Ignacio Zapico Alonso (Zapico I.)
Associate Professor and Researcher in Applied Geomorphology, Geomorphic Rehabilitation, and Soil Degradation. Co-founder of STONE161, a UCM spin-off
I conduct my teaching, research, and knowledge-transfer activities in the fields of geomorphology, applied soil science, and environmental rehabilitation, with a particular focus on erosion processes, terrain stability, and landscape evolution in both natural and human-modified environments. My approach combines a strong scientific foundation with a clear commitment to solving real-world problems and transferring knowledge to industry and public administrations, including through STONE161, a spin-off from Complutense University of Madrid.
In my teaching, I deliver courses in Geomorphology, Applied Soil Science, and Geomorphic Rehabilitation, integrating theoretical foundations with tools and methodologies used in professional practice. My teaching aims to equip undergraduate and postgraduate students with the skills required to analyse complex geomorphological processes, interpret topographic and hydrological data, and design scientifically and technically sound solutions for environmental rehabilitation and land management.
My research focuses on the hydrological and geomorphological processes responsible for erosion and soil degradation, as well as on the design, modelling, and validation of geomorphic rehabilitation strategies. I use advanced techniques in topographic monitoring, photogrammetry, terrain-change analysis, and Landscape Evolution Models (LEMs) to assess the stability and evolution of rehabilitated landforms across different spatial and temporal scales.
These research and knowledge-transfer activities have resulted in scientific publications, software developments, patents, and new methodologies for erosion monitoring, terrain-evolution analysis, and the design of rehabilitation solutions. A central aspect of my work is translating scientific findings into tools, procedures, and solutions that can be directly applied to real-world projects.
I have participated in numerous competitive national and international research projects. At the European level, I am the Principal Investigator of the EnSMIRT Seed Funding project, developed within the Una Europa alliance together with Leiden University, KU Leuven, and the University of Bologna, and in collaboration with industry partners. The project aims to support more responsible mining practices and more sustainable land management.
At the national level, I participate in projects funded through the Spanish State R&D&I Plan in collaboration with the Autonomous University of Madrid and the University of Barcelona. My contribution focuses on topographic monitoring and geomorphological analysis to investigate how climate change and land-use change affect landscape evolution.
Knowledge transfer is one of the central pillars of my professional career. For more than ten years, I have participated in applied research projects and contracts with companies and public administrations. I also have direct experience in corporate R&D through Spain’s Torres Quevedo Programme, one of the country’s main instruments for promoting collaboration and knowledge transfer between universities and industry.
This trajectory led in 2025 to the creation of STONE161, the first spin-off from Complutense University of Madrid in the field of Earth Sciences, of which I am a co-founder. Through STONE161, we transfer knowledge and technologies related to geomorphic rehabilitation, hydrological erosion control, Landscape Evolution Models, and advanced topographic monitoring to the productive sector, with applications in mining, civil engineering, environmental rehabilitation, and land management.
My academic and professional work seeks to integrate teaching, research, innovation, and knowledge transfer in order to support more sustainable land management and provide practical solutions to real-world problems related to erosion, soil degradation, and terrain stability.
Keywords: Geomorphology, Geomorphic Reclamation/Rehabilitation, Topography, Sediment Transport, Global Change
Identificadores
- ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7454-169X
- Scholar Google Citations: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=7RiqP_sAAAAJ
- Scopus Author ID: 56576278500
- Research ID: AAQ-5092-2021
- Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ignacio-Zapico
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ignacio-zapico-alonso-48a3b82b/
Links
- STONE161: https://www.stone161.com/?lang=en
- DGDRONE: www.dgdrone.com
- Geomorphology and Fluvial Research Group (Israel): https://in.bgu.ac.il/en/humsos/fluv/Pages/GeoFluv-Home.aspx
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@STONE_161
Faculty of Geology Sciences
Department of Geodynamic, Stratigraphy and Paleontology
Associate Professor
C/ José Antonio Novais, 12
CP: 28040
Floor 5, office 18