The Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA) is a research centre established in October 2006 by the Generalitat de Catalunya (the Catalan Autonomous Government) within the framework of the Research Centres Network Programme (CERCA) which has the following aims:

To develop research, knowledge transfer and innovation projects related to all aspects of the complete cycle of water and its management.

To train researchers and technicians highly specialized in the field of water.

The institute aims to undertake high quality research of international significance by attracting talented scientists who will aim to place the centre amongst the leading research institutions.

It is hoped that the ICRA will become a meeting point both for public and private organizations working in water research and management, and for researchers with the society at large.