Open day 2026

30 May 26

Open Doors

On Saturday, May 30, IRB Barcelona once again opens its doors to share the science we do with the whole community. This year, we’re also celebrating IRB Barcelona’s 20th anniversary with the entire city!

Come discover, experiment, and enjoy a day full of science, excitement, and collective talent.

Presentation

We are delighted to once again share our Open Day with the public.

The main highlight of the day will, of course, be the science we carry out at IRB Barcelona. We’ve prepared a programme full of activities for all audiences: scientific workshops, an escape room, short talks, science cafés, guided tours of research laboratories, and a special show to celebrate our 20th anniversary. Everything is designed so you can experience science from the inside. Some activities require prior registration.

The day will close with a performance by the most scientific rock band: the IRB Rock Band, made up entirely of scientists from the institute.

The Open Day is made possible thanks to the collective effort of IRB Barcelona’s scientific and administrative staff, as well as collaborators and friends of the centre who participate voluntarily.

👉 Check the full programme below and register for activities with limited capacity to secure your place.

Download the programme here.

🔬 Science fair with workshops – 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM (Outdoor tents)

Various simultaneous workshops open to all ages: DNA extraction, chemistry, the embryo’s journey, scientific ice cream, and much more!

🧬 Guided lab visits – 3 sessions for adults: 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM; and 2 for children: 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM

Reservation required

Discover the inside of research laboratories accompanied by volunteer staff.

Small groups (14 people) to ensure a close and safe experience.

☕ Science Cafés – 3 time slots: 11:00 AM (two sessions), 12:30 PM (two sessions), 1:30 PM (one session) (Fèlix Serratosa Room and Sala de Juntes Room)

Reservation required

Informal conversations with 5 senior IRB scientists about their research lines.
30-minute sessions in small groups.

11:00 - Colorectal cancer and metastasis with Dr. Eduard Batlle
11:00 - Breast cancer and metastasis with Dr. Teresa Blasco
12:30 - Animal models in research with Dr. Marco Milán
12:30 - DNA sequencing with Dr. Toni Gabaldón
1:30 - Inflammation and cancer with Dr. Direna Alonso

🧠 Round Table on Aging – 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM (Main stage)

A discussion on ageing led by senior IRB scientists Dr. Alejo Rodríguez-Fraticelli and Dr. Antonio Zorzano, moderated by science journalist and Ara science coordinator Cristina Sáez.

What happens to our bodies as we age? How can we age healthily?

🎲 Scientific Escape Room – 4 sessions: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Laboratory)

Reservation required

A mission to solve puzzles inside an IRB Barcelona lab and learn about the stages of cancer.

🎭 Science Show: Celebrating 20 Years! – 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM (Main stage)

A science show led by science communicator Dani Jiménez from the organisation Creaciència to celebrate IRB Barcelona’s 20th anniversary. Open to everyone—a great way to end the morning with energy and smiles

🗣️ Science Snacks – 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM (Snacks Tent)

Dynamic 10-minute micro-talks by young researchers.

🎶 Closing Concert – 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Main stage)

A final celebration with the IRB Rock Band—made up entirely of IRB Barcelona scientists!

IRB OPEN DAY-5002 Concierto IRB Rock Band

📅 Register to the Open Day… and stay tuned for updates!

To ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy the activities, each participant may register for a maximum of 2 activities requiring prior booking. If this limit is exceeded, we reserve the right to modify the reservation.

Please note that there are many other activities that do not require prior registration, such as the round table, the science show or the science fair.

If you are unable to attend a booked activity, please cancel your reservation so that someone else can take your place. In case of full capacity, the form will give you the option to join a waiting list.

To access the event, it is essential to complete the registration and show the QR code from the registration form at the registration desk.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, May 30, for a day full of science, creativity, and discovery!