The Geoscience Centre of the University of Coimbra

Presentation

In close cooperation with the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the University of Coimbra, and since its foundation in 1976, the Centre has been committed to the following general objectives:

- To promote the knowledge on Earth Sciences through basic and applied research;
- To characterise some geological systems in order to support a correct use of the natural environment;
- To promote active collaboration between national and foreign earth scientists;
- To propose further education and research opportunities to graduate and post-graduate students, in particular through master and doctorate programs;
- To promote the diffusion and spread of scientific knowledge by participating and organizing scientific meetings and by publishing the results in appropriate journals;
- To communicate on Geological Sciences, through actions especially focused on issues of STS (Science-Technology-Society) and PUS (Public Understanding of Science), in collaboration with the Educators on Sciences, and with the media agents of Scientific Journalism.

The Geosciences Centre is internally organised in eight research groups with the following thematic topics: (1) Group of Basin Analysis, Systems and Sedimentary Resources, (2) Group of Physical Geodynamics, (3) Group of Geo-industry, (4) Group of Engineering Geology, (5) Group of Geochemistry of Granitic Rocks, associated Ore Deposits and Crustal Fluids, (6) Group of Hydrogeology and Water Resources, (7) Group of Research and Communication in Paleontology and Stratigraphy, and (8) Group of Modelling of Geological Systems

Within these groups, activities have been developed which have had economical and social relevance. To name but a few:
- The contribution towards a better understanding of the national potential of the hydraulic and energetic resources;
- The identification and valuation of the geologic resources within a frame of general sustainable development;
- The characterisation of the environmental impact legacy of the old mined areas;
- The evaluation of the geological constraints on national territory planning, namely those concerning natural risks;
- The management and planning of coastal areas;
- The identification, valorisation and promotion of the natural heritage.

To support the investigation the Centre possesses a library, a museum, and several laboratorial resources as major infrastructures.