FECYT accredits IPHES-CERCA as a Scientific Culture and Innovation Unit (UCC+I)

The Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), a public body under the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, has accredited the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution (IPHES-CERCA) as a Scientific Culture and Innovation Unit (Unidad de Cultura Científica y de la Innovación, UCC+I).

This recognition acknowledges the institute’s long-standing work in science communication and public engagement and marks its incorporation into the Spanish Network of Scientific Culture and Innovation Units (UCC+I Network), which brings together the country’s leading universities and research institutions committed to promoting scientific culture and strengthening the relationship between science and society.

The accreditation recognises an activity that IPHES-CERCA has been developing for many years to make research more accessible to society. Communicating scientific discoveries through national and international media, producing digital content, organising open days at archaeological sites, exhibitions, lectures and educational activities, as well as participating in science outreach initiatives, are all part of a strategy aimed at making the knowledge generated by the institute’s research teams widely accessible.

At an institute devoted to studying human evolution, communicating science also means preserving and promoting archaeological heritage, inspiring future generations of scientists, encouraging critical thinking and helping build a better-informed society.

“Research only reaches its full potential when it is shared with society. This accreditation recognises years of sustained work and reinforces our commitment to ensuring that the knowledge generated at IPHES-CERCA contributes not only to scientific progress, but also to education, culture and public debate,” says Dr Marina Mosquera, Director of IPHES-CERCA.

What is a UCC+I?

Scientific Culture and Innovation Units (UCC+I) are structures officially recognised by FECYT to promote the communication of research results, foster scientific culture and strengthen dialogue between the scientific community and society.

Membership of the national UCC+I Network encourages cooperation among institutions, facilitates the exchange of best practices, supports specialised training and promotes the development of joint science communication and public engagement initiatives.

IPHES-CERCA’s UCC+I

IPHES-CERCA’s UCC+I operates through the Institute’s Director’s Office and is made up of Dr Gerard Campeny, Head of Scientific Communication, and Andrea Alías, Socialisation Officer.

The unit works across the institute alongside research teams and other departments to communicate scientific results, promote science outreach and public engagement activities, strengthen relationships with the media, support researchers in communicating their work and foster initiatives that enhance knowledge transfer and citizen participation.

This accreditation also represents institutional recognition of an activity that IPHES-CERCA has been carrying out for many years and consolidates science communication as a permanent function within the institute’s organisational structure.

A boost for science communication at IPHES-CERCA

Joining the UCC+I Network represents a new milestone for science communication at IPHES-CERCA and strengthens a line of work that the institute has steadily developed over recent years.

Membership of the network will expand collaboration with other research institutions, facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices, encourage participation in joint science communication initiatives, provide access to specialised training programmes and open opportunities to apply for FECYT funding schemes dedicated to promoting scientific culture and innovation.

The accreditation will also help strengthen the national and international visibility of the research carried out at IPHES-CERCA while supporting new initiatives aimed at bringing scientific knowledge closer to society through rigorous, accessible and high-quality communication.

A commitment to open and shared science

From archaeological excavations to research laboratories, through the media, social networks, educational programmes and public open days, IPHES-CERCA works to ensure that the knowledge generated by its researchers reaches society with the same rigour with which it is produced.

Accreditation as a Scientific Culture and Innovation Unit reinforces this commitment and reflects IPHES-CERCA’s determination to continue making science communication a key tool in the service of knowledge, cultural heritage and society.