The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria was set up in May 1989. There are more than 1,500 lecturers at the ULPGC carrying out important research work under the auspices of the University's 161 research groups, some of which are leaders in their field at an international level. There are also research centres and University Research Institutes. The ULPGC currently leads 286 research projects. The geographical location of the Canary Islands enables the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to share scientific projects, interact with and carry out collaborations with universities and research centres all over the world. The ULPGC's leading research fields include computer, telecommunications and electronic technology; medical science and technology; economics; marine science; development cooperation; renewable energies; environmental conservation and tourism.