Global Change Research Institute
The Global Change Research Institute at Rey Juan Carlos University (IICG-URJC) is a highly integrated research unit created to address global change and biodiversity loss as complex, multi‑scale challenges. With more than 100 researchers, the IICG‑URJC is a leading international centre, recognised for attracting top talent, advancing frontier research, and building influential global scientific networks. Its university setting adds distinctive value by linking cutting‑edge research with education and training, contributing to the development of future scientists and professionals. The institute also has extensive experience in transferring knowledge to society, collaborating with public administrations and the private sector. Its staff and laboratories are located on the Móstoles Campus of 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.