The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)
The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is an international centre of excellence for chemical research. It is based at the Sescelades Campus in Tarragona and employs some 230 people. The three main lines of research of its eighteen research groups are catalysis, supramolecular chemistry and renewable energies. The research centre was founded in 2004 and since then has conducted excellent research in support of industry, with transfer of research results to companies.
Recognized researchers
Attracting talent, flexible operation and the continuous appraisal of staff are among the key factors in the centre's success ¿ a fact that is backed by the figures. The projects of three of the institute's researchers have received funding from the European Research Council ¿ granted to work of scientific excellence. Moreover, ICIQ leads the Intecat project, subsidized by the Consolider programme, to research the design of catalyts for a more sustainable chemical industry. The URV also plays a part in this research project.
Knowledge transfer
Part of ICIQ's facilities are devoted to a business incubator, where initiatives involving institutional backing for start-up companies are pursued. Joint schemes are also run in conjunction with companies in the industry. There are currently two mixed working units, in cooperation with Henkel and Laboratoris Esteve. These are business-oriented laboratories which conduct their activities in the context of the institute's research work and in the setting of the Tarragona Science and Technology Park.