The University Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences of Aragon (IUCA) of the University of Zaragoza was created in September 2008 by order of the Government of Aragon with the fundamental objective of promoting new research initiatives of excellence and internationalization for better knowledge and the progress of all Environmental Sciences, from the priority vocation of the University of Zaragoza for the generation of scientific knowledge that supports sustainable development and seeks better conservation of the environment.
This institute, recognized as financeable by the Government of Aragon, has a strong multidisciplinary personality. It is made up of more than 200 quality researchers of renowned national and international prestige, belonging to 17 research groups and individuals, who generate knowledge in different fields. The groups are coordinated in five strategic areas: Animal Science, Chemical Science and Technology, Legal-Economic, Natural and Archaeological Heritage and Territory. This structure allows environmental issues to be addressed from a comprehensive approach, as well as generating synergies in the development of multidisciplinary activities and projects.
The IUCA intends, within its possibilities and always with scientific criteria of proven quality, to be a point of reference for sustainable development, the conservation of our planet, and the improvement of living conditions and social progress.
The main objectives of the University Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (IUCA) are:
The promotion of research of excellence and quality in Environmental Sciences, focusing on both basic scientific aspects and its applied nature. In this sense, the IUCA adapts its lines of research to those established in the different European, national and regional plans and intends to take advantage of the synergies of the Iberus Campus of International Excellence to establish inter-university and cross-border collaborations with other similar institutes.
The use of multidisciplinarity and synergies between the groups of the areas that make up the IUCA through continuous relationship between them, joint work, information transfer and joint participation in regional, national and European programs and projects.
The contribution of solutions and collaboration in the resolution of the scientific-technical needs of Aragon for its environmental protection and sustainable development. The impulse to the scientific, technical and pedagogical action of its members and of the Aragonese scientific community as a whole.
Cooperation with public and private companies within the scope of research and development of the Institute’s own areas, promoting the generation of its own patents and in collaboration with companies and facilitating the dissemination of the results of its own research.
Coordinate and organize, within the scope of its competences, courses, specialized teaching, doctorates, masters, in the field of Environmental Sciences, adapted to the European Higher Education Area, with a strong interdisciplinary projection, involvement in the Iberus Campus of International Excellence, which they go beyond the performance of the University Departments, thus contributing to the better development of the European Research Area.
The establishment of research networks within the character of internationality with which it is intended to provide the Institute with a preferential vocation towards Europe, America and countries of the Mediterranean arch.
Our mission, vision and values are:
Mission: To promote and promote research of excellence and quality, promoting a better knowledge of Environmental Sciences and collaborating in environmental protection and regional and national sustainable development, providing solutions to the scientific-technical needs for the conservation of the environment.
Vision: Bearing in mind that the field of research in Environmental Sciences is infinite, the Institute intends to become a reference center at a national and international level in those fields in which the IUCA focuses its research.
Values: Quality, scientific excellence, commitment, teamwork, multidisciplinarity, responsibility.
