- Marc Güell Cargol, an ICREA research professor at the Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), has been awarded the 21st Banco Sabadell Foundation award for Biomedical Research in recognition of his pioneering work on synthetic biology and gene editing
- Pelayo García de Arquer, professor of research at the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), has received the 10th Banco Sabadell Foundation award for Sciences and Engineering in recognition of his ground-breaking advances in nanoscience for sustainable development and new optoelectronic devices
The Banco Sabadell Foundation has recognised ICREA research professor at UPF, Marc Güell Cargol, with the 21st Banco Sabadell Foundation award for Biomedical Research, and ICFO research professor, Pelayo García de Arquer, with the 10th Banco Sabadell Foundation award for Sciences and Engineering. With these accolades, the Banco Sabadell Foundation reaffirms its commitment to promoting scientific talent and research excellence, showcasing projects that address some of the greatest challenges facing us today, such as energy transition and the development of new biomedical therapies.
Gene therapy with potential to impact human health
The 21st Banco Sabadell Foundation award for Biomedical Research was granted to Marc Güell Cargol for his pioneering contributions to synthetic biology and to the development of new genetic engineering technologies. The panel of judges indicated that this research will make it possible to “develop transformative gene editing technologies, therapies based on the microbiome and new, safe sources of organs for transplantation, with huge potential to impact human health.”
Güell has been a pioneer in harnessing biology to create new molecular principles and technologies to make advances in bio-inspired engineering; this has enabled him to create new technologies for genome sequencing, develop microbiome-based therapies and generate new safe sources of organs for transplantation, thereby opening the door to a new generation of treatments with a direct impact on human health. He recently received an ERC Consolidator grant to develop RNA gene-sequencing technologies and is currently leading EIC and DARPA funded projects to develop new skin mcirobiome technologies.
Some elements of Marc’s research are bringing about significant technological transfer; in fact, he is the co-founder of four companies and the inventor of patents licensed to leading firms in the field of gene editing.
“This is a very exciting time for biosciences: technology has reached a level of maturity that enables us to tackle major healthcare challenges. And everything suggests that this trend will grow. The convergence of AI and biotechnology is enabling us to make a huge qualitative leap forward in biodesign. Not only can we now “edit” or “sequence” DNA; we are beginning to “speak” the language of DNA. I am very grateful for this recognition: I feel very honoured and excited”, said Güell.
Nanomaterials for clean energy and decarbonisation technologies
The 10th Banco Sabadell Foundation award for Sciences and Engineering was awarded to Pelayo García de Arquer for his scientific contributions to the development of nanomaterials and quantum dots for optoelectronics, as well as the development of electrochemical techniques. The panel of judges recognised the “extraordinary impact he has had on the international scientific community and his contributions in the field of technological transfer in areas as critical and socially relevant as decarbonisation”, highlighting his “vision, leadership and ability to build and energise multidisciplinary teams.”
His research, which lies at the intersection of photonics, materials science and engineering, has driven the development of new key technologies for decarbonisation, from high-efficiency solar cells to systems to convert CO₂ into high-value industrial products or to generate green hydrogen.
His work stands out for the ability to translate fundamental science into practical technological solutions, and for his leadership of multidisciplinary teams and participation in international consortia focused on sustainable development.
“Our day-to-day work focuses on answering questions in order to understand why certain chemical processes work or do not work, and using this information to try to design materials that improve those chemical transformations. The most tangible impact of our research could mean that the price of a basket of goods no longer depends on a war in the Middle East. Our technology would enable the production of fuels and materials for global use from renewable and widely available resources, such as sunlight and air.” explains García de Arquer.
Scientific excellence with potential for social impact
Each year, the Banco Sabadell Foundation awards recognise excellence among young research professionals whose contributions are outstanding both for their scientific quality and for their potential social impact. These awards differ from others because they are granted at an early stage in the recipients’ careers, which represents a significant boost to their scientific and public standing. Since their creation, these two awards, together with the Banco Sabadell Foundation awards for Economic Research, and for Marine Sustainability, have recognised the work of around sixty researchers who are now leading figures in their respective fields of expertise.
The awards ceremony will take place on 7 July at Banco Sabadell’s Corporate Headquarters in Sant Cugat del Vallès, at a ceremony that will be attended by relevant authorities, researchers who have won awards in previous editions, and prominent executives and leading figures from the scientific and business worlds.
“Both award winners share a distinctive feature: their ability to combine ground-breaking research with real-world applications in industry and society. From the fight against climate change to the revolution in personalised medicine, their work represents the transformative role of science in economic and social progress.” said Josep Oliu, Chairman of Banco Sabadell and its Foundation.
