The centres of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) are committed to fighting the COVID-19 epidemic through generous social initiatives and a number of scientific research projects being undertaken to fight coronavirus.
3D printer producing protection masks at ICIQ
BIST centres including the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), the Institute for High Energy Physics (IFAE), and the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) have donated gloves, masks, protective goggles, sanitizing gel, alcohol, booties, and lab coats. This essential equipment is now being used at hospitals and clinics in Catalonia including Hospital del Mar, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, and Hospital Vall d’Hebron, among others.
ICIQ, CRG, and IFAE have also begun using their 3D printers to produce essential equipment needed during this difficult time. ICIQ is producing supports for face shields, CRG is helping make personal protective equipment, and IFAE is manufacturing 3D printed components for ventilators and other medical equipment. More information about 3D printing initiatives in Barcelona, including details for those interested in participating, can be found here.
Three scientific projects have also been launched at BIST centres in order to fight coronavirus, with at least six more currently being organized and expected to launch soon. More details about these can be found on our dedicated Coronavirus Research Page.
To keep up to date on the latest initiatives at BIST, we encourage you to follow us and the BIST centres on social media, and check out website often for updates.