The research in applied geology aims at an improved understanding of the (hydro)mechanical and geochemical interactions between the geological sub-surface materials and the design of complex interventions of men on the system Earth (contamination of soil and rock, engineering civil projects and architectural works, environmental geotechnics,...).
Applied mineralogy includes research which is aimed specifically at understanding and solving problems which are related to the physical and chemical properties of minerals and materials. The research includes the complete spectrum of exploration and exploitation of ores and industrial minerals, construction materials and their raw materials and moreover all secondary rest products of current and historical mining and metallurgical processes.