ICRA received a visit from Dr. Glenda Humiston, Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of California, and Dr. Erik Christian Porse, Director of the California Institute of Water Resources (CIWR). This meeting served to strengthen scientific cooperation in the sustainable management of water and the environment.

The day began with the reception and presentation of ICRA’s leading researchers, followed by a series of brief presentations on the institute’s most notable projects, such as the management of emerging contaminants, water reuse and nature-based solutions. The California delegation then shared its own research projects, establishing a framework for dialogue on common challenges and solutions.

After a visit to the ICRA facilities, a debate was opened on the creation of an exchange programme for doctoral students and the possibility of implementing a double degree between the University of Girona and the University of California. A postdoctoral programme and mechanisms for the transfer of intellectual property were also explored.

In the afternoon, the discussion focused on how to establish stronger collaborations in research and innovation, followed by an open debate at the Delegation of the Generalitat in Girona on the impact of research on society, scientific dissemination and communication.