The Research Centre in Construction Sciences (CICC) was created in 2005 by Deliberation no. 1438/2005, published in the Diário da República [Official Gazette] no. 213 of 7 November.
Currently it is composed of the following research institutions:
- Universidade de Coimbra
- Universidade do Algarve
- Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco
- Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal
- Instituto Politécnico de Tomar
- ITeCons
- Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão de Oliveira do Hospital
The research activity at the Centre is developed through numerical and experimental approaches and includes various areas of physics and construction technologies and energy for sustainability, thus:
- acoustics and vibrations;
- higrothermal analysis;
- rehabilitation structures;
- new construction materials;
- exploitation of waste;
- technological solutions;
- wood construction;
- energy performance.
The CICC is a research centre that aims to achieve quality and excellence in scientific work and international recognition in thematic areas defined by its PhD researchers.
Links to society have been promoted through the strong connections of researchers to industry, in particular through its Instituto de Investigação e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Ciências da Construção – ITeCons (http://www.itecons.uc.pt/index.php).
ITeCons has been serving industry since 2006, through a non-profit association, allowing activities developed at the University of Coimbra to be expanded in appropriate technically equipped areas. The CICC supplies technical and scientific support and cooperates with the Technical and Scientific Division of ITeCons. The link between CICC and ITeCons is strengthened through its representation on the Management Board of the Institute.
The CICC mission is:
- to promote research excellence in their areas of competence;
- to promote applied research in areas of common interest to the University, industry and society;
- to participate in training and capacity building of enterprises;
- to organize scientific events for fostering its critical mass.
The values of CICC are:
- ethics and integrity;
- independence, transparency and quality;
- technical and scientific competences;
- community support;
- team work.
The strategic vision of CICC involves:
- promoting the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary work through the cooperation of research groups;
- developing research through specific plans, on an independent basis or in cooperation with other institutions;
- reinforcing the participation of CICC staff in international programs, such as those promoted by the European Commission;
- reinforcing cooperation with industry and contributing to knowledge transfer between CICC and the industry sector;
- promoting scientific development in emerging areas, such as energy and sustainability, waste management (adding social value to waste) and urban rehabilitation.
