A Guide to Barcelona’s Research Ecosystem

With over 90 research centres, Catalonia has built one of the most active and interconnected research ecosystems in Europe. Spanning disciplines from photonics to public health, and linking universities, hospitals, businesses, and public institutions, this network plays a critical role in advancing both fundamental science and applied innovation.

Catalonia’s research ecosystem ranges from large-scale scientific infrastructure to centres focused on technology transfer and collaboration with industry.

Scientific and Technology Infrastructures

The region is home to several scientific and technology  infrastructures that act as bridges between research and industry. These institutions focus on applied research, helping businesses innovate, test, and implement new technologies.

Among them, the ICTS (Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructures)  are high-capacity facilities open to international research, particularly in supercomputing, biomedicine, and photonics.

Examples of ICTS include:

  • Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC)
    Home to MareNostrum, one of Europe’s most powerful supercomputers, BSC is a key player in computational science, artificial intelligence, and modelling for climate, biomedicine, and engineering.
  • CNAG – CRG (National Centre for Genomic Analysis – Centre for Genomic Regulation)
    A leader in genome sequencing and bioinformatics, CNAG plays a critical role in biomedical research, focusing on large-scale genome sequencing and bioinformatics. Strong in oncology, rare diseases, and personalised medicine.
  • ALBA Synchrotron
    ALBA is the only synchrotron light facility in Spain. It provides advanced X-ray and light beam technologies used in materials science, nanotech, biomedicine, and cultural heritage. It supports both academic research and industrial innovation.
  • IMB – CNM (Microelectronics National Centre)
    Part of CSIC, this centre focuses on micro and nanofabrication, with applications in electronics, sensors, and biomedical devices. Operates a unique clean room facility.

These centres, along several other ICTS in the region, are essential partners for companies aiming to remain competitive in fast-moving markets.

Research Centres

At the core of Catalonia’s research infrastructure is CERCA (Centres de Recerca de Catalunya), a system of over 40 public research centres supported by the Catalan Government. It promotes autonomy, collaboration, and alignment with both industry and policy needs. CERCA centres employ over 10,000 people and have generated more than 200 spin-offs. Additionally, ICREA (Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies) also plays a critical role in the ecosystem. Through long-term contracts, it brings internationally recognised scientists to Catalonia and integrates them into local institutions, reinforcing the region’s global research profile.

Technology & Engineering

Barcelona has built strong capacity in photonics, quantum science, energy systems, and materials engineering, which are areas with direct industrial applications and growing strategic importance for European competitiveness.

  • ICFO (Institute of Photonic Sciences)
    A global reference in photonics, ICFO works on quantum technologies, advanced imaging, optical communications, and biophotonics. It maintains strong ties to industry and has produced over 30 spin-offs.
  • IREC
    Focused on sustainable energy, IREC conducts applied research in smart grids, hydrogen, energy storage, and efficiency. It works closely with utilities, tech developers, and public institutions.
  • CIMNE
    Specialises in computational engineering and simulation across sectors such as civil engineering, aeronautics, and maritime systems. It develops models used in both public infrastructure and industry R&D.
  • ICN2
    A cross-disciplinary institute working across technology, life sciences and the environment.
  • Eurecat and Leitat
    Examples of technology centers. The former is the largest tech center in Catalonia, and offers R&D services in fields like AI, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability. The latter is known for its work in 3D printing and materials science, as well as health technologies.

Life Sciences & Health

Barcelona is a major hub for biomedical research, with strong links to hospitals and international consortia. Around the city’s major hospitals, clusters of research centres have developed, creating concentrator environments of scientific and clinical collaboration. Notable hubs include:

The PRBB itself is a major biomedical campus housing more than eight institutions, including Hospital Del Mar and EMBL Barcelona, with over 1,700 professionals working across research, public health, and genomics. The park is also closely linked to Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF).

Other leading centres include IRB Barcelona, focused on cancer and molecular biology, and ISGlobal, which works at the intersection of global health, epidemiology, and environmental determinants of health.

Climate & Environmental

Centres such as CREAF (Ecological and Forestry Applications Research Centre) and ICM-CSIC (Institute of Marine Sciences) lead research on climate change, ecosystems, land use, and marine science, areas increasingly relevant to both public policy and the private sector.

Social Sciences & Humanities

While smaller in number, centres like the Institute of Political and Social Sciences (ICPS) and Barcelona Institute for International Studies (IBEI) contribute crucial insights into democratic resilience, global governance, and societal change.

Barcelona’s research ecosystem brings together talent, infrastructure, and industry in a way that drives both scientific progress and economic impact. With strengths across sectors and a strong collaborative culture, it’s a strategic hub for global innovation, investment, and partnerships. Its ability to connect research with real-word application makes it a valuable platform for those looking to advance science, technology and business together.

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