The University of Barcelona will soon incorporate nine unique infrastructures that will boost its cutting-edge research in areas such as biosciences, biotechnology, artistic heritage and the environment, thanks to a grant of 2.5 million euros corresponding to the Ministry of Science's 2024 call for grants for the acquisition of scientific and technical equipment . The UB is the second largest institution that receives most grants in Catalonia, following the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).Seven of these nine new facilities will be integrated into the UB's Scientific and Technological Centres (CCiTUB). These include a spectral cell separator with imaging, which will improve research in areas such as immunology, transplants, oncology and drug development; two pieces of equipment for the study of contaminants in biological systems, environmental research and biosciences and food; a system for measuring physical properties that will complement the pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer; and a nuclear magnetic resonance system for online monitoring of reactions, which will make the UB a leading centre in the study of the magnetic and electrical properties of new materials.
The UB's Faculty of Biology, through the project presented by José Luis Araus, professor at the Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, will also have its research infrastructure reinforced with two pieces of equipment: a phenotyping platform for potted plants and a level-two biosafety laboratory. The first case is a unique platform in Catalonia that will make it possible to study the behaviour of plants for the genetic improvement of crops or the evaluation of biostimulants, among other applications. In the second case, the laboratory will be able to analyse plant diseases and pests and develop plant genetic processes.
The Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities will also co-finance the project of Jaime Frigola, associate professor at the Faculty of Earth Sciences, with the acquisition of a new laser system to study the size and morphology of particles in geological samples for the Sedimentology Laboratory of the Department of Earth Dynamics. With this equipment, it will be possible to accurately and in detail characterize the materials under study and thus improve the study of the transport processes that have affected their formation.
The vice-rector for Research at the UB, Jordi García, has positively assessed the arrival of these infrastructures: "The University of Barcelona has made a firm commitment to incorporate cutting-edge and unique technology that reinforces the multidisciplinary nature of its research and offers the best support to the scientific community in Catalonia. A university where technology and innovation are part of its DNA is a university prepared to respond effectively to the challenges of society".
Twentieth anniversary of ISO 9001 certification
The UB's Scientific and Technological Centres are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the award of ISO 9001 certification to this service. The CCiTUB was the first scientific-technical service in Catalonia and Spain to receive this certification, which guarantees that the highest quality standards are met in its processes. The UB was also a pioneer in having a quality assurance unit at the CCiTUB since 1994.
The CCiTUBs are made up of a set of scientific and technical infrastructures whose main mission is to support research and innovation in the fields of chemistry, materials science and biosciences. It is one of the largest services in Spain, with highly qualified technical staff and the widest variety of instrumental technologies.
