The Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH) has expanded cooperation with the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD; Dominican Republic), which received 61 grants through that country’s National Grant System from its Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCyt), so that Dominican students and professionals may enroll in official doctoral programs in academic collaboration with the UMH. To promote equal opportunities and academic excellence, this program offers educational opportunities to competent young people from all over the Dominican Republic whose economic resources are limited.

The UASD received national grants for three doctoral programs: environment and sustainability, health sciences, and agro-food sciences. These programs were prepared with the necessary scientific rigor and in fulfillment of national and international standards, which ensure training on specialized human resources in research on the areas involved.

Participants at the act, which took place at the University Council Hall, included Radhames Silverio, Vice Rector for Research and Graduate Education; Editrudis Beltrán, as representative of the rector; Franklin García Fermín, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology; and Vicente Micol, UMH Vice Rector for Internationalization and Cooperation.

According to Radhames Silverio, doctoral-level training is a key aspect for research and development of our society. García Fermín addressed the grant recipients, encouraging them to act responsibly and as proper ambassadors of the Dominican Republic. Vicente Micol stated that this cooperation with a Spanish public university in conjunction with the UASD will mark a milestone and an after in history for the development of scientific research between both countries.