CRETUS celebrates its 10th anniversary

The Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Environmental Technologies (CRETUS), part of the University of Santiago de Compostela and a member of the CIGUS Network — an initiative promoted by the Xunta de Galicia that brings together research centres recognised for their scientific excellence — celebrated its tenth anniversary on Friday 18 July, marking a decade at the forefront of environmental research.

The celebration took place in the Assembly Hall of the School of Engineering at USC, in an institutional event attended by over 100 guests from the academic, scientific, and environmental business sectors.

Over the past ten years, CRETUS has become a leading centre for globally impactful projects focused on biodiversity, soil and water regeneration, and the development of innovative environmental technologies.

During the event, CRETUS Scientific Coordinator Juan M. Lema reflected on the centre’s evolution since its foundation and its recognition today as a distinguished research centre. Scientific Director Maite Moreira presented the centre’s main research areas, flagship projects, and ongoing work in scientific output, collaboration, and knowledge transfer.

The anniversary was also the occasion to announce CRETUS’s formal incorporation into the Galician University System’s Network of Research Centres (CIGUS), a distinction that recognises the centre’s scientific excellence, impact, and quality — supported by co-funding from European sources.

The event was attended by key public figures, including the Rector of USC, Antonio López; the Regional Minister for Education, Science, Universities and Vocational Training, Román Rodríguez; the Director General for Environmental Quality and Sustainability, Mª José Echevarría; and the Mayor of Santiago de Compostela, Goretti Sanmartín. Representatives from the business community and the Galician research ecosystem were also present.

The programme included speeches from members of CRETUS’s scientific and business advisory boards, contributions from invited authorities, and the screening of a commemorative video highlighting the centre’s achievements and reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability and collaboration between science, public administration, industry, and society.