The Group of Environmental Biotechnology (BioGroup) has been recognised since 2006 as a Competitive Reference Group (GRC) by the Regional Government of Galicia (Xunta de Galicia), and has recently renewed this distinction for the 2025–2028 period, obtaining the maximum funding allocation of €400,000. (ref: ED431C 2025/19)

The continued participation in this Consolidation and Structuring programme has permitted the Group to invest a significant part of its resources in strengthening its internal structure, fostering collaboration among researchers with different levels of experience within an interdisciplinary environment that promotes scientific excellence and innovation in the field of Environmental Biotechnology. The GRC programme has been key to consolidating and expanding the Group’s research lines, providing stability, resources, and the capacity to undertake more ambitious projects. It has also facilitated the attraction of research talent and the diversification of funding sources, combining European funds, national programmes for talent development and retention, emerging projects funded by the Xunta de Galicia, and baseline support from the National Plan. This strategy of financial diversification has allowed the Group to maintain a stable and balanced budget, averaging around €1.52 million per year over the last four years, ensuring autonomy, sustainability, and long-term planning capacity. The support of a specialised technical team, both in management and laboratory activities, has also been essential to sustaining high-quality, internationally recognised research.