Campos de líquenes (Teloschistes capensis) en el desierto del Namib (Namibia)

Experimentos de sequía y calentamiento para estudiar los efectos del cambio climático en vegetación mediterránea (Laboratorio Cultive)

Muestreando la estructura y funcionamiento de ecosistemas dulceacuícolas en la laguna del Barco
(Sierra de Gredos, España)

Laboratorio de análisis de compuestos químicos y nutrientes en muestras fisiológicas, ambientales y farmacológicas (Laboratorio Nutrilab)

Valle de Ordesa desde la ruta de los Cazadores
(Foto: David S. Pescador)

Bosque nuboso de Monteverde (Costa Rica)

Global Change Research

Institute

Formally created in September 2023, the Global Change Research Institute (IICG) is a research institute at Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC) with 95 researchers working on the advancement of science at the margins of knowledge with a clear vocation for public service. Its staff and laboratories are located on the Móstoles Campus of the URJC, in Madrid (Spain).

    International collaboration is one of the pillars of the IICG-URJC. More than 70% of our publications have been produced in collaboration with institutions in over 70 countries, forming a global network of scientific cooperation. The figure on the left shows this map of international collaborations, compiled from the scientific output of the period 2021–2025 (SciVal data), excluding publications with more than 20 authors.

    The analysis also reveals the strength of our internal network: 75% of our research staff have participated in active collaborations during this period. The figure on the right illustrates this network of co-authorships (2021–2025), showcasing a dynamic, interconnected scientific ecosystem with links both within and between research lines. This collaborative and interdisciplinary structure fosters the generation of cutting-edge knowledge and enables us to rigorously address major environmental challenges on a global scale.

    Mission

    To generate and apply knowledge through basic and applied research, transfer and innovation from a framework based on ethics, equality and transparency, with the aim of supporting political, strategic and technical decision-making in the face of the global environmental crisis, contributing to reducing its social and economic costs.

    Vision

    To establish itself as a national and international benchmark institute in research, recognized for its ability to transform rigorous science into a key tool for decision-making and the development of solutions that allow effectively addressing the challenges of global change, as well as serving as a bridge between the academic world, public administrations and society. 

    Principles

    • Scientific rigor
      Excellence and quality in the generation and application of knowledge in basic and applied ecology.
    • Ethics and responsibility
      Commitment to scientific integrity and service to society.
    • Equality and diversity
      Promoting an inclusive, equitable, and respectful work environment.
    • Transparency
      Clarity, openness and accountability in scientific and transfer activity.
    • Social and economic impact
      Focus on reducing the resulting social and economic costs.
    • Commitment to sustainability
      Active contribution to the conservation of biodiversity and the responsible use of natural resources.

    Strategic objectives

    •To promote excellent scientific research, both basic and applied, consolidating national and international leadership in ecology and promoting translational ecology as a tool to address the environmental emergency.

    •To effectively transfer knowledge to society, through technical assistance to Public Administrations, provision of services to the productive fabric and development of innovative actions that contribute to political and business decision-making.

    •To disseminate and share scientific and technical knowledge, through postgraduate training activities, programs open to different social sectors, and active communication strategies.

    •To guarantee an efficient and sustainable institutional model, with a high capacity for attracting resources, responsible management and financial balance to ensure the continuity and quality of research.

    Equality Commission

    of the Global Change Research Institute

    The Equality Commission of the IICG-URJC was created to actively promote equal opportunities, raise awareness of inequalities, propose improvements, foster a safe and violence-free workplace, and provide support in cases of inappropriate, violent, discriminatory, or other forms of mistreatment. You can find all the information here.