IHCantabria received today the visit of a high-level delegation related to European funds
From left to right: Jesús Bedoya, Head of FEDER Funds Service; Marta García Hospital, General Director of European Funds; Raúl Medina, Managing Director of IHCantabria, and Lucas González Ojeda, Acting Director of the European Commission Representation in Spain
This visit highlighted the relevance and positioning of IHCantabria as a model of excellence in research and technology transfer, and demonstrated the good results of the investment made with FEDER funds in this institution
This morning, the Environmental Hydraulics Institute of the Universidad de Cantabria (IHCantabria) received a distinguished delegation composed by Marta García Hospital, General Director of European Funds; Jesús Bedoya, Head of FEDER Funds Service; and Lucas González Ojeda, Acting Director of the European Commission Representation in Spain. The host of this visit was Raúl Medina, Managing Director of IHCantabria, who presented the facilities, the strategic projects and the impact of this institute at European and global level.
Recognition of the important role of FEDER Funds for IHCantabria
This visit highlighted the relevance of IHCantabria as a model of excellence in research and technology transfer, with special emphasis on its work in the integral water cycle, sustainability, climate change and the blue economy.
The delegation that participated in this visit highlighted the importance that the contribution of the European Regional Development Funds (FEDER, for its acronym in Spanish) has had for the development of some projects at IHCantabria.
Lucas González Ojeda underlined the exceptional nature of this institute and his satisfaction with the good use of FEDER funds: “I am impressed by the work being done here, by the number of researchers working to find solutions to water-related problems and by the importance of the investment of European funds, FEDER, for the continuity of this project”.
According to Jesús Bedoya, head of the FEDER Funds Service, emphasized: “The investment of European funds has been key for projects of great impact, such as those developed at IHCantabria, which lead research and innovation in water and the environment”. He also invited those who do not yet know these facilities to visit them. “Because talking about IHCantabria in Europe is common, but until you see it, you do not understand the magnitude of its infrastructure and the high level of scientific knowledge behind it. This institute has placed Cantabria on the world map, as a leading project, thanks to the know-how of its more than 200 researchers and its first class facilities”.
Marta García Hospital highlighted the pride of having an institution of this magnitude in Cantabria: “From the Directorate General of European Funds we are acting in Cantabria to locate investments that can be supported with European funds. We are proud that there are investments in such important projects, such as IHCantabria, which can be emblematic and a reference not only at regional and state level, but also at European level. This shows the significant contribution that we are offering in the field of research, environment, training, among other important activities carried out by IHCantabria. For us it is very important that we can value these investments and that they can be recognized at an international level. And that is why we collaborate, to implement European funds. In addition, it also shows the potential of Cantabria and demonstrates that, although we are small, we have institutions of great weight on the international scene”.
Unique facilities and commitment to society
During this visit, Raul Medina thanked the funding from FEDER funds and acknowledged their contribution to the development of research and technology transfer projects in IHCantabria. He recalled that the origin of this institute responds to the commitment of the Government of Cantabria and the Universidad de Cantabria for the development of science, so that it serves society and promotes a model of sustainable growth.
Medina also stressed that the institute’s infrastructures, such as the Cantabria Coastal and Ocean Basin (CCOB) ─a Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructure (ICTS, for its acronym in Spanish) ─ are a fundamental pillar for advancing in fields such as marine renewable energies and coastal protection. “Our job is to generate knowledge that drives sustainable solutions to social and environmental challenges. This is only possible thanks to the support of European funds and our specialization in key areas with growth prospects”, added the Managing Director of IHCantabria.
Recognition as a unique EU project
In 2018, IHCantabria was recognized as a singular project in Spain, reflecting the positive impact of European cohesion policies. This visit reaffirms its role as an example of good work in science and innovation, contributing to improving the quality of life and positioning Cantabria in the international arena.
