The University of Burgos has gradually established itself over the years as a true center of scientific activity and specialized research groups in multiple areas of knowledge. Beyond traditional teaching, its Teaching and Research Staff (PDI) promotes research projects ranging from applied chemistry to the study of the brain and human evolution, as well as the environment and microbiology.
Currently, UBU has a very solid network of Recognized Research Groups (GIR) and Consolidated Research Units (CRUs)Many of these programs are considered excellent by the Regional Government of Castile and León. This makes the university an ideal environment for those seeking to collaborate on cutting-edge projects, develop a scientific career, or simply learn about the research being conducted in Burgos.
Organization of research at the University of Burgos
The Teaching and Research Staff of the UBU are distributed in different stable working groups that focus on specific lines of researchThese groups allow for the pooling of efforts, the sharing of infrastructure, and the coordination of larger projects than could be carried out by a single person.
There are currently at the University of Burgos 69 Recognized Research Groups (GIR)integrated into five major branches of knowledge. This structure facilitates collaboration between related areas and at the same time accommodates highly specialized lines of research within each discipline.
In addition to the GIR, the UBU has 21 Consolidated Research Units (CRUs)These units, officially recognized by the Regional Government of Castile and León as groups of excellence, have demonstrated a sustained track record of scientific quality, attracting competitive projects, and producing relevant results.
The simultaneous existence of GIR and UIC helps to consolidate a robust and competitive research networkwhere emerging groups coexist with well-established ones. This combination is key to maintaining a continuous flow of new ideas while simultaneously ensuring a solid foundation of experience and scientific leadership.
Research groups in chemistry and related sciences
Within the field of chemistry and related sciences, the University of Burgos (UBU) is home to numerous research groups with diverse lines of inquiry, ranging from composting and instrumental analysis to thermodynamics and new materials. Together, they form an ecosystem of Chemical research covering both fundamental aspects and industrial and environmental applications.
One of the prominent groups is EQA-1 UBUCOMP, which focuses on the research on composting processesThese types of studies are essential to improve the treatment of organic waste, optimize the conditions of biological degradation, reduce the environmental impact and obtain higher quality end products, useful as soil amendments or fertilizers.
In the field of microbiology, the MI-1 MICROBIOS group focuses its work on the study of microorganisms and their applicationsTheir lines of research can range from environmental microbiology to industrial or sanitary microbiology, delving into the characterization of bacteria, fungi or other microbes, as well as their role in different ecosystems or technological processes.
Advanced instrumentation also plays a key role through the QA-1 GAIN group, which is focused on instrumental analysisThis type of group usually works with techniques such as chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy or other high-precision analytical methods, which are fundamental for characterizing compounds, controlling quality or conducting environmental and pharmaceutical studies.
Another relevant piece of equipment is the QA-3 ELAN, which specializes in electroanalysisHere, electrochemical techniques become prominent, used to detect, quantify, or study chemical species by measuring current, potential, or other electrical quantities. This approach is very common in the development of electrochemical sensors, trace analysis, and studies of corrosion or batteries.
The QA-4 Q&C group is dedicated to chemometrics and qualimetryChemometrics combines chemistry, statistics, and mathematics to optimize analytical processes and interpret large volumes of data, while qualimetrics focuses on the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of results. This type of work is essential when handling complex data, such as that obtained through spectral or multivariate techniques.
In the area of ​​inorganic chemistry, the QI-1 AMIDORUCA group channels its activity around the theme "Amido", which is usually associated with Amido complexes, coordination chemistry and inorganic reactivityThese systems are very important in catalysis, materials synthesis, and the design of new compounds with specific properties.
The QI-2 MOWUTO group focuses its work on the oxygen transferUnderstanding how oxygen atoms or molecules are transferred in chemical reactions is vital in both industrial processes and environmental and biological chemistry, as many oxidation, synthesis, or degradation pathways depend on these mechanisms.
The QI-3 RUCA group specializes in homogeneous catalysisHomogeneous catalysis, a key area of ​​modern chemistry, studies reactions in which the catalyst is in the same phase as the reactants (usually in solution), allowing very fine control of selectivity and reaction rate, and is essential for the synthesis of high value-added products.
In the field of organic chemistry, the QO-1 POLYMERS group stands out, focused on the study of polymers and polymeric materialsThese materials are present in countless applications (plastics, coatings, biomaterials, flexible electronics, etc.), so their design, characterization and improvement represent a line of work with great technological impact.
Another very interesting group is QO-2 SUPRABUR, focused on the development of new heterocyclic materials and supramolecular chemistryHeterocyclic compounds are essential in fields such as pharmacology or materials chemistry, while supramolecular chemistry studies interactions between molecules beyond the covalent bond, opening the door to self-assembled systems, sensors, and functional devices.
The QO-3 SINTORG group is dedicated to research new methods in organic synthesisThis line of research addresses the design of more efficient, sustainable, and selective routes to obtain organic molecules, something fundamental in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and a multitude of substances of industrial interest.
Focused on the environment and sustainability, the QO-5 CITEMA group is situated within the field of Environmental science and technologyIts lines of work include the analysis and treatment of pollutants, the development of clean technologies, waste management, and environmental impact assessment, contributing to a more balanced relationship between human activity and the natural environment.
Teaching and outreach also have their place with the QO-6 DOCQAMB group, specifically dedicated to teaching in environmental chemistryHere, in addition to researching scientific content, we work on educational methodologies, teaching resources, and strategies for teaching chemistry linked to real environmental problems, with a focus on student training.
Within the physical-chemical area, the QF-1 TERMOCIN group investigates in thermodynamics and kinetics of complex reactionsTheir work allows for an in-depth understanding of how reactions involving multiple stages or species evolve, as well as their energy behavior, a crucial aspect in the design of industrial processes and in the study of advanced chemical systems.
The QF-2 TML group focuses on the Thermodynamics of liquid mixturesstudying properties such as miscibility, phase equilibrium and other key parameters for applications in industrial chemistry, product formulation, component separation and design of distillation or extraction processes.
Finally, the QF-3 SPECTROSCOPY group addresses the spectroscopy and single-line analysisThese techniques allow the study of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter, providing a huge amount of information about the structure and dynamics of molecules, solids, and other physical and chemical systems.
Paleoneurology Group of the CENIEH and its scientific links
Beyond chemistry, the University of Burgos maintains a close relationship with the Paleoneurology Group of the CENIEH (National Research Center on Human Evolution), located in Burgos. This group is dedicated to investigating how the human brain has evolved and its relationship with the skull and other anatomical elements.
The Paleoneurology Group primarily develops experimental lines of research focused on the relationship between brain and skullUsing advanced methods of digital anatomy and computerized morphometrics, it is possible to reconstruct the shape and organization of the brain in current and fossil human species without invasive procedures.
A fundamental part of their work focuses on the study of brain metabolism and craniovascular featuresThis includes the anatomy and morphology of blood vessels under normal and pathological conditions, allowing us to analyze how blood flow is distributed in the brain, its ability to dissipate heat, and its relationship to various cognitive functions.
The group's metabolic and vascular studies cover issues such as thermal management within the endocranial cavity and the link between the vascular system, thermoregulation, and neurodegenerative processes. This is especially relevant in the context of diseases such as Alzheimer's, where blood flow patterns and heat dissipation are suspected to play a role in the progression of the pathology.
In addition to the endocranial component, the group pays special attention to the human dental apparatus and the biomechanics of masticationTo achieve this, it combines classical morphometric methods, 2D and 3D analysis, and advanced imaging techniques such as micro-computed axial tomography (μCT scan), which allows for a detailed examination of the enamel, dentin, and pulp cavity.
These works are based on the macro and microscopic characterization of normal and pathological anatomy of the jaw-dental system, both in current human populations and in extinct human and other hominid species. The objective is to construct a broad comparative framework that allows the interpretation of anatomical variations in an evolutionary and functional context.
Thanks to this evolutionary and clinical perspective, the Paleoneurology group provides a solid context for addressing the etiopathogenesis of problems such as malocclusion, abnormal dental wear, or functional imbalances between teeth and jaws. Understanding how our jaws, dental arches, and chewing habits have changed over time helps explain many contemporary oral pathologies.
This entire body of research, which connects neuroscience, craniofacial anatomy, dentistry, thermoregulation, and human evolution, positions the Paleoneurology Group at CENIEH as a leader in the analysis of how the shape of the skull and dental apparatus relates to brain function and with the overall health of the individual.
Impact and projection of the research groups of the UBU
The mosaic of research groups present at the University of Burgos creates an ideal environment for those who wish participate in cutting-edge projects and interdisciplinary collaborationFrom undergraduate and master's students to doctoral candidates and postdoctoral staff, everyone finds opportunities here to integrate into established teams.
The combination of GIR and UIC makes it possible to maintain a continuous, visible and competitive scientific activity in regional, national, and international calls for proposals. Many of these groups They participate in networks with other universities and research centers, both in Spain and abroad.
In the production environment, these groups constitute a strategic ally for companies interested in innovation, knowledge transfer and technological developmentWhether through R&D contracts, technical advice, specific trials or joint projects, UBU acts as a bridge between basic science and real-world applications.
In fields such as environmental chemistry, materials characterization, process thermodynamics, and microbiology, the capabilities installed at the University of Burgos (UBU) allow for addressing complex industrial and social problems with a robust scientific foundation. This translates into better-founded solutions and more efficient and sustainable processes.
On the other hand, groups such as the Paleoneurology group at CENIEH contribute a component of cutting-edge research in human evolution and neurosciencewhich contributes to Burgos' international profile as a city of science. Its results are not only relevant to the academic community, but also for public outreach and interest in our origins.
This entire network of groups, lines of work, and collaborations consolidates the University of Burgos as a A very active platform for those seeking to specialize in research, collaborate with established teams, or promote innovative projects that connect science with the real needs of society and the productive environment.
