F. Pelayo García de Arquer honored by the Banc Sabadell Foundation

The Banc Sabadell Foundation has recognized ICFO Prof. F. Pelayo García de Arquer with the 10th Prize for Science and Engineering, and ICREA Prof. at UPF, Marc Güell Cargol, with the 21st Biomedical Research Prize. With these awards, the Banc Sabadell Foundation reaffirms its commitment to promoting scientific talent and excellence in research, highlighting projects capable of responding to some of today's major challenges, such as the energy transition and the development of new biomedical therapies.

Nanomaterials for clean energy technologies and decarbonization

The 10th Banc Sabadell Foundation Prize for Science and Engineering went to ICFO Prof. Pelayo García de Arquer for his scientific contributions to the development of nanomaterials and quantum dots for optoelectronics, as well as to the development of electrochemistry techniques. The jury highlighted his “extraordinary impact on the international scientific community and his contributions in the field of technology transfer in areas as critical and socially relevant as decarbonization”, underscoring his “vision, leadership, and ability to create and energize multidisciplinary teams.”

His research, which lies at the intersection of photonics, materials science, and engineering, has driven new technologies key to decarbonization, ranging from high-efficiency solar cells to systems for converting CO₂ into industrially valuable products or generating green hydrogen.

His work stands out for its ability to translate fundamental science into real technological solutions, as well as for his leadership of multidisciplinary teams and international consortia focused on sustainable development.

“Our day-to-day work focuses on answering questions to understand why certain chemical processes do or don’t work, and using that information to try to design materials that improve these chemical transformations. The most tangible impact of our research could mean that the price of the weekly grocery basket no longer depends on a war in the Middle East. Our technology would make it possible to generate fuels and materials for global use from renewable, widely available resources such as sunlight and air.” explains García de Arquer.

Gene therapy with potential impact on human health

Marc Güell Cargol has been awarded the 21st Banc Sabadell Foundation Prize for Biomedical Research for his pioneering contributions to synthetic biology and genetic engineering, work that the jury highlighted for its potential to develop gene-editing technologies, microbiome-based therapies, and new safe sources of organs for transplantation. A pioneer in applying biology to create new molecular principles and technologies, he has driven advances in genome writing, microbiome therapies, and the generation of organs for transplantation.

Scientific excellence with potential social impact

“Both award winners share a distinctive trait: their ability to combine frontier research with real-world applications in industry and society. From the fight against climate change to the revolution in personalized medicine, their work exemplifies the transformative role of science in economic and social progress.” said Josep Oliu, chairman of Banc Sabadell and its Foundation.

The Banc Sabadell Foundation Prizes annually recognize the excellence of young researchers whose contributions stand out both for their scientific quality and their potential social impact. They also differ from other awards in that they are granted at an early stage of the researchers' careers, a fact that represents a decisive boost to their scientific and social standing. Since their creation, these two prizes, together with the Banc Sabadell Foundation Prizes for Economic Research and for Marine Sustainability, have recognized nearly sixty researchers who today are leading professionals in their fields of expertise.

The awards ceremony will take place on July 7 at the Banc Sabadell’s Corporate Center in Sant Cugat del Vallès, in an event that will bring together authorities, researchers honored in previous editions, and executives and prominent figures from the scientific and business communities.

Jury of the 21st Banc Sabadell Foundation Prize for Biomedical Research

The prize jury is chaired by Dr. Óscar Marín and composed of Dr. Eduard Batlle, Dr. Amparo Cano, Dr. Ángel Carracedo, Dr. Isabel Fariñas, Dr. Borja Ibáñez, Dr. Núria Malats, Dr. Pura Muñoz, Dr. Manuel Palacín, Dr. Francisco Sánchez-Madrid, and Dr. María Luisa Toribio.

Jury of the 10th Banc Sabadell Foundation Prize for Science and Engineering

The prize jury is chaired by Dr. Lluís Torner and composed of Dr. Xavier Barcons, Dr. Avelino Corma, Dr. Anna Fontcuberta, Dr. Maria Pau Ginebra, Dr. Rolf Tarrach, Dr. Carme Torras, Dr. Maria Vallet-Regí, and Dr. Enrique Zuazua.