Enrique Herrero's Plan to Strengthen Teaching and Research Efforts of PDI

Enrique Herrero, the candidate for UA rector, has outlined his programme's proposals aimed at the Teaching and Research Staff (PDI), which focus on stabilizing staff, improving working conditions, simplifying bureaucratic procedures, and decisively promoting research excellence. These proposals also recognize essential teaching activities such as supervising final degree and master's projects, marking exams, and participating in selection committees.

These measures, part of a project described as "ambitious yet feasible," contrast with the management of these areas over the past four years. "We cannot continue recycling unfulfilled promises. The University of Alicante does not deserve another lost term," Herrero stated.

The Chemistry professor emphasized the need to ensure the stability and promotion of PDI as pillars of his strategy. Key measures include a staffing forecast plan to allocate positions based on real departmental needs. Additionally, he proposes extraordinary funding to increase Assistant Lecturer positions, along with a streamlined and accessible procedure for promoting associate professors and those obtaining accreditations. "It is crucial that our teachers and researchers feel their efforts are tangibly recognized," Herrero asserts.

Similarly, the candidate's programme also includes the recognition of essential teaching activities, such as supervising final degree and master's projects, marking exams, and participating in selection committees. He also commits to requesting an increase in regional supplements for teaching and research from the Valencian Government and to creating a pool of freely disposable credits that departments can manage autonomously.

Regarding research, Herrero proposes a profound transformation that includes eliminating internal bureaucratic hurdles and creating a Centralized Comprehensive Research Management Unit (UCGI). This body, he explained, will be key to streamlining administrative processes and facilitating the incorporation of research talent, especially in international projects. "We need a university that competes on equal footing with the best European institutions," he emphasizes.

Among his proposals to strengthen research, he also highlights an additional funding plan to attract and retain top talent, as well as the expansion of predoctoral contracts. Herrero underscores his commitment to stabilizing high-performing researchers by consolidating the most impactful and competitive research lines.

Furthermore, the candidate proposes strengthening the Publications Service to improve the impact factor of UA's own journals and expanding credit recognition for those participating in large-scale projects. Similarly, the presented measures also address the need to increase funding for the university's Own Research Plan, for which resolution times will be reduced and access to resources expedited.

"My commitment is to excellence, stability, and transparency. These are not proposals made to remain in the drawer, but rather form a realistic and achievable plan that will transform the University of Alicante into an institution where talent feels valued and supported," Herrero declares.

Finally, the candidate has also called on the university community to drive a decisive shift towards excellence. "Your moment is my commitment," the candidate expresses, referring to his campaign slogan, which underpins that his project is not just an alternative, but a bet for a better future for the University of Alicante.