Research Institutes in Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife has made a great effort in scientific research and innovation, with the backing of the authorities in recent decades. The high standard of research and quality of life on the island is an encouragement for scientists from all over the world, who can find the environment and resources that are suitable for carrying out their work there.
The University of La Laguna is a fundamental reference point in the sphere of the research of Tenerife. It intensive research and educational work is acknowledged at an international level. Every year the University runs a series of scientific projects that seek to contribute to the progress of society. Mathematics, biology, technology, economics, anatomy, astrophysics, didactics, geology, etc. are some of the subjects that the research projects investigate in depth.
Renewable Energies Institute (REI)
Tenerife Council created the REI in 1990 with the aim of enhancing the development of systems that use renewable energies and coordinating R+D energy projects that are carried out in the Canary Islands. The center was conceived of as an area of experimentation and information, where different projects that are undertaken by the Institute, such as the Wind Farms, the Wind Tunnel and the Bioclimatic houses are located. Its facilities are situated on the Industrial Estate of Granadilla, on the south coast of the island of Tenerife, with a surface area of 400,000 m2.
Canary Islands Astrophysics Institute (CAI)
This is one of the most important institutes in its field and it is a meeting point for the international astronomy community. Its Research Program includes both research and technological development projects. It has two astronomy observatories. It concurrently coordinates its work with the Canary Islands Giant Telescope, whose construction is being completed at this time. This is the biggest research project in Spain and the telescope is the most advanced of its kind in the world. This project places an instrument at the disposal of national and international researches that will develop the opportunities provided by the most modern observation techniques.
The new telescope will be the biggest in the world thanks to a primary high yield segmented mirror of 10.4 meters in diameter, which will be installed in the San Roque de los Muchachos Observatory. Numerous countries, such as Germany, Belgium and the United States, are taking part in its construction. Different institutions of high standing are working together in creating it. These include the Astronomy Institute of the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the National Astrophysics Optics and Electronics Institute of the United States. The Spanish Government, the Tenerife Council and the Government of Canary Islands back this project, which has an initial budget of 108 million euros.
Canary Islands Technological Institute (CTI)
The CTI is a public company, created by the Government of the Canary Islands, whose activities lie within the context of the fields of research, development and innovation, all at the service of Canary Islands companies. The main goal is to promote and support technological development in the Canary Islands archipelago. It also has the aim of promoting and providing impetus to research that is carried out by itself or through its participation in specific Technological Institutes, with a view to benefiting productive development, as well as business training in the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands.
Oceanographic Institute of the Canary Islands
This Center, along with those of Santander, La Coruña, Vigo, Malaga, Mar Menor and the Balearic Islands and the central headquarters in Madrid, makes up the Spanish Oceanographic Institute. This is a autonomous body that reports, in organizational terms, to the Maritime Fisheries Secretary of the M.A.P.A. (Agriculture, Fishing and Feeding Ministery). Among its functions, we can highlight inter disciplinary oceanographic research into the marine environment, fisheries resources and aquaculture, the representation of Spain in international bodies, the promotion of oceanographic research and institutional collaboration on the international, national, autonomous and local levels, as well as the training of qualified staff.
Institute of Natural and Agrobiological Products
This forms part of the network of research centers of the Senior Council of Scientific Research, of the Autonomous Body of the Ministry of Science and Technology. The goals of the Institute are varied, taking account of the fact that it is a multidisciplinary center. Its activities can be divided into three research areas: Chemical Technology and Sciences, Agrarian Sciences and Natural Resources.
Cultesa
CULTESA is a company dedicated to the production and commercialization of plants through "in vitro" multiplication techniques. It was created in 1987 by the Island Council of Tenerife and the Caja General de Ahorros (General Savings Bank) of the Canary Islands, with the aim of contributing towards improving the income of agrarian sector and providing solutions for the different productive and commercial strategies of Canary Islands farmers. It offers farmers plants that have a health guarantee, that are high in quality and yield, without modifying their characteristics.
Canary Islands Institute of Agrarian Research
The main goal of the Institute in the research field is to draw up and carry out projects with the aim of increasing the competitivity of agrarian production of the Canary Islands especially in the area of tropical and sub-tropical cultivations, vegetable protection and animal production. Its main lines of work are carried out in the areas of vegetable protection, ornamental plants and horticultural, land and watering, tropical fruit culture, and fruit production in temperate regions, applied microbiology, animal husbandry (pasture and fodder), and applied botanic.
Biomedical Technologies Institute Foundation
Used to promote and develop research in Biomedicine and its applications, especially in the field of biodegeneration and bioregeneration having the support of the University of La Laguna.
At this centre, which is the home for both local and foreign specialists, the aim is to make progress in the knowledge of neurodegenerative afflictions and in keeping preventative and therapeutical applications up to date.
“ Antonio González” University Bioorganic Institute (AG-UBOI)
The goal of this Institute is to enhance development of Bioorganic Chemistry of natural substances, for the good of scientific research in general and the socio-economic influence of this, in addition to supporting and intensifying research activity. The following are the priority lines of research: the Chemistry of Bioactive substances from natural or synthetic sources; selective production of Bioactive metabolites and inclusion of biogenesis processes, inter and intraspecific chemical processes, chemical ecology; organic pollutants of the environment, whether natural or otherwise and those others that it may be advisable to develop in the future, based on planning requirements, or that may specifically entrusted by the University.