After more than two years of conflict, the social chamber of the Court of First Instance of Girona has ruled in favor of the 18 researchers María Zambrano in its dispute with the University of Girona. According to the now final ruling, it was unjustified for the University of Girona to use the money from this now-cancelled state talent recruitment program, which was intended for scientists' salaries, to pay the employer's social security contributions. The court now requires the university to return the amounts withheld improperly.

Every start of the academic year is a good time to renew commitments and look ahead with ambition. This year, more than ever, is an opportunity to reaffirm what makes the Catalan public university system an essential engine of progress: its diversity.

Next academic year, the Department of Research and Universities will implement the reduction in public tuition fees for qualifying bachelor's and master's degrees—those that qualify for a profession, such as law or architecture—to the lowest current price: €17.69 per credit each academic year, in addition to official master's degrees. Regional Minister of Research and Universities, Núria Montserrat, during a conference at the Europa Forum. Tribune

The Spanish government wants to curb the proliferation of private universities that has occurred in Spain in recent years, which is on the verge of causing there to be more than 46 public ones (50). This proliferation would not be a problem if there were not the suspicion that behind many of them there is not enough academic solidity or sufficient structure, but that the corresponding regional authorities still give them the green light because it is still an entry of economic activity and prestige for the territory in question. In fact, a third of the new universities approved have not had a positive report from the Ministry of Universities, but this procedure is not binding. The regional government has the final say.