicycles system Sevici.

Projects:

6.a.1. Development of a strategic Project on Accessibility, Sustainability, and Climate and the establishment of an office responsible for these matters. 6.a.2. The integration of the University of Seville into the International Network of Universities for Sustainable Development. a) A Cultural Driving Force The Statute of the University of Seville states that the primary objective of the institution is the creation, development, transmission, dissemination and evaluation of science, technology, art and culture; promoting a holistic view of knowledge.

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Cultural activity, in addition to orientating itself towards the university community, has an added value through acting as an effective vehicle in connecting the University’s potential with the cultural demands of society. Current situation and Projects:

6.b.1. Over the past year, the Cultural Centre (CICUS), has organised a total of 26 classical concerts with top class groups such as the Symphony Orchestra of Seville and the Baroque Orchestra of Seville as well as various dance performances and workshops of classical and contemporary dance, flamenco, early music, electronic music, rock and jazz. Also deserving of mention are the 24 university theatre groups, semi-professional and professional; the several fine arts and photography exhibitions; and the projection of one hundred and five short and feature length films. The university has issued six calls for fine arts, literature and film awards which come to a total of 67,000 Euros. Finally, several calls for Cultural Workshop Grants have been made. The project involves a substantial extension of this offer, making it available to all citizens. 6.b.2. Deserving special mention are the three successive Human Factor Conferences ("Voces de nuestro tiempo", "¿Qué cabe esperar?" and "Realidades") which have had frontline speakers such as: Victoria Camps, César Antonio Molina, José Antonio Marina, Fernando Savater, Luis Eduardo Aute, Ana María Matute, Emilio Lledó, Arturo Pérez Reverte, Antonio Fraguas Forges, José Saramago, Antonio Gamoneda. Sami Naïr, Paco Ibáñez, Federico Mayor Zaragoza, Juan José Tamayo o Amelia Valcárcel.This initiative has proved to be an impressive success and we intend to further strengthen it over the coming years. 6.b.3. Through the University of the Third Age, the University of Seville offers the opportunity to join the university to those who were unable to access it previously, due to age and/or circumstances, and to those who long ago passed through its halls and wish to return and enjoy the experience again. During its first year of operation, 1997, the University of the Third Age enrolled 179 students; Over the past two academic years, enrolment has increased from 1604 to 2025 students respectively divided into 5 training levels: Specialised, Standard, Individualised, Further Education and Provincial. We plan on furthering this type of education, increasing the number of students and developing the different types of training. Moreover, our university, with over 500 years of history, boasts an important architectural, artistic and bibliographical heritage which it is compelled to conserve, to study and to make known:

• The archaeological and numismatic collection which, along with the Egyptian collection, are the only testimonies to the antiquated arts.

• The historical archived documents and old collections of the University Library. • The 16th century heritage of the Iglesia de la Anunciación. • A beautiful selection of works dating from 17th century Baroque art, including paintings and

sculptures, featuring important composers such as Martínez Montañés, Juan de Mesa, Pacheco, Juan de Roelas, Pablo de Céspedes and Herrera el Viejo.

• The collection of academic drawings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, from the Real Escuela de las Tres Nobles Artes (Royal School of the Three Noble Arts).

• The collection of plaster reproductions of sculptures, mostly classical in nature, made using the casting technique.

• The collection of portraits dating from the 19th and 20th centuries of Rectors, Bishops, Doctor and prominent figures.

• A fund of contemporary work maintained by donations from winning artists of the National Contest of Visual Arts, organised by the university since 1994, and through the acquisition of other works of outstanding artistic value.

• The Historical Plant Collection and the Mineral Collection from the department "Don Antonio Machado" and the Collection of Animals and Dioramas from the Department of Ecology to be showcased at the “Antonio de Ulloa” Complex.

• The unique Historical Photo Collection, dating from the early 20th century, the Historical Archive and the Old Books Collection are to be installed in the new building hosting the CRAI and the Central Library at Prado de San Sebastián.

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c) Activities related to social responsibility of the University. Current Situation:

Using the University Community Assistance Service (SACU), the University of Seville develops initiatives and strategies to offer solutions to social needs through volunteer-related activities:

• Promotion of the university collective’s solidarity. • I.T. Training for volunteers. • Mediation between volunteers and NGOs to support the initiatives by providing human,

technical and material resources. SACU, on the other hand, manages the Care for People with special Needs Program in order to respond efficiently to the needs of students with disabilities on an individual basis. Furthermore, the promotion of sports is achieved through the University of Seville Sports Office (SADUS) which is in charge of:

• “Los Bermejales” Sports Complex • Reina Mercedes Sports Centre • Gymnasiums: Pabellón del Uruguay, Hospital “Virgen Macarena” Campus.

Projects:

6.c.1. Special Needs:

• Establishment of policies that promote the integration of persons with disabilities into university studies.

• Elimination of architectural barriers • Improvement of internet access standards. • Development of support measures for students with special needs such as the allocation of

student aid, sign language interpreters, customised technical support etc. • Improving sporting activities for disabled persons within the University sports facilities through

the use of specially designed programmes and the employment of specialised instructors.. • Promote research, training and innovation with regard to problems associated with disability

and accessibility and non-discrimination. • Support of aid programs for students with special needs as a result of unforeseen

circumstances.

6.c.2. Promoting Sporting Activity:

• To improve and increase the range of sport and health related, in particular outdoor activities. • To finalise and develop new university sports arenas: completion of the ‘Los Bermejales’

Sports Complex and the Ramón y Cajal Sports Pavilion. • To strengthen the presence of university sports programming throughout Seville , promoting

popular participation in particular activities. • To promote bicycle use and participation in the Cycling Sports Club. • To promote sports activities for the children of members of the university community,

especially during holiday periods. • To promote the organisation of high-profile sports events and the participation of teams from

the University of Seville in university championships. To ensure the academic recognition of sports activities practiced by students.

d) Equal Opportunities policies Current situation:

In 2008 the Equal Opportunities Unit was established at the University of Seville. Since then it has conducted a survey of the situation within its influence. As a result of this survey, an Equality Plan was drawn up which will be carried out over the next four years.

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Projects:

6.d.1. Modification of the General Regulations for Electoral System in 2010 to promote balanced gender participation in collegiate governing bodies and representative bodies. 6.d.2. Development of a four year Self-funded Equal Opportunities Plan starting in October 2009. It considers the following strategic objectives:

• To respect the principle of equal opportunities in all governmental actions. • To ensure that the University will be an exemplary institution in terms of equality work, as well

as in the behaviour of the student body. • To achieve internal and external communication according to the University’s principles of

equality. • To achieve the balanced participation of the genders in all fields, categories and levels of the

University. • To take advantage of the institution's human potential, ensuring equal opportunity in selection,

access, promotion, professional development and working conditions. • To prevent and detect situations of harassment and discrimination, providing the tools and

solutions required to resolve the cases presented. 6.d.3. Reconciliation of work and family life

• The launch of two University kindergartens. One on the Ramon and Cajal campus and the other in the University Hall of Residence "Rector Estanislao del Campo" which is located on the south campus.

• Supporting the development of the Búho Schools Project for the children of University members during the Christmas and Summer holidays.

• Summer camps for the children of University members. • Starting a Respiro Familiar Programme (support for families with dependants).

e) Activities related to International Development Cooperation: Current situation:

The University of Seville has recently created the Office for Development Cooperation, responsible for:

• The university as a tool for training and for collaboration with both the progress and cultural, social and economic development of communities.

• A unified University, which spreads awareness and commitment to solidarity both within the university community and in society as a whole.

• A university which makes its potential available to citizens of other countries. This also means carrying out an international relations policy which serves as a vehicle to attract students.

International Development Cooperation

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Projects:

In line with these objectives, specific measures will be:

• To attract the necessary funding to implement the joint commitment under the Statute regarding the application, equivalent to 0.7% of the Budget Expenditure, to finance development cooperation activities.

• Development of cooperation programmes, mainly in the area of education, research, technology transfer and culture through the Self-funded Development Cooperation Plan.

• Actions to support institutional and academic strengthening of the university systems in developing countries.

• Increased resources for the scholarship system for postgraduate students from developing countries.

• Cooperation in research areas related to the processes of development and poverty eradication.

• To promote the participation and recognition of university community members in development cooperation programmes.

• Support for the university community aid workers in training, logistical, health and safety aspects, etc.

• Boosting the University Volunteer Office.

THE UNIVERSITY OF SEVILLE

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