New Volcanology Hub to Take Root in the Canary Islands

In a significant development for geological research, the Spanish Government has officially designated the Canary Islands as the home for the National Centre of Volcanology. This decision, confirmed on Tuesday, establishes La Palma as the administrative headquarters and Tenerife as the site for scientific operations. The strategic choice of location is aimed at harnessing the region’s unique volcanic research capabilities, which are among the best in the world.

The announcement marks a pivotal moment for the Canary Islands, known for their rich volcanic history and active geological research community. By situating the National Centre in this region, the government aims to enhance the scientific understanding of volcanic activity and improve disaster preparedness, not only for Spain but for the broader international community.

Plans for Involcan’s Integration into the National Framework

As part of this initiative, there are plans to incorporate the Volcanological Institute of the Canary Islands, commonly referred to as Involcan, into the national centre. This integration is seen as crucial for the future of volcanology in Spain, and the island budgets for 2026, currently open for public consultation, reflect a strong political commitment to this goal. It is noteworthy that these budgets were drafted prior to the Council of Ministers’ decision, which explains the tentative language used in the documents.

The proposal for this integration has been developed collaboratively by the councils of La Palma and Tenerife, highlighting Involcan’s significant role in the initiative. The anticipated consortium is expected to receive a 50% contribution from the State, making Involcan’s involvement a critical point for discussion among consortium members once the centre’s location is officially confirmed. This financial backing underscores the government’s recognition of the importance of local expertise in volcanic research.

Interestingly, no other regions have expressed interest in hosting the centre, which underscores the existing infrastructure and research capabilities of Involcan as a vital asset for the national centre’s integration into the local research landscape. The ministerial order emphasizes that the concentration of scientific institutions in the area makes Tenerife an optimal site for a centre dedicated to research, data analysis, advanced modeling, and high-level training.

Insights from the Ministerial Order

The ministerial order, while not explicitly mentioning Involcan’s integration, outlines plans to hire between five and eight personnel in Tenerife. However, no specific numbers have been indicated for La Palma. This hiring initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the scientific and academic environment in the region, particularly in light of the increased focus on volcanology following the 2021 volcanic eruption.

Involcan has played a pivotal role in coordinating research efforts since the eruption, bringing together 179 researchers from 70 international universities and research institutions. This collaborative effort has not only enhanced the scientific understanding of volcanic phenomena but has also fostered a sense of community among researchers dedicated to studying these natural wonders.

The candidacy from La Palma and Tenerife proposes a series of headquarters designed to facilitate the swift establishment of the National Centre of Volcanology. This approach ensures that all personnel can effectively perform their designated roles within the consortium, promoting a cohesive and efficient working environment. Following the issuance of this order, a convention is expected to be drafted among the involved parties to formalize commitments, establish timelines, and outline conditions for compliance, thereby setting the stage for a successful launch of the centre.

Key points

• The National Centre of Volcanology will be located in the Canary Islands.
• Administrative headquarters will be in La Palma, while scientific headquarters will be in Tenerife.
• Plans are in place to integrate Involcan into the national centre.
• The 2026 island budgets show political support for Involcan’s inclusion.
• The proposal was primarily developed by Involcan.
• The consortium is expected to have 50% State participation.
• The scientific environment has been enhanced since the 2021 eruption.