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.