The CERCA Institution reaffirms its commitment to feminist research that respects LGBTQ rights through the initiative “Research Without Excuses”, which highlights the need to build scientific environments free from discrimination and firmly committed to equality, diversity, and the wellbeing of all individuals.

Conducting research through a feminist lens is not optional—it is a requirement for ensuring scientific excellence. This means recognising that equality must not be postponed or sidelined, and that action is needed to confront the conscious and unconscious resistance that still persists in the form of comments, attitudes, or narratives that undermine the progress of feminism and LGBTQ rights.

Identifying Resistance to Transform Research Environments

Resistance to equality may be individual or institutional, explicit or implicit, and often hinders the implementation of measures aimed at eradicating sexual harassment and discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Acknowledging these forms of resistance is the first step in preventing them from becoming entrenched and posing a real obstacle.

Common examples found in research centres include:

• “These are not priority issues”: Gender and LGBTQ policies are often relegated to the background, lacking resources and recognition.
• “That doesn’t happen here”: The myth persists that such issues have already been overcome in academic settings.
• “It’s not that serious”: Gender-based violence is minimised, even when it is invisible yet constant.
• “It’s nothing to do with me”: Neutrality in the face of harassment contributes to its perpetuation.
• “You’re exaggerating”: Gender stereotypes undermine the legitimacy of complaints.
• “So much effort for nothing”: The burden placed on women driving equality initiatives leads to discouragement.

Overcoming Resistance and Advancing Towards Inclusive Research

To make research without excuses a reality, a profound and collective transformation is required. Key actions include:

• Assuming shared responsibility: Equality must be institutional and cross-cutting.
• Engaging in training and reflecting on privilege: It is essential to recognise personal biases and avoid reproducing discriminatory practices.
• Allocating resources to equality policies: Without time and budget, equality remains symbolic.
• Listening to and validating experiences: Support must be given to those who report inequalities.
• Promoting and sharing good practices: Collaboration between centres is vital for progress.

Through this initiative, CERCA calls on the entire scientific community to help build research spaces that are safe, inclusive, and respectful—where diversity is valued as a driver of innovation and excellence.

The document aims to provide a common theoretical foundation for CERCA centres to develop narratives within their research impact strategies.

The document outlines the terminology most frequently used by professionals in research impact assessment, acknowledging that these terms sometimes vary depending on country or practice. It therefore combines terminology used in Anglophone contexts (the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia) with that of continental Europe—particularly the Netherlands—and, most importantly, with that of the European Commission, which is key to the CERCA context.

The project, led by David Phipps, Chair of the panel of experts advising on the research impact strategy launched by I-CERCA (Research Impact Assessment Advisory Board – RIAAB), has drawn on multiple contributions, notably from Dr Paula Adam, Director of the AQUAS Research Lab. It has also included a capacity-building session for staff responsible for impact at the centres, delivered by Julie Bayley, Director of Research Impact at the University of Lincoln.

Research impact assessment has become a central criterion in major international research systems—such as the UK’s REF—and is a priority in recent European framework programmes. In Catalonia, the Science Act sets out a commitment to developing a comprehensive research impact strategy, a field in which CERCA has been training and supporting its centres for several years.

Dr Lladós, Director of the Computer Vision Centre (CVC) and Professor at UAB, succeeds Josep Samitier, Director of IBEC

Dr Josep Lladós has been elected President of the Catalan Association of Research Institutions (ACER), trustee board member of the CERCA Institution, for the next four years. The appointment was ratified on 6 October during an Extraordinary General Assembly.

A researcher with a strong commitment to knowledge transfer

Holding a PhD in Computer Science, Dr Lladós brings together a solid academic career and a clear vocation for transferring research to society. He has led over 300 scientific publications, supervised 18 doctoral theses, and spearheaded impactful projects such as the spin-off ICAR Vision Systems, later acquired by Mitek.

He also serves as the Spanish ambassador for the Time Machine Organisation, Secretary of the Executive Committee of the International Association for Pattern Recognition (IAPR), and Co-Editor-in-Chief of leading journals such as IJDAR and ELCVIA. His research in computer vision and document analysis positions him as a key contributor to both the Catalan and Spanish artificial intelligence strategies.

A new board for a new chapter

ACER’s new board of directors includes distinguished figures from across the research landscape: Maria Lois (CRAG), Francesc Posas (IRB Barcelona), Joan Comella (IRSJD), Begoña Benito (VHIR), and Vicenç Acuña (ICRA). Together, they represent the diversity and excellence of ACER’s 43 member centres, which span disciplines from social sciences to cutting-edge technologies.

The CTFC headquarters in Solsona recently hosted a new working session among the management teams of CERCA centres, “with the aim of generating synergies and sharing strategies,” in the words of Laia Pellejà, Director of I-CERCA.

In her speech, Minister Núria Montserrat talked about the Ministry of Research and Universities’ Strategic Plan. She talked about how the Science Law is being implemented and what new steps will be taken, especially those that will help centers transfer their knowledge to the business world.

Cristina Massot, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, also addressed the attendees, emphasising the CTFC’s impact, which extends far beyond its immediate surroundings.

Antoni Trasobares, the center’s director, outlined the two key pillars of the CTFC: first, excellent research in fields like biodiversity, bioeconomy, and wildfires, with a focus on European projects; and second, efficient knowledge transfer to the region through real-world applications that have an impact on the economy, society, and environment. In this regard, participants visited the Catalonia Forest Hub, which is set to open in October and is designed to expedite the utilization and recognition of local timber.

A gathering that clearly demonstrates how top-level research is also carried out from within the regions, with a global outlook and strong local roots.

The Board of Trustees of the CERCA Institution has appointed Dr Gemma Marfany Nadal as the new CERCA Ombudsperson— a key figure in ensuring compliance with the CERCA Code of Conduct, preventing potential irregularities, and fostering a trustworthy environment for the scientific community across the CERCA system.

With an outstanding academic and scientific background, Dr Marfany (Barcelona, 1963) is Professor of Genetics at the University of Barcelona (since 2020) and a specialist in molecular genetics. Her early scientific work focused on identifying novel human genes on chromosome 21 associated with Down syndrome, as well as research into Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. Over the past 20 years, her research has centred on rare diseases, particularly inherited retinal dystrophies. Her work spans both the genetic-molecular diagnosis and discovery of new genes, as well as functional gene analysis using genetically edited animal models (CRISPR).

Dr Marfany is also noted for her involvement in the field of bioethics. She is an active member of the University of Barcelona’s Bioethics and Law Observatory and the university’s Bioethics Committee (since 2009), as well as the National Bioethics Committee of Andorra (since 2024). She has represented the University of Barcelona in the League of European Research Universities (LERU), particularly in discussions regarding the use of animals in scientific research.

A renowned science communicator, she has published two popular science books on genetics, contributes regularly to digital media, and is a frequent collaborator on radio and television. She currently coordinates the Genetics course at the University of Experience, aimed at learners aged over 55.

With this appointment, the CERCA Institution reaffirms its commitment to transparency, ethics, and scientific excellence—strengthening its support for the research community in Catalonia.