“Programa Investigo”, from which CNH2 is a beneficiary, will become a permanent initiative in our region
Last updated on 02 June, 2025
Since last November, the Spanish National Hydrogen Centre (CNH2) has welcomed young professionals supported by the “Programa Investigo”—an initiative managed by the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha and funded by the Ministry of Labour and Social Economy within the framework of Spain’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. At the regional level, the programme is implemented under Order 190/2021 of 22 December, issued by the Regional Ministry of Economy, Business and Employment, with co-funding from the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
Thanks to this support, CNH2 has strengthened several of its units by incorporating qualified young professionals, including researchers, technologists, and an administrative officer. These recruitments have been strategically distributed across key units such as Engineering, Physical Characterisation, Component Development, Operations and Safety, and General Management.
This month, the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha approved a decree that will permanently regulate these grants. As spokesperson Esther Padilla stated, the programme has already benefited over 200 young people and helped them “fulfil their dream of pursuing a career in research.”
“Programa Investigo” and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)
The aim of the “Programa Investigo” is to promote youth employment in research and innovation activities by offering work contracts of at least 12 months in public and private R&D&I centres. It targets young people between the ages of 16 and 29 who are unemployed and registered as job seekers in the Castilla-La Mancha employment offices. Its implementation has helped to consolidate a stable framework that supports the retention of young talent in key sectors for the green and digital transitions.
Meanwhile, the ESF+ aims to support Member States and regions in achieving high levels of employment, fair social protection, and a skilled, resilient workforce prepared for the future of work. It also seeks to build inclusive and cohesive societies committed to eradicating poverty and upholding the principles enshrined in the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Through this initiative, CNH2 reaffirms its commitment to advancing hydrogen as a key energy vector while contributing to the creation of professional opportunities for young people in the scientific and technical fields, in line with broader goals of sustainability and regional development.
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