L’Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat of the Universitat de Barcelona (IRBio) approved by the Governing Council of the UB on 14 July, holds out the prospect of becoming the focal point in the country for study, management and dissemination of biodiversity. IRBio enhance the quality of basic research in the field of knowledge and assessment of Biodiversity, in understanding their origins and evolution, including all organization levels. Applied research on the use and management of natural resources and natural heritage conservation, will also play a role in the new institute.

One of the main objectives of IRBio is providing the social partners and governments of scientific advice on management and conservation of Biodiversity. Moreover, the institute has a strong spirit and will work actively training not only in the instruction of new researchers, but most particularly in improving the education of XXI century citizens who will face the crisis of Biodiversity. The social diffusion of research and environmental issues are also priorities in the new institute.

The main policy framework of IRBio will be the Mediterranean region, a domain of exceptional biological richness, seriously threatened by population pressure and economic activity disorder. At the same time, tradition and cultural ties, the Institute will expand its area of interest to Latin America, a region that includes some of the most diverse places on the planet and has become an international benchmark in the struggle for large-scale conservation.

At present, the institute is made up of 72 researchers from 8 departments belonging to the faculties of Biology (Animal Biology, Genetics, Microbiology Plant Biology and Ecology), Pharmacy (Natural Products, Plant Biology and Soil Sciences and Microbiology and Healthy Parasitology) and Geology (Stratigraphy).