Mission
The Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB is a transdisciplinary science institute that develops vital and strategic knowledge towards strong sustainability. Spanning the natural and social sciences, ICTA-UAB trains researchers and practitioners, and partners with diverse interest groups to strengthen ecosystems health and foster socio-environmental transformation and innovation, with the ultimate goal of empowering society with science to address global challenges. The center’s tagline, “Brave Science for a Changing World”, reflects its commitment to interdisciplinary research and social justice, and to working towards brave solutions that challenge the status quo and demand bold action from policymakers.
Research framework
ICTA-UAB’s research aims to better understand the social and environmental challenges that must to be addressed to guarantee human progress and social equity on an ecologically sustainable Earth. Its research framework is structured around 5 areas (Oceans, Land, Cities, Consumption and Policies), that encompass global, inter-related environmental and societal challenges, including climate change, ocean acidification and water pollution, biodiversity loss, resource extraction, environmental mobilization and conflicts, and their social and economic ramifications.
ICTA-UAB is the only research centre in environmental sciences to be identified as a Unit of Excellence by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO), the highest institutional recognition of scientific research in Spain.