The 2025 National Research Awards have once again positioned the CERCA system as one of the country’s most solid and innovative scientific pillars.

This new edition of the awards, granted by the Government and the Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation (FCRI), has recognised several individuals and projects linked to CERCA centres, reinforcing their leadership across all stages of the research process.

Luis Serrano (CRG), 2025 National Research Award

The highest distinction has been awarded to Luis Serrano, Director of the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), in recognition of his pioneering career in molecular biology, systems biology and synthetic biology. His internationally influential research has opened new paths for the development of medicines, protein design and synthetic biology.

Young Talent: joint recognition for two outstanding researchers

The National Young Talent Award has been granted ex aequo to two emerging researchers:

• Nadejda Blagorodnova Mujortova, from the Institute of Cosmos Sciences of the University of Barcelona (ICCUB), part of the Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC), recognised for her contribution to the study of the fusion and interaction of binary stars.
• Katherine Villa, ICREA Research Professor at the Institut Català d’Investigació Química (ICIQ), awarded for her work in photocatalysis and nanomaterials aimed at environmental solutions.

The ARI Project (Hospital Clínic – IDIBAPS), award for scientific philanthropy

In the philanthropy category, the award has gone to the ARI Project, led by Hospital Clínic and IDIBAPS, for its contribution to fundraising efforts to tackle cancer with advanced therapies. The project has developed an in-house CAR T therapy for patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia who had no remaining treatment options.

Other awards in the 2025 edition

• Knowledge transfer and innovation: Eurecat Foundation.
• Scientific communication: science communicator Pere Estupinyà.
• Creation of a science-based company: University of Lleida and University of Sherbrooke for the start-up UniSCool.

With 36 editions behind them, the National Research Awards continue to recognise the projects and professionals that drive the country forward, reinforcing the strategic role of Catalan research on the international stage.