The Research Unit (URT) of the Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources (IGG) is housed in the Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Physical Sciences and Earth Sciences (MIFT) of the University of Messina.

The URT is dedicated to carrying out the project: "Study and Development of Sicilian Geothermal Resources." The URT's primary objective is to strengthen geothermal research activities in Southern Italy, particularly in Sicily. It also proposes and supports advanced courses in exploration geophysics and geochemistry, and georesources, through URT staff. It also promotes projects that enable advanced research and the consolidation of research infrastructures. It also establishes a leading research group for the study of subsurface resources that can interact synergistically with all relevant scientific, political, and industrial stakeholders in Sicily and beyond, with development prospects throughout the Mediterranean region.