IH Cantabria is a research institute founded by the University of Cantabria and the Environmental Hydraulics Foundation FIHAC. The Institute’s main goal is to become an international centre of excellence specializing in basic and applied research while focusing on the development of studies, methodologies, and tools for the management of aquatic ecosystems including continental, transitional and coastal water bodies.

Among its objectives, the following can be highlighted:

• To explore our knowledge of the water cycle and the related systems.
• To educate and train researchers and specialists in the field of Environmental Hydraulics.
• To translate to society and transform into specific social benefits the successes obtained through the study of the integral water cycle and its related systems by establishing solid channels to transfer knowledge, tools and technologies to public administrations and private companies alike.
• To develop models, patents and know-how to increase both the international competitiveness of our companies and the demanding requirements of our public administrations.

Research and technological development within the field of marine renewable energies are among its strategic areas of work.