Origins and establishment
The Institute for Research in Engineering (INII) of the University of Costa Rica is one of the nine units that make up the Faculty of Engineering and carries out its activities mainly in coordination with the Office of the Vice-Rector for Research. Its creation arose from the need identified by the Faculty Advisory Council for an entity capable of addressing, in a systematic and comprehensive manner, highly complex technical problems in engineering, architecture, informatics, and computing. This initiative became a reality in 1979, when the University Council approved the regulations establishing INII in Article 30 of session 2624, held on September 24 of that year.
Structure and evolution
In its operational structure, INII has a Directorate, a Deputy Directorate, an Advisory Council and, since 2004, a Scientific Council. These bodies are responsible for defining the Institute's strategic, scientific, and administrative guidelines. Throughout its history, INII has consolidated an interdisciplinary scope that includes the study of agroforestry resources, earthquake engineering, metrology and quality assurance, maritime engineering and meteo-oceanographic processes, as well as robotics and control engineering.
Research units
Forest Resources Unit (ReForesta)
Its oldest unit is the Forest Products Laboratory (LPF), established in 1967 as the country's first wood laboratory. Its facilities, located in the Faculty of Engineering, were also an important setting in the development of INII. In 2013, the laboratory evolved and adopted its current name, the Forest Resources Unit (ReForesta), broadening its scope. ReForesta currently conducts research focused on the sustainable use of agroforestry resources through an interdisciplinary approach involving engineering, biotechnology, and forest ecology, with impact on productive, environmental, and social sectors throughout Costa Rica.
Earthquake Engineering Laboratory (LIS)
The Earthquake Engineering Laboratory (LIS) was created in 1989 and became the only laboratory in Costa Rica and Central America devoted exclusively to earthquake engineering. Its work includes recording seismic activity using accelerographs and conducting research to understand the effects of earthquakes on structures and soils, contributing to risk reduction and disaster prevention.
Research and Measurement Solutions Unit (METRIKÕ)
The Metrology, Standardization and Quality Laboratory (LABCAL) was founded in 1993 as an institutional laboratory focused on metrological control, accreditation, and quality management. In 2019, it evolved and adopted its current name, the Research and Measurement Solutions Unit (METRIKÕ), expanding its scope toward strengthening the national metrology infrastructure through the development of methods, equipment, and technical capabilities. Its work contributes to competitiveness, measurement traceability, and consumer protection in productive, health, trade, and environmental sectors.
Maritime, River and Estuary Engineering Unit (iMARES)
The Maritime and River Engineering Laboratory was created in 2005 and evolved in 2014 into the Maritime, River and Estuary Engineering Unit (iMARES). This unit specializes in the study of maritime climate and meteo-oceanographic dynamics along the Costa Rican coast through measurements and numerical and physical modeling. Its research supports the design of solutions for the sustainable management and protection of coastal and marine areas.
ARCOS-Lab and CERLab
The Autonomous Robots and Cognitive Systems Research Laboratory (ARCOS-Lab) and the Control Engineering Research Laboratory (CERLab) were founded in 2012 within the School of Electrical Engineering and joined INII in 2018. These units conduct research in robotics and control systems, focusing on automation, intelligent systems, and safe interaction between technology and people.
Together, these units reflect the evolution of INII as an interdisciplinary research environment that connects knowledge, technology, and social impact in support of national development.
Support units
Design and Audiovisual Support Center (CEDAA)
The Institute also includes the Design and Audiovisual Support Center (CEDAA), which originated in 1978 from an Educational Technology Unit of the School of Mechanical Engineering. Its administration was later assumed by INII, expanding its services to the different schools of the Faculty of Engineering and especially to the laboratories attached to the Institute. CEDAA supports research, teaching, social action, and scientific outreach through the design of graphic and multimedia materials for fairs, seminars, lectures, continuing education courses, and other dissemination activities organized by INII and the University.
Documentation and Information Center (CEDI)
INII also includes the Documentation and Information Center (CEDI), created in 1978 under the Office of the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and incorporated into the Institute in 1981. CEDI facilitates access to specialized information in engineering, architecture, informatics, and computing, contributing to teaching, research, and academic development.
