Research activity as an extension of all knowledge areas is one of the statutory aims of the University of Salamanca and is executed with enthusiasm and efficiency.

This research activity is carried out fundamentally in Renowned Research Groups, which have more than one hundred members and belong to all scientific fields. These groups are composed of researchers who share the same complimentary line or lines of work. This structure allows them to participate in International, National or Regional calls for self-financing.

It should be emphasised that, based on the call of the Council of Castille and León Groups of Excellency, in the University of Salamanca more than 40 of these groups have been established which, through different specific notifications, achieve self-financing.

Other important activities in the field of research, are contracts with companies under the protection of Article 83 of the LOU. At this moment, there are more than 250 contracts which finance research activities and the contracting of support staff.

We must also not forget faculty members who participate, as members of networks, in research programs financed by the European Union, such as those who participate in the ongoing CONSOLIDER and CIBER Programs.

As a consequence of all this research activity, proposals are presented in order to patent the results obtained which, from the institution, are based on the processing and financing of the same.

One of our goals is that our researchers also develop Technology-Based Companies in order to take advantage of the scientific advances made. These companies will have space in the facilities of the Scientific Park, once the construction is finished.

Another of the University of Salamanca's strengths is made up by the Institutes and Associated Centres where researchers are grouped with different lines of work which share the same general theme. There are currently 9 University Institutes and 8 Associated Centres. The subject matter of work covers all scientific fields, providing some of them with a specific physical space where their activities are carried out.

From the University itself, conscious that we should be the first to support our members, there is a biennial plan which deals with helping from different points of view. There is an announcement of grants for recently qualified graduates who are interested in starting their research careers by carrying out their doctoral theses. These grants are added to those achieved in regional and national programmes, meaning that we now have more than 270 people involved in research tasks.

In terms of the formation of new research areas, the University of Salamanca invests in specific financing for young researchers who wish to start their own group, equally for those who are found without financing or to those who, because of the characteristics of their work theme, find it difficult to obtain financing. There are also Assistance Groups for help with conferences and high-cost publications or co-funding programs for the repair of equipment necessary for carrying out research tasks.

For support for all this research activity, the University provides the Research Support Service which deal with financial aid and facilitating the analysis or work processes of many of our researchers. These services also carry out an important activity,collaborating with companies who need their technology. In the search for the implementation of the process of quality based on International rules, we have executed and continue to carry out quality accreditation procedures with an external accreditation company.

Finally and from an administrative point of view, all researchers count on the aid of Transfer Office of Research Results (OTRI) and the Agency for Research Management (AGI) who give advice regarding notifications, forms, justification, etc. in order to facilitate the work of our researchers.