ATRAE aims to integrate internationally experienced researchers into the Spain research and innovation system, offering substantial funding and a clear pathway to stable, long-term positions.
ATRAE is an initiative of the Government of Spain, managed by the Research State Agency of Spain (AEI), and included among the measures of the Plan for the Attraction and Retention of Scientific and Innovative Talent to Spain.
The objective of ATRAE is to facilitate the recruitment of established research talent of internationally recognised prestige who have recently carried out a significant part of their professional career abroad. The programme seeks to strengthen the Spanish Science, Technology and Innovation System, enhancing its competitiveness at both national and international levels. It also supports the establishment or consolidation of research lines, as well as the adaptation and upgrading of facilities, laboratories, and research equipment necessary for project implementation.
The AEI offers the ATRAE programme to experienced researchers wishing to develop their careers in Spain. The programme provides funding for a research project and the recruitment of the principal investigator for a period of three or four years. Prior to the end of the grant period, beneficiaries are expected to obtain a permanent position in Spain. Within ATRAE, researchers may join Spanish universities, research centres, healthcare institutions, or other public R&D organisations.
Researchers of any nationality are eligible to apply, provided they do so through eligible host institutions, including public research organisations, public universities and their affiliated institutes, private universities, public healthcare entities and institutions, accredited public health research institutes, and other Spanish public R&D centres.
The Research State Agency of Spain is a public body attached to the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, responsible for funding research and innovation projects and grants across all fields of knowledge in Spain.
News
The State Research Agency (AEI) has published the resolution of the 2025 call for the ATRAE Programme (ATR2025), aimed at encouraging the incorporation of established talent into the Spanish...
You can now watch the informational webinar for the ATRAE 2026 (ATR2026) programme. The ATRAE programme aims to attract to Spain established international talent of recognised prestige who have...
The Research State Agency of Spain has launched the ATRAE 2026 call, aimed at encouraging the incorporation of established research talent with internationally...
Information on administrative procedures that affect researchers and their families when moving to a foreign country, https://www.euraxess.es/
Results and reports ATRAE