The following actions will be eligible for funding: those that facilitate the stable incorporation of established research talent into the Spanish System of Science, Technology and Innovation.

An established researcher of recognized international prestige is understood to be a person who meets criteria such as being among the top 10% of researchers in their field of specialization worldwide, being the principal investigator of an active project funded by the European Research Council (ERC), holding the highest level of the academic/research career in their country of origin, or having led as principal investigator a significant number of research projects in competitive calls, whether national or international, and having made highly relevant and impactful contributions in their field of specialization throughout their career.

The funded activities included in these actions, which are mandatory, are:

a) The execution of an individual R&D&I project led by the principal investigator of the action.
b) The hiring of the principal investigator of the action.

Additionally, the following activity may also be funded, although it is not mandatory for the implementation of the actions:

c) The adaptation of spaces, laboratory refurbishment, and similar measures necessary for the initiation or consolidation of the research line of the principal investigator.

The funded actions may receive up to €1,000,000.00, including both direct and indirect costs.

Indirect costs will be calculated as a fixed rate of 25% of the direct costs related to the execution of the project and the establishment and/or improvement of facilities.

This amount may be increased up to €1,200,000.00 in the case that the principal investigators proposed by the beneficiary institutions have been affiliated with research organizations located in the United States of America for at least 5 years within the period between January 1, 2019 and the start date of the application submission period.