The University of Valladolid is one of the most important centers of Higher Education in Spain. It counts on four campuses -Valladolid, Palencia, Segovia and Soria, over 100 degrees, 29 doctoral programs (14 with Honor Mention) and 68 postgraduate degree, accredited international relations and prestigious research Centers. On average, nearly 25,000 students enrol each year, counts on more than 2,500 teachers and nearly 1,000 people dealing with administration tasks and other services. Over 60% of students do internships in companies and other institutions. It offers a comprehensive range of double international degrees, and promotes the transfer of research results.
UVA has 5 buildings devoted exclusively to research, 4 Certified Laboratories Industry serving nearly 300 research laboratories, 19 research institutes and all departments needed. A landmark Lab-building (foundation 2014), called LUCIA (0% CO2 emissions; 0% energy consumption, with LEED Platinum certification and Green Certification), with 2,100 m2 for researching related to efficiency energy buildings and agrofood (nutrition, food and dietary laboratories).
The Cátedra de Micologia started in 2007 for the promotion of fungi as a social, scientific, ecological and economic wealth. In the Cátedra, various public and private social and scientific sectors participate in an original and innovative way. By virtue of its constitution, it forms a permanent institution where the board of directors comprises a group of professors and researchers of said university together with representatives of the Provincial Council of Palencia. This group of experts is responsible for achieving the completion of multiple investigations, technical work, studies and other activities. Professors and researchers from the University of Valladolid, the IUFOR (University Institute of Sustainable Forest Management Research) and several technological companies specialized in applied mycology based in Palencia are included.