GeoBioTec has been created in 2007 by merging two pre-existing research units (ELMAS – Evolução Litosférica e Meio Ambiental de Superfície, and MIA-Minerais Industriais e Argilas). Almost five years have passed since GEOBIOTEC was created with a mission to explore the geological, biological, physical and chemical processes that shape the Earth's environment, with emphasis on the role of humans as an agent of change aiming the sustainable development. GEOBIOTEC is now the largest Portuguese research unit in the field of Earth sciences, comprising 75 integrated researchers with PhD degree and 65 other researchers. GeoBioTec is dedicated to understanding the Earth as an integrative system. Its mission is to explore the geological, biological, physical and chemical processes that shape the Earth's environment, with emphasis on the role of humans as an agent of change aiming the sustainable development. Geobiotec aims to develop: a) stimulation of post-graduate research; b) strength the inter-institutional and international cooperation; c) participation in several national and international meetings; d) organization of some scientific meetings; e) promotion of advanced courses; f) diffusion of geology among non-specialists.