Public universities not only lead in volume but also demonstrate superior faculty productivity, averaging 1.33 publications per faculty member by 2024, significantly outpacing private universities where productivity stabilized at 0.28. This disparity extends to the recognition of scholarly contributions, measured through the “sexenios”—six-year research periods awarded to faculty. Notably, 91.82% of all sexenios were granted to public university personnel, reflecting a robust research culture within the public sector despite facing a 3.99% decline in faculty numbers over the past decade. Private universities, in contrast, massively expanded their faculty by over 200% but with a substantially lower research output.

Regional analysis highlights that the scientific production is heavily concentrated in Catalonia, Madrid, Andalusia, and the Valencian Community, collectively responsible for over two-thirds of the nation’s output. Interestingly, regions such as Navarre and La Rioja exhibit notable private university contributions when adjusted for their smaller size. Discipline-wise, Experimental Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacology, Engineering, and Computing dominate research outputs, while Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences present comparatively modest figures.

Spanish academic collaboration on the international stage grew appreciably, with joint publications with foreign institutions increasing from 48.2% in 2015 to 55.3% by 2024. This global engagement is mirrored in the significant citation impact of SUE research, averaging 23 citations per publication and accumulating more than 15 billion citations overall during the analyzed period. High-impact publications in top-tier journals are especially prominent in Medicine, Engineering, and Biology.

The report also draws attention to the rapid expansion of open-access publishing within Spanish universities. Between 2015 and 2021, open-access articles more than doubled, driven by institutional open science policies that achieved growth rates as high as 22% in 2020. By 2024, nearly 70% of publications were freely accessible, ensuring broad societal access to cutting-edge scientific discoveries.

The preparation of the report required extensive data collection and harmonization efforts to maintain the accuracy and reliability of the presented indicators, underscoring the technical complexity behind large-scale scientometric analyses. Supported by multiple governmental and academic agencies, the IUNE Observatory’s annual assessment provides a critical empirical foundation for evaluating and enhancing Spain’s scientific enterprise.

This in-depth evaluation highlights the persistent leadership of Spain’s public universities in advancing scientific knowledge, their sustained commitment to quality research despite resource constraints, and the expanding footprint of Spanish science on the global stage, fueled by innovation and open access principles.

Subject of Research: Scientific output and research activity in the Spanish University System from 2015 to 2024
Article Title: Observatorio IUNE 2026. Informe anual. Periodo 2015-2024. Actividad investigadora de las universidades españolas (XII)
News Publication Date: 1-Jul-2026
Keywords: Research universities, Scientific organizations, Scientific publishing, Academic ethics

The implications of this report extend beyond mere statistics; they underline the ongoing discourse in Spain regarding the quality of education provided by private universities. A prominent figure in this conversation is Elías Sanz-Casado, a Professor at UC3M and the General Coordinator of the IUNE Observatory. He emphasizes the pressing need for a transparent and accessible information system to offer an unbiased assessment of both public and private universities. Sanz-Casado’s statements underline the urgency for regulation, particularly for private universities that may not adhere to minimal quality standards.

The backdrop of this report is Spain’s Organic Law 2/2023, which delineates the fundamental missions of universities: teaching, research, and the efficient transfer of knowledge. It’s a framework requiring institutions to adhere to baseline quality across these dimensions to attain university status. However, according to Sanz-Casado, private universities often struggle with research funding, diverting significant resources away from research endeavors. This discrepancy becomes keenly apparent when one considers the relative allocation of resources towards research activities—which are substantially lower in private institutions compared to their public counterparts.

Current statistics underscore a broader trend, with the academic year of 2024–25 projecting a total of 50 public universities versus 41 private institutions in Spain. The IUNE Observatory serves a crucial role, monitoring and evaluating scientific activities across both sectors, employing a robust framework of 42 indicators that assess R&D across eight essential dimensions. These include scientific output, subject area analysis, emerging research activity, and funding efficacy. Sanz-Casado maintains that there are no comparable tools in other nations that provide such extensive and publicly accessible data on university scientific output.

The evolution of academic staff in both public and private universities presents a compelling narrative. Over the last decade, the workforce in public universities has seen a deceleration in growth, with staffing levels plateauing. In contrast, private universities are experiencing a consistent annual uptick of approximately 6%, culminating in an impressive peak of 11.73% recently. This juxtaposition raises questions about the sustainability of such growth in private universities relative to their research output.

An assessment of scientific productivity reveals the stark differences between the two sectors. Public universities have seen a steady increase in productivity per faculty member, reaching an average of 1.15 publications per professor by 2021 before witnessing a slight decline in 2022. Conversely, private institutions have remained stagnant at about 0.4 publications per professor, highlighting an inherent challenge in research-driven faculty renewal.

Reflecting further on the landscape of scientific publications, it is noteworthy that the annual growth rates have slowed significantly, from a robust average of 5.92% to a more modest 4.86% in recent years. This slowing rate is mirrored in the average productivity metrics across the Spanish University System; there has been a gradual decrease from 6.32% growth to 5.47%. The findings point towards a concerning trend that could have long-lasting ramifications for Spain’s position in global scientific discourse.

The gradual decline in faculty numbers across public universities—averaging 0.6% annually this decade—further compounds the issue. Public universities are recognized as the primary engines of research within Spain, forming the backbone of the national scientific system. The report advocates for enhanced collaboration among universities and key stakeholders to mitigate these challenges and bolster the overall vitality of research output.

The IUNE Observatory’s existence and functionalities hinge on its support from various governmental and institutional organizations, including the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, the National Quality Assessment and Accreditation Agency (ANECA), and other quality assurance bodies across the Catalan and Basque University Systems. This broad coalition underscores the collective commitment to improving university quality and performance metrics across the board.

As the external landscape continues to evolve, the role of institutions like the IUNE Observatory gains paramount importance in shaping educational and research policies. By providing transparent and rigorous evaluations, the Observatory helps stakeholders—including policymakers, educators, and students—navigate the complex terrain of Spanish higher education.

Ultimately, the findings from the IUNE Observatory propel a necessary dialogue around the quality of education and research in both public and private institutions. The disparities in funding, output, and departmental focus must be addressed to foster an inclusive and effective educational environment capable of competing on a global scale. With the future of research heavily underscored by quality versus quantity, the outcomes of this debate will resonate through academic corridors and influence policy decisions for years to come.

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