The call, launched by the Catalan Department of Research and Universities and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), aims to promote the research of excellence, attract talent and encourage the transfer of knowledge through the construction, acquisition, rehabilitation or expansion of scientific and technologica infrastructures.
Four research infrastructure projects led by the BIST Community centres IRB Barcelona, ICFO, IBEC and CRG have been selected for funding under the 2024 Singulars Institucionals programme launched by the Generalitat de Catalunya, through its Department of Research and Universities.
The call, which will fund a total of 14 projects, is co-financed 30% by the European Union, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and 20% by the Department of Research and Universities, with beneficiary institutions contributing the remaining 50% through their own resources or other compatible funding sources.
IRB Barcelona – A new technology hub at the Antic Mercat del Peix future building
IRB Barcelona will develop TecnoInvivo, a new technological hub for pre-clinical in vivo research as part of its future headquarters at the Antic Mercat del Peix within the Ciutadella del Coneixement. The infrastructure will enable integrated, multi-scale approaches to the study of disease and ageing
While IRB Barcelona is the driving force behind the project and its main user, TecnoInvivo has a clear shared-service vocation. The hub will support research carried out by centres within the Ciutadella del Coneixement, including institutions from the BIST Community, as well as other scientific stakeholders in the surrounding ecosystem.The project has been designed to complement existing services at the PRBB, strengthening synergies and avoiding duplication, with the aim of optimising resources and fostering research excellence.
ICFO – Strategic infrastructures in photonic chips and quantum technologies
ICFO will renovate its building, enabling the construction of a state-of-the-art technological laboratory infrastructure inside the facility. This infrastructure will primarily host nano-characterisation laboratories for materials and photonic chips developed within the PIXEurope Integrated Photonic Circuits Pilot Line, as well as spaces for other related activities, with a particular focus on the Quantum Valley initiative.
IBEC- new spaces for the Bioengineering for Sustainability Research Programme
The project will create new scientific spaces at the Diagonal-Besòs Campus of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), including state-of-the-art laboratories and shared facilities to support multidisciplinary research on sustainable materials, bio-inspired manufacturing and solutions aligned with the circular economy and global health challenges. The BESOS-IBEC site will foster synergies between IBEC’s research staff and other on-campus centres such as the Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC).
CRG – Integrated advanced microscopy infrastructure
CRG will establish an integrated advanced microscopy infrastructure for the in-depth study of biological samples. The project includes the modernisation of the Microscopy Unit, improvements to critical environmental conditions and the creation of specialised spaces for cell cultures and organoids, strengthening the Centre’s capacity to deliver high-quality scientific services for cutting-edge biomedical research.
Together, these projects highlight the strategic role of the BIST community in advancing Catalonia’s research infrastructures and fostering collaboration, technological capability and scientific excellence with long-term impact for society and the economy.
