Centro di GeoTecnologie (Geotechnology Center) is the center of the University of Siena for applied geological research, aimed at development and higher professional education.

CGT is headquartered in San Giovanni Valdarno, a town in the heart of Tuscany, not far from Florence, Siena and Arezzo, between Chianti and the Pratomagno mountain range. The headquarters is located in a historic industrial plant of 1905.

CGT aims at a better targeting of applied scientific research, integrated with university and business realities.

CGT aims to deliver a concrete answer to the growing demand for research and training both for the computerized management of the territory and for the solution of environmental problems, through the development and application of GeoTechnologies.

We at CGT believe in the application of geology and its potential to further broaden the knowledge of the territory and contribute to its environmentally friendly growth.

We sharpen individual skills and train professionals who will support companies and public bodies in the choices regarding territory investments, protection acts and enhancement of natural resources.

We bring together skills, resources and energy under the common commitment of safeguarding the land and the environment.

Our continuing commitment prioritizes paying heed to the needs and voicing ideas that will bring to life concrete projects in collaboration with companies, professionals and bodies in charge of the management and development of the territory.

We cover Geomatics, Geophysics and Hydrogeology, Geotechnics and Geoengineering in a variety of ways, from professional courses to master’s degrees, from labs to fieldwork.

2002 – The Start

Founded in July 2002, CGT initially started off as a “Centre for Applied Geological Research and for high Professional Training”, with the main building being erected on an old dismissed glass factory. Teaching activity first began with the academic offer of a bachelor degree course in Geotechnology and professional courses in GIS and Remote Sensing, while renovation of the premises was still in progress.

2003-2004 – Consolidation

These were the years when the current premises and the university college were being completed. In the summer of 2004, the center is fully operational and the majority of the laboratories start their activities. The 2nd level degree course in Applied Geology, the master’s degree course in GIS and Remote Sensing and internship and research agreements with many institutions and companies are activated.

2005-2007 – Development

CGT grows: during the 2006-07 academic year, two undergraduate courses, three master’s courses and numerous advanced courses are held. Continuing professional education for professionals is developed. Research and consultancy activities are consolidated with activities abroad (Senegal, Tanzania, Vietnam). The student population grows to over 300. CGT becomes the seat of the Documentation Center of the Italian Geological Society.

2008-2010 – Innovation

These are the years when CGT obtains quality certifications and patronage from numerous scientific and trade associations, confirming it as one of the most advanced and innovative national reference points for research, higher education, and continuing education in the field of land management and environmental monitoring.

2010 – TODAY

CGT is the largest Italian organisation of applied geological research and postgraduate training in this field. In 2011 it signed an agreement with the Italian UNESCO Club Foundation for the establishment of the Training and Research Institute of the Italian Federation of UNESCO Clubs and Centers at CGT.