Albert Barberà, new director general for Research and Innovation in Health

Dr. Albert Barberà has been appointed the new director general for Research and Innovation in Health, replacing Dr. Antoni Andreu. Barberà, currently CEO of Biocat, holds a degree in Chemistry and Pharmacy and a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Barcelona (UB). Over his career, he has obtained professional experience in both research and management of knowledge and innovation in the biomedical research environment and in health.

Since 2008, he has held several positions in science management, first as manager of the Institute of Health Carlos III Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders (CIBERDEM), later as scientific coordinator at IDIBAPS and, then, as director of the Girona Biomedical Research Institute. He has held the position of Biocat CEO since December 2015.

“It has been a pleasure for me to lead a valuable institution like Biocat, a key strategic agent in the Catalan healthcare and life sciences ecosystem. After a year and a half full of challenges, hopes and hard work, I can say this has been one of the most exciting periods in my professional career. To actively participate in the construction and development of a sector that is strategic for the country is undoubtedly a privilege,” says Barberà about his time at the organization.

Now Barberà is looking at this new position as an opportunity to lead research and innovation in the healthcare and life sciences and “to consolidate Catalonia’s global position in this arena,” he says. “I also want to strengthen the key role Biocat must play in facilitating the transfer and valorization of research and entrepreneurship,” he concludes.