GEOTEC in the media
As academic researchers, our three main activities are performing research, providing teaching/training and disseminating our work.
GEOTEC – the GeoSpatial Technologies research group – performs cutting-edge research in geospatial and related technologies, applied to various application fields. As such, we have research lines in Internet of Things (e.g., COIOTIA), mobility, digital health (e.g., SYMPTOMS), smart cities (e.g., NextCity), agriculture, and others, which are funded through competitive European, national or local research projects. Evidence of our research efforts can be found in scientific journals, where we have published in most top journals in our field.
For teaching and training, next to “regular” teaching in the university’s bachelors and masters, we are increasingly involved in teaching and training projects, predominantly under the European Erasmus+ framework. These projects focus on teaching innovation, outreach activities towards specific focus groups (e.g., secondary school students, women in STEM, vocational training, etc.), reskilling and upskilling activities, etc. Representative examples are the SpaceSuite project, where we investigate market needs and develop curricula and training modules for reskilling and upskilling professionals for the space downstream sector, and the SUCRE project, where we promote science for high school children through computational thinking and programming.
Finally, but not less importantly, dissemination focuses on letting the public know what we are doing. Next to scientific publications, which focus on the scientific community, we are also committed to informing the general public about our scientific and educational advances. Over the last two years, thanks to our cutting-edge research and training activities, GEOTEC has been receiving significant media attention, ranging from local and regional newspapers and radio stations to national tv coverage.
As 2026 has just kicked off, we take a moment to reflect on the media attention we received over the past two years.
The SyMptOMS Project – Mobile solutions for Mental Health
The SyMptOMS project, a cooperation between the GEOTEC and LABPSITEC research groups, focuses on developing innovative mobile mental health solutions. Generally speaking, we are investigating how sensor and geospatial technologies can be leveraged to improve mobile mental health interventions, and how technology-based mental health interventions can innovate treatment delivery.
SYMPTOMS-JIT: sensor-based smartphone-guided exposure therapy for anxiety disorder.
In this research line, led by Sven Casteleyn and Carlos Granell, a mobile and smartwatch application were developed that systematically and timely collect quantitative (i.e., sensor data, such as GPS coordinates or hearth rate) and qualitative data (i.e., through short questionnaires about the patient’s mental state) from a patient. As such, the app tracks the patient’s whereabouts and encourages him/her to do a so-called “exposure” when a feared situation is detected (previously configured by the therapist, based on location). If the patient agrees, he/she is then guided through the exposure by the SYMPTOMS-JIT mobile app, using step-by-step instructions and multimedia therapeutic content delivery, based on his/her behavior and mental state (e.g., determine how long to stay, remind coping mechanisms, propose exercises, allow an escape, etc.). Therapists can visualize the exposures, together with all data collected from the patient, through a monitoring web application.
SYMPTOMS-JIT was featured in the following national, regional and local media:
- A Punt – SyMptOMS-JIT, just-in-time intervention for anxiety disorder (15-10-2025)
Regional television station (Comunidad Valenciana).A television interview where GEOTEC and LABPSITEC researchers explain the SYMPTOMS-JIT tools: the mobile and smartwatch app for patients and the monitoring application for therapists.
https://www.apuntmedia.es/programes/connexio-cv/complets/video-15-10-2025-connexio-cv-segona-part_134_1821832.html (starting at 21:00)
- AMTAES – Queres participar en un estudio sobre ansiedad? (December 2025)
National association for people affected by anxiety disorders.This article informs the public and recruit patients for the Randomized Controlled Trial, which aims to show the efficacy of the mobile-based SYMPTOMS treatment.
https://amtaes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Diciembre 2025_101_AMTAES_METAMORFOSIS.pdf (page 7)
- AlumniSAUJI. Vols participar en un estudi sobre ansietat? Labpsitec i Geotec de l’UJI ofereixen tractament psicològic GRATUÏT basat en l’evidència científica (6 October 2025)
AlumniSAUJI, UJI alumni network, on its social networks, press releases and radio programme.Recruitment article for patients to participate in the Randomized Controlled Trial, which aims to demonstrate the efficacy of the mobile-based SYMPTOMS treatment.
https://www.uji.es/serveis/alumnisauji/base/noticies-arxiu/2025/ANSIETAT
- Castelló 24 – El projecte SyMptOMS del grup GEOTEC desenvoluparà solucions per a trastorns de salut mental mitjançant dispositius mòbils. (17 September 2025)
Regional television station (province of Castellón).
In this television interview, researchers of GEOTEC and LABPSITEC explain the ideas behind the SYMPTOMS research line, and focus on the SYMPTOMS-JIT application to guide anxiety patients through exposure sessions.

- El Periodico Mediterráneo, Terapia gratuïta a l’UJI contra la ansietat: vol participar? (17 Jun 2025)
Regional newspaper
Article to inform about the possibility to join the Randomized Controlled Trial for SYMPTOMS-JIT, and receive free treatment for anxiety disorder.
https://www.elperiodicomediterraneo.com/castello-provincia/2025/06/17/terapia-gratuita-a-luji-contra-la-ansietat-vol-participar-118684392.html - UJI newsletter – Vols ajudar a la recerca en salut mental participant en un estudi sobre els trastorns d’ansietat? (May 2025)
University newsletter
Recruitment article for patients to participate in the Randomized Controlled Trial, which aims to demonstrate the efficacy of the mobile-based SYMPTOMS treatment.
https://www.uji.es//serveis/scp/base/adscp/enviaments/2025/maig/12/#1098643634
Horizon Resilience: a serious game to treat depression
Under the SYMPTOMS umbrella, and as part of her doctoral research, Águeda Gómez Cambronero, supervised by Sven Casteleyn (Geospatial Technologies Group, GEOTEC) and Adriana Mira Pastor (Psychology and Technology Lab, LabPsiTec), created Horizon: Resilience, an innovative smartphone-based serious game designed to aid in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Horizon: Resilience is a city-builder game, whereby cognitive behavioral therapy techniques are interwoven into the gameplay. By playing the game, associating with the main character and helping him to build up a new life in a new city and facing the difficulties this entails, the player is taught coping mechanisms and thought processes to deal with depression. The game also promotes and integrates physical activity, known to be beneficial when dealing with depression, into the gameplay.
Horizon: Resilience was features in national television and radio, and in various regional and local media:
- RUVID – Serious Game for Depression Support (22.01.2024)
Scientific outlet.
https://ruvid.org/videojuego-para-el-tratamiento-de-la-sintomatologia-depresiva-leve-o-moderada/ - El Mundo – Serious Game Against Depression (22.01.2024)

National press.
https://castellonaldia.elmundo.es/castellon/educacion/un-videojuego-contra-la-depresion-BC18294317
- Salud Digital (ConSalud.es) (24.01.2024)
National health technology media.
- UJI News – Thesis Defense (23.01.2024)
University news. Reports on the defense of Gómez’s PhD on serious games and therapy.
https://www.uji.es/com/investigacio/arxiu/noticies/2024/1/tesis-videojocs/ - RTVE Radio – Mental Health Games (23.01.2024)
National radio. Discusses serious games as a tool for digital interventions using adaptive gameplay.
https://www.rtve.es/play/audios/comunidad-valenciana-informativos/juegos-digitales-contra-depresion-23-1-24/15930871/ - El País – Games for Anxiety and Depression (01.03.2024)
National feature. The article discusses how video games are emerging as a promising therapeutic tool for mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
It highlights Horizon: Resilience as an example of a game designed with a therapeutic purpose rather than pure entertainment.
https://elpais.com/proyecto-tendencias/2024-03-01/los-videojuegos-un-apoyo-prometedor-para-tratar-trastornos-como-la-ansiedad-o-la-depresion.html - Agencia EFE – Spain’s First PhD in Game Design for Mental Health (22.01.2024)
National agency. Focuses on Agueda’s doctoral work combining participatory design and clinical testing.
https://andaluciagame.andaluciainformacion.es/andalucia-game/1511054/la-salud-mental-el-desafio-de-la-primera-doctora-de-diseno-de-videojuegos-de-espana/ - RTVE – La Aventura del Saber Interview (21.02.2024)

National TV. La Aventura del Saber is one of Spain’s longest-running and most respected educational television programs. Águeda Gómez Cambronero was recognized as the first Spanish woman to earn a PhD in Game Design and presented her innovative video game designed to raise awareness and support for people experiencing depression.
https://www.rtve.es/play/videos/la-aventura-del-saber/21-02-24/15979561/
- À Punt – Som de Casa Segment (13.02.2024)
Regional TV. Interview about participatory game design for therapy and education.
https://www.apuntmedia.es/programes/som-de-casa/programes-complets/13-02-2024-som-casa_134_1683329.html
- La Panderola – Local TV Interview (21.12.2023)
Local TV. Discusses doctoral work and innovation in serious games at GEOTEC.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clil3oQpZIM

- Cadena SER – Educational Games (31.01.2024)
Regional radio. Shares insights on motivation and learning through adaptive games.
https://cadenaser.com/castillalamancha/2024/01/31/una-conquense-pionera-en-hacer-divertidos-los-videojuegos-de-aprendizaje-ser-cuenca/ - Onda Cero – UJI Divulga (22.02.2024)
Podcast series by the Universitat Jaume I’s science outreach platform. Águeda Gómez Cambronero and Sven Casteleyn discussed her project.
- Aragón Radio – La Buena Vida Interview (22.03.2024)
Regional radio. Discusses clinical applications and interdisciplinary approaches.
https://www.cartv.es/aragonradio/podcast/emision/la-buena-vida-de-18h-a-19h-22-03-2024 - PlazaPodcast – Game Design for Health (13.03.2024)
Online podcast. In Plaza al Día, a Valencia Plaza podcast covering various topics under the responsibility of Ediciones Plaza, Águeda Gómez Cambronero presented her mobile game to support treatment for mild to moderate depression. The interview highlights its therapeutic potential and that further funding is needed to bring it into clinical practice.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2P3UBPs4Nqb4AYn7Jx5FdI?si=VJu8mxP2QUyqSr0CGncfOg - Refugio 101 – Student Podcast on Game Research (22.12.2023)
Student-led podcast from Universitat Jaume I focused on video game news, research, and analysis. Águeda Gómez Cambronero shares her journey toward becoming a researcher in this field and highlights how pursuing an academic path in game design is not only possible, but increasingly relevant and impactful
https://open.spotify.com/episode/70citqycnWyJCkN3Cb1GRh?si=6a81c709ada74861 - Voces de Cuenca – Interview on Educational Games (24.12.2023)
Local outlet. Explores the educational potential of interactive games.
https://www.vocesdecuenca.com/culturayvida/los-videojuegos-son-una-herramienta-educativa-muy-poderosa/
- Valencia Plaza – Spain’s first PhD in Game Design (21.01.2024)
Regional media outlet. The article highlights Águeda Gómez Cambronero’s academic journey and her development of Horizon Resilience.
https://valenciaplaza.com/valenciaplaza/salud-mental-desafio-primera-doctora-diseno-videojuegos-espana
IoT and Artificial Intelligence – CoAIoT Project
GEOTEC is leading cutting-edge developments combining IoT and AI in smart platforms. The CoAIoT project, led by Sergi Trilles, who recently received a Leonardo Grant from the BBVA Foundation, aims to decentralize data analysis through community-shared micromodels and edge computing. Here are the relevant media appearances:
- Onda Cero – Interview with Sergi Trilles (19.12.2024)
Local radio interview. The Onda Cero program is part of “UJI Divulga”, a science outreach series from Universitat Jaume I, in this interview Sergi Trilles emphasizes the social and technological impact of integrating IoT networks with edge AI, accelerating real-time, distributed problem-solving.
https://www.ondacero.es/emisoras/comunidad-valenciana/castellon/eventos/uji-divulga/entrevista-sergi-trilles-olive-investigador-geotec_202412196764121daf21750001fbab16.html - ABC – BBVA Leonardo Grants 2024 (23.07.2024)
National press. Announces Trilles as one of 58 researchers awarded in a highly competitive national grant program.
https://www.abc.es/sociedad/fundacion-bbva-elige-nuevos-leonardos-investigacion-cientifica-20240723130737-nt.html - Article – IoT and AI Integration Platform

- RUVID (25.07.2024)
Scientific outlet.
https://ruvid.org/sergi-trilles-creara-una-plataforma-que-vinculara-el-iot-y-la-ia/ - Vive Castellón (25.07.2024)
Local news.
https://www.vivecastellon.com/noticiario/el-investigador-sergi-trilles-creara-una-plataforma-que-vinculara-el-internet-de-las-cosas-y-la-inteligencia-artificial-44951.html - Castellón Plaza – IoT and AI Platform Development (25.07.2024)
Regional news.
https://castellonplaza.com/castellonplaza/un-investigador-de-luji-creara-una-plataforma-per-a-vincular-la-iot-amb-la-intel-ligencia-artificial
Digital Twin for Urban Sustainability – Lisbon Project
Under the NextCity project, led for UJI by Joaquín Huerta, GEOTEC contributes to a European initiative to build a digital twin of Lisbon, integrating geospatial data and simulations to enhance urban resilience and sustainability planning.
The following article was features in the media:
- RUVID – Lisbon Digital Twin (07.11.2024)

Scientific outlet. Describes GEOTEC’s contribution to a simulation framework that supports climate resilience and urban water risk management.
https://ruvid.org/el-init-uji-participa-en-el-diseno-de-un-gemelo-digital-en-lisboa-para-transformarla-en-una-ciudad-inteligente-y-sostenible/
Academic Training – Erasmus Mundus Program
Led by Joaquín Huerta for UJI, GEOTEC coordinates the Erasmus Mundus MSc in Geospatial Technologies, an internationally recognized program focused on geoinformatics and smart city applications.
- El Periódico Mediterráneo – Graduate Interview (30.04.2024)

Regional press publication. Features Laura Milena Muñoz discussing the Erasmus Mundus Master’s quality and international outlook.
https://www.uji.es/com/revista/base/2024/04/30/noticiesuji/2/1.pdf
SUCRE program – Pre-university outreach and education
Led by Carlos Granell and Sergi Trilles, SUCRE promotes computational thinking and hands-on programming through collaborative learning activities that combine IoT devices, sensors, and actuators, bringing real-world technology into classrooms and fostering early STEM vocations.
- Castellón Plaza – SUCRE STEM Workshops to Promote Computational Thinking (14.11.2025) Regional news.
https://castellonplaza.com/castellonplaza/un-investigador-de-luji-creara-una-plataforma-per-a-vincular-la-iot-amb-la-intel-ligencia-artificial - Castellón Plaza – UJI (and SUCRE) Joins the STEAM Alliance to Foster Female Talent in Science and Technology (01.12.2025)
Regional news.
https://castellonplaza.com/castellonplaza/educacion2/la-uji-se-incorpora-a-la-alianza-steam-para-fomentar-el-talento-femenino-en-ciencia-y-tecnologia
- Posted by geoadmin
- On 21 January, 2026
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