Education

Training for a future of sustainable water

We improved our educational offer with the development of new teaching infrastructure and the consolidation of the IHCantabria’s Education & Capacity
Building Strategy (ECCE-IH)

IHCantabria’s education and capacity buildin activities have reflected its ongoing commitment to academic excellence and sustainable development in water-related socio-ecological systems. These initiatives have not only sought to
transfer knowledge, but also to inspire a new generation of leaders capable of facing the challenges related to water andits multiple dimensions. To this end, the Institute offers education and professional development programs, based on its experience and the knowledge acquired through various projects.

IHCantabria staff has led specialized education at international level, standing out for its participation in the Erasmus Mundus Master COASTHAZAR. This program, in its third edition, has brought together 23 students from 14 countries at Universidad de Cantabria (UC), focused on deepening the understanding and management of risks associated with climate change in coastal areas.

The commitment to the education of research personnel has been one of the main strengths of IHCantabria. During this period, the IH2O doctoral program has registered 44 active doctoral students from 11 countries and 3 continents. This group has represented 6% of the research personnel in educating at Universidad de Cantabria and approximately 21% of the doctoral students in the Engineering programs.

Throughout the year 2024, five new doctoral students have successfully defended their doctoral thesis, joining as postdoctoral researchers (3), as teachers (1) or professionals (1) in various national and foreign institutions. As
graduates of this program, they have addressed key issues related to hydraulic infrastructures, water resources, aquatic ecosystems, climate and risks derived from climate change.

The core of IHCantabria’s education & capacity building activities has resided in educating research personnel, experts and managers to face the challenges of sustainable development linked to the integral water cycle, including its
environmental, social and economic dimensions. This approach has guided all its initiatives towards a future where specialized knowledge is essential to meet the challenges of social, environmental, digital and just transition.

IHCantabria has also advanced in the implementation of its Education & Capacity Building Strategy (ECCE-IH). This process has included the commissioning of a multipurpose classroom and a teaching innovation laboratory; in addition to the effective implementation of the ECCE-IH Portal, which houses all the educational offerings and teaching services offered by this Institute.

In the area of continuing education, IHCantabria has maintained its offer through 10 specialized seminars, taught by prestigious research personnel from 9 countries, 14 online and hybrid courses, related to the different disciplines that
make up the Institute, and the first two University Micro-credentials, taught as Universidad de Cantabria’s own degrees.

Finally, IHCantabria also strives to establish an organizational environment that stimulates learning and the personal and professional development of our staff, through a combination of on-the-job educating and learning activities,
including 23 internal courses.