The Atapuerca project is very well consolidated within the national panorama and it involves scientists from various institutions whose level and national and international prestige is well-contrasted. In this sense, it is relevant to note that within this project over 40 doctors have been trained over the past 25 years, and there are currently another 25 doctoral thesis projects in the process of being carried out.
The wide scientific production (dissertations, advanced studies diplomas, master’s thesis, defended doctoral theses, scientific publications, participation in congresses, books, …) and outreach materials, as well as the support received from the different public administrations, and numerous institutions, organizations and private companies endorse the multidisciplinary team and its work, and they are indicators of academic, scientific and social interest in this field of knowledge, which, in general, ceases to be innovative and relevant. On the other hand, research training and scientific production are two basic pillars of an advanced society, and at the same time the demand for information from society is increasingly intense and necessary. The creation of CENIEH and the Museum of Human Evolution in Burgos, with a very significant investment by state institutions, both national and regional, as well as the declaration of Atapuerca sites in 2000 as World Heritage, are a good proof of the interest that Human Evolution has for society. The research training is therefore a necessary way to conduct this effort in the development of knowledge by students who have completed their Master’s degree in disciplines that study the origin and evolution of man and his environment, and that have a research vocation.
On the other hand, the University of Burgos has adopted the commitment to consider the area of human evolution as a priority and standard field of this University at both the research and teaching levels. The keys are well-known and we mention only a few:
Location of the deposits of Atapuerca 15 km from the city of Burgos.
Location in Burgos of the National Research Center on Human Evolution (CENIEH). The presence of the CENIEH in Burgos means that many researchers are being trained in this center, but they must carry out their doctoral studies outside the Community of Castile and Leon because there is no University of Burgos or any other in the region. PhD as we propose.
Presence in Burgos of a Singular Scientific and Technological Infrastructure (ICTS) to support studies on human evolution.
Presence in Burgos of the Museum of Human Evolution.
Presence of three unique groups of research in the University (one of prehistory, another of human paleontology and another of paleomagnetism).
Support from the Ministry of Education of the Junta de Castilla y León.
Participation of the UBU in the Governing Council of CENIEH