Next Saturday, May 24, IRB Barcelona will open its doors again to share the science we do with society. We invite you to discover, experiment and enjoy a day full of science, excitement and collective talent.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Presentation
Following the success of previous editions, the IRB Barcelona Open Day returns with a refreshed format:
A morning full of activities for families and children (11:00 – 14:30)
An afternoon designed for the adult audience and research lovers (15:00 – 19:00)
As always, the focus of the event is the work carried out by our Research Groups, Core Facilities, and staff. The programme includes science workshops, an Escape Room, short talks, science cafés, shows, and guided tours of research labs – all designed to give the public a hands-on experience of science.
The day will close with a solidarity concert organised by Ràdio Pati, featuring guest artists and a pay-what-you-can ticket system, with all proceeds going to support biomedical research.
The Open Day is made possible thanks to the collective effort of IRB Barcelona's scientific and administrative staff, and other friends of the centre who participate voluntarily.
👉 The full programme is now available, and you can sign up to secure your spot for activities with limited capacity!
Morning for families (11:00 - 14:30)
🔬 Hands-on Workshops – 11:00 to 14:00 (Outdoor tents)
Lab experiments for children: DNA extraction, colour chemistry, fly observation, scientific ice cream, and more!
Five simultaneous workshops open to all ages (recommended for ages 5–12).

🧩 Scientific Escape Room – 4 sessions between 11:00 and 14:00 (Dolors Aleu Room)
FULLY BOOKED
Step into the shoes of a scientist and try to stop cancer metastasis within a limited time! Join one of five Escape Room sessions and tackle the challenge as a team. Ready to give it a go?

🧬 Guided Lab Tours – 3 time slots: 11:00, 12:00 and 13:00
FULLY BOOKED
Explore the inside of our research labs with our volunteer staff.
Small groups (15 people) to ensure a safe and close-up experience.

🗣️ Science Snacks – 12:00 to 13:30 (Snacks Tent)
Ten-minute talks by young researchers on various scientific topics.

🎭 Concert by Amanda Álvaro and The Crab Apples – 13:30 to 14:30 (Main Stage)
A musical event organised by Ràdio Pati, featuring The Crab Apples and Amanda Álvaro. Donations are welcome through a pay-what-you-can system to support biomedical research. Open to all – a lively way to wrap up the morning session!

Lunch Break
If all these activities work up your appetite... stay for lunch at our food truck!
☕ Afternoon – For adults (15:00 – 18:00)
🧬 Guided Lab Tours – 3 time slots: 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00
FULLY BOOKED
A unique chance to see how scientific research is done. Themed tours in small groups (15 people), guided by research staff.

🧩 Scientific Escape Room – 15:00 to 18:00 (Dolors Aleu Room)
FULLY BOOKED
Take on the challenge to stop cancer metastasis. Join one of five team sessions and test your scientific problem-solving skills.

🗣️ Science Snacks – 15:30 to 18:00 (Snacks Tent)
Six short talks on current science topics, with a break for a roundtable discussion.

☕ Science Cafés – 15:30 to 18:00 (Fèlix Serratosa Room)
FULLY BOOKED
Informal discussions with four senior IRB scientists about their research areas. 30-minute sessions in small groups.

🧠 Round table on autism research – 16:30 to 17:30 (Main stage)
Discover the latest scientific advances and hear perspectives from medical professionals, researchers, and affected families.
- Dra. Mercedes Serrano
Paediatric neurologist at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu - Marta Ribot
President of the Aliats amb l’Autisme Foundation - Dr. Raúl Méndez
Group Leader at IRB Barcelona
Moderated by science journalist Josep Corbella (La Vanguardia)

🎶 Closing Concert – 18:00 to 18:40 (Main Stage)
A fun finale with the IRB Rock Band. Enjoy music and good vibes from our most musical researchers!

📅 Save the date... and stay tuned for updates!
Join us on Saturday 24 May and book your place for activities with limited capacity. Everyone at the centre is working hard to make this a memorable day from start to finish.
Mark your calendar and follow us on social media so you don’t miss a thing:
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday 24 May for a day full of science, creativity, and discovery!
Get a sneak peek in the video below!
Venue
Entrance: IRB Barcelona Parc Científic de Barcelona Edifici Cluster-II
C/ Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028 Barcelona
Metro: Green line (L3) Palau Reial or Blue line (L5) Collblanc.
Car Park: PCB Parking
Register
Registration is now closed
However, we encourage you to come on Saturday, May 24th because there are many activities open to everyone: workshops, talks, shows, and concerts!
Go to the registration tent and ask if any spots have become available for the Guided Lab Tours, Scientific Escape Room, or Science Cafes. With a bit of luck, you might also be able to enjoy these activities!