El Pa\u00eds<\/strong> that the regional government will assume full management of university scholarships over the coming year\u2014a responsibility that until now has been shared with the central government. The measure aims to simplify the system, make it more equitable, and better adapt it to the socioeconomic reality of Catalan students by eliminating administrative duplications and speeding up the granting process.<\/p>\nIn conversation with journalist Ivanna Vallesp\u00edn<\/strong>, the Minister explained that the new model will include so-called \u201csalary scholarships\u201d, a type of financial aid designed to allow university students with fewer resources to study without having to work to support themselves. While she rules out the complete elimination of tuition fees, Montserrat affirmed that the Catalan Government intends to move toward lower tuition rates and a more progressive payment structure. She further detailed that the new scholarship system will include more flexible criteria, combining academic performance with personal circumstances, with special attention to students from low-income families or those with family responsibilities. \u201cWe want a system that doesn\u2019t penalize those facing difficulties, but rather supports them so they can complete their education,\u201d she emphasized.<\/p>\nThe academic also explained that the Department of Universities<\/strong> is working on a new map of degree programs to align the academic offering with labor market demands and technological transformations. In this regard, she announced a 50% increase in medical school placements by 2032, as well as a strong commitment to STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and studies related to sustainability and public health. Montserrat underscored Catalonia\u2019s role as an international scientific hub, highlighting the creation of programs to attract and retain research talent, along with incentives to strengthen collaboration between universities, research centers, and companies.<\/p>\n![\"Nuria](\"https:\/\/raed.academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Nuria-Montserrat.jpg\")
Dr. Nuria Montserrat<\/p><\/div>\n
For the academic, the major challenge lies in ensuring that universities become true engines of equal opportunity and innovation, capable of responding to the social and economic challenges of the coming decade. Her action plan combines a comprehensive reform of the scholarship system, a reorganization of academic programs, and a firm commitment to applied research, with the goal of consolidating Catalonia as a leading center for higher education and science in Southern Europe.<\/p>\n
Montserrat was one of 14 leading figures from the fields of research, higher education, and innovation selected to join the Council for Research and Innovation of Catalonia<\/strong>, an advisory body to the regional government on major strategic decisions regarding science and innovation. She is also a member of Grup Horitz\u00f3<\/strong>, a platform created by the Catalan Government and composed of about twenty prominent figures from research, innovation, and business, established to discuss and propose recommendations for R&D&I policy design. In 2020, she received the National Research Award for Talent<\/strong>, granted by the Government of Catalonia. Alongside her research work, Montserrat is also a prominent science communicator and served as curator of the City and Science Biennial<\/strong> held in Barcelona, focused on young female researchers under the title \u201c100t\u00edfiques\u201d<\/strong>. The initiative seeks to highlight the crucial role of women in science and technology\u2014both in public and private research\u2014and to inspire girls (and boys) to pursue studies in scientific and technological fields.<\/p>\n
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