Explaining how Artificial Intelligence is applied to measuring galaxies, illustrating the cosmic web that structures the Universe on a large scale, or previewing the first total eclipse of 2026 are just a few examples of the knowledge brought directly to society. This is the key mission evaluated to obtain the UCC+I accreditation: to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public.

The accreditation is granted by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), a public body under the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. The UCC+I registry was created in 2012 and its criteria were updated in 2024. In the 2025 call, 111 institutions renewed or obtained accreditation (some for the first time, like CEFCA). Fifty of them are universities, while the rest include research centers, institutes, and science foundations.

The first UCC+I in Teruel

CEFCA is now the fourth UCC+I in Spain dedicated to astrophysics, alongside the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA), the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), and the Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), all national leaders in this field. It is also the first and only accredited unit in the province of Teruel, and the third in the whole of Aragon, together with the Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA) and the University of Zaragoza. Before awarding the accreditation, FECYT evaluates the materials and activities carried out by each center in the year prior to the call.

15 years of science outreach

So far this year, CEFCA has organized 12 public activities and shared more than 20 scientific results. Looking ahead, the main challenges include preparing activities to bring the next three eclipses visible from the Iberian Peninsula closer to society over the coming years.

CEFCA’s outreach work began almost 15 years ago, with milestones such as the development of Galáctica, the largest center in Europe dedicated to astronomy outreach and practice. Led by its Outreach Department, CEFCA has organized numerous exhibitions, hands-on workshops, guided visits, summer courses (notably in collaboration with the Summer University of Teruel), and public talks. It has also worked closely with media outlets, schools, and most institutions in the province. Some initiatives, such as interventions in urban spaces, highlight its continuous innovation.

Scientific Culture and Innovation Units are considered key actors in the social dissemination of knowledge generated by research centers. They serve as mediators between institutions and society to promote scientific, technological, and innovation culture. The UCC+I at CEFCA focuses on communicating R&D results and fostering public engagement with science and technology. These units also follow the principles of Responsible Research and Innovation, integrating gender equality, open access, and ethics into their objectives.

From transforming galaxies into sound to make them accessible to everyone, to collaborating annually with local schools and preparing society for the 2026 eclipse, CEFCA has built a solid trajectory in science outreach. The UCC+I accreditation opens new funding opportunities and strengthens this mission for the future.