Since its creation in 2005, IRB Barcelona has evolved into a leading centre for fundamental biomedical research, built on a strong multidisciplinary approach that brings together scientists from different fields to better understand complex diseases. Its work combines curiosity-driven science with a growing focus on real-world impact, advancing knowledge in areas such as cancer, ageing, and metabolism while opening new avenues for diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, the Institute has developed a vibrant international community, where training, collaboration, and outreach are key, defining a model of science based on excellence, openness, and long-term vision.
20 years of IRB Barcelona
FOUNDATIONS (2005–2011)
IRB Barcelona is founded at the Parc Científic de Barcelona with a clear commitment to fundamental biomedical research, under the leadership of Drs. Joan Guinovart and Joan Massagué.
From the outset, it brings together different disciplines and an international community.
The International PhD Programme welcomes its first students, laying the foundation for a strong training environment.
Since then, it has supported hundreds of young scientists, many now leading their own research worldwide.
Training remains central to the Institute’s mission.
The Barcelona BioMed Conference series is launched to bring leading scientists to Barcelona.
With 40+ editions, it has become a recognized international forum for exchange and collaboration.
A space where ideas, disciplines, and people meet.
IRB Barcelona creates its first spin-off, marking the beginning of a long-term commitment to knowledge transfer. Today, this has grown into an ecosystem of 8 spin-offs, connecting discovery with application and society. (Omnia Molecular, iProteos, Inbiomotion, Nostrum BioDiscovery, Ona Therapeutics, Gate2Brain, Nuage Therapeutics, and ChemSift).
The Institute secures its first European projects and ERC grants.
This grows into dozens of ERC awards across all categories (Starting, Consolidator, and Advanced), reflecting sustained scientific competitiveness.
International funding becomes a key driver of growth.
IRB Barcelona receives the Severo Ochoa Excellence Award in the programme’s first call.
It has since been renewed four consecutive times (2011, 2016, 2020, 2023), reflecting sustained scientific excellence.
A defining recognition at the national level.
CONSOLIDATION (2013–2019)
The first CERCA evaluation confirms IRB Barcelona’s high performance within the Catalan research system.
The Institute is recognized for its scientific output, organization, and strategic vision.
A milestone in institutional maturity.
“Crazy About Biomedicine” is launched to inspire high-school students through direct contact with research.
Together with Open Days (starting in 2015) and other initiatives, the Institute engages hundreds of students and thousands of citizens.
Outreach becomes part of its identity.
The European Commission awards the HR Excellence in Research seal to IRB Barcelona.
This recognizes its commitment to fair recruitment, career development, and working conditions,
Capacity to attract international talent is strengthened.
IRB Barcelona becomes a founding member of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST).
An alliance of leading centres to foster collaboration and excellence.
A boost to international visibility and positioning.
Francesc Posas is appointed Director, opening a new phase for the Institute.
A period focused on consolidation, collaboration, and future-oriented research.
IRB Barcelona’s international role is strengthened.
The MetastasisChallenge is launched to rally social support of research into metastasis—the main cause of death from cancer—and to raise €5 M over the coming years.
A major step forward in mobilizing society to tackle one of cancer’s greatest challenges.
Scientific programmes are restructured around key challenges: cancer, ageing, and metabolism.
This reinforces interdisciplinarity and aligns research with major societal needs.
A clearer framework for collaboration and growth.
IMPACT & FUTURE (2020–2026)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, IRB Barcelona mobilizes its research community to contribute knowledge and expertise.
The Institute reinforces its role as a responsive and socially engaged research centre.
Fundamental science proves essential in times of crisis.
IRB Barcelona consolidates its innovation and technology transfer activity, with multiple spin-offs and growing engagement with industry. The Institute strengthens its ability to translate fundamental research into applications with societal impact. A pipeline from discovery to application takes shape.
Sustained investment in advanced technologies and core facilities expands IRB Barcelona’s research capabilities.
This effort culminates in the launch of Spain’s first end-to-end Spatial Omics Platform, integrating transcriptomics, proteomics, and imaging.
A new scale for understanding biology in its full complexity.
From a newly created institute to a leading interdisciplinary research centre in Europe, IRB Barcelona connects biology, technology, and medicine to address major health challenges.
The journey continues.
Who we are and where we come from
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Total number of projects
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Number of ERC grants
Publications
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Total number of publications
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Q1 Publications
SJR 2025
Innovation
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Technologies
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applications
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Spin-offs
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Research Agreements
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Licences
Outreach
159,000 +
Number of people reached during these 20 years
(fairs, opens days, online audience, etc.)
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Visits to IRB by primary school students
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Visits to IRB by secondary school students
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Upper secondary school students trained by CAB programme
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Teacher Workshops
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Open days