The International Institute for Prehistoric Research of Cantabria (IIIPC)is a collaborative university research institute jointly governed by the Government of Cantabria, the University of Cantabria, and Santander Universidades. The Institute is based on the University of Cantabria campus in Santander, Spain. The IIIPC is devoted to advancing research in Prehistory and is committed to the education and training of researchers, the public dissemination of prehistoric knowledge, and the conservation of archaeological heritage.. At present, the Institute is home to approximately twenty senior researchers and a comparable number of researchers in training, together with research support technicians, outreach specialists, and management and administrative personnel. It further highlights its international reach through the development of sustained collaborative partnerships supporting its research, educational, and dissemination activities.
Our principal research areas encompass Paleolithic art, prehistoric technologies, lifestyles during the glacial periods, the origins of food-producing societies, the reconstruction of past environments, and the assessment and mitigation of risks to archaeological heritage.
About IIIPC
History of the institution
The International Institute for Prehistoric Research of Cantabria (IIIPC) is a joint University Research Institute established by Decree 38/2004 of 29 April (Official Gazette of Cantabria, 10 May 2004). It is sponsored by the University of Cantabria, the Government of Cantabria, and Santander Universidades under the Collaboration Agreement signed by the parties on 14 May 2003. University of Cantabriathe Government of Cantabria and Santander Universities through the Collaboration Agreement agreed upon by the parties on the date of may 14, 2003.
The agreement set out the fundamental criteria, defined the operational framework, and established the organizational structure, together with the personnel and material contributions of the parties involved. It has subsequently been renewed by all parties with the aim of maintaining the initial support and regulating contributions, in December 2007, June 2011, December 2012, and December 2014.
In June 2015, a new Collaboration Agreement was formalised to support the consolidation of the Institute. This agreement was subsequently renewed in December 2021.
The IIIPC is currently directed (as of 2026) by Pablo Arias Cabal, with Igor Gutiérrez Zugasti serving as Deputy Director.
The Directors of the IIIPC have been:
Jesús González-Urquijo (2017-2026)
Manuel González Morales (2008-2017)
Pablo Arias (2004-2008)
