Interdisciplinary research

Recerca interdisciplinària UIC Barcelona

Interdisciplinary research

At UIC Barcelona, we understand interdisciplinary research not merely as an objective but as our natural way of working. Faced with the complexity of global challenges, a single perspective is never enough. This is why we foster an ecosystem in which health, education, architecture, and the social sciences engage in dialogue to generate comprehensive solutions.
 

How do we make this a reality? 

Beyond theory, we put interdisciplinarity into practice through three core pillars:

  • Collaboration hubs: We promote ongoing dialogue among faculties on the Barcelona Campus and the Sant Cugat Campus.
  • Incentives for cooperation: We value diverse teams in our internal calls for proposals.
  • Social impact: We prioritise projects through which we transfer knowledge directly to society.

Strategic actions and initiatives

To demonstrate this commitment, the Vice-Rectorate for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer (VRIT) drives specific initiatives in funding and visibility:

UIC Aid Call: Research in the service of people

A pioneering initiative launched by the VRIT that links academic research with development cooperation. This call funds projects that require a multidimensional approach to address humanitarian and social emergency challenges, showing that the best science is science that improves lives. 

Annual Academic Report 23-24
 

Networked projects (success stories)

Our commitment to interdisciplinarity is already bearing fruit in competitive and awareness-raising projects:

Bioengineering and Sustainability: Responsible technology At the Bioengineering Institute of Technology (BIT), researchers work to solve complex problems by combining engineering with environmental care. A recent success story is the creation of the first single-use solid cosmetic developed by researchers Román Pérez and Begoña Bosch. This project transforms marine waste (algae and prawn shells) into a “Zero Waste” product in which even the container nourishes the skin, entirely eliminating plastics from the chain. Read the news story on the launch at 4FYN.

Climate Education at the University: Science and Pedagogy How can we mitigate climate change from the classroom? This competitive project combines the scientific rigour of environmental data with methodologies from the Education Sciences. Its aim is to measure and improve the way the climate emergency is taught, building a crucial bridge between technical knowledge and social awareness. Read the news story in full.

Architecture and Health: Healing spaces How does the physical environment influence a patient’s recovery? This initiative brings together architects and healthcare professionals to transform hospitals into therapeutic tools. In collaboration with institutions such as the Althaia Foundation, we research and design oncology and palliative care spaces that place the person at the centre, demonstrating that architecture also plays a key role in health and emotional wellbeing. Read the news about the agreement on the humanisation of spaces.

11 February – A united voice for women and girls in science The celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science at UIC Barcelona is a clear example of interdisciplinary work. The Sant Cugat Campus brings together the expertise of the Health Sciences (Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy) and Education. Through joint workshops and talks, departmental silos are broken down to provide strong female role models to younger generations. See the summary of the day | Event website.