Research institutions
The BioRegion has 93 research institutions, including 41 research centers, 21 university hospitals, 12 universities, 14 science and technology parks, three major research infrastructures (the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, the National Center for Genome Analysis and the Alba Synchrotron) and two technology centers.
For scientific production and the attraction of competitive EU funds, Catalonia is in the top positions in Europe, close to countries such as Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands.
Research Centers of Catalonia (CERCA)
CERCA has 41 centers, 33 of which work in areas related to the life sciences and health. Its mission is to foster development, synergies and the social impact of research.
Leaders in scientific publications and clinical trials
Catalonia ranks 5th in scientific publications and 1st in % of Highly Cited Papers (HCPs) in Europe. It also ranks 5th in Europe and 8th in the world in active clinical trials.
- 54.460 publications in life and health sciences (2019-2023)
- 3% Highly Cited Papers (HCP) in Life and Health Sciences (2019-2023)
- 5.368 active clinical trials (to 2024)
Catalonia, in the Top 3 in publications of advanced therapies
Scientific production in advanced therapies has experienced accelerated growth between 2014-2023. Catalonia has followed this trajectory, with a growth of 109.03% in this period. With 2,374 publications (37.55% of the Spanish total)
Catalonia is above countries such as Denmark (1,519), Austria (1,821) or Finland (1,200) demonstrating a high capacity for scientific production in this area. When weighted by population, Catalonia stands out among the top 3 scientific hubs in scientific production and as the 3rd European region with the highest percentage of highly cited scientific publications (HCPs) only surpassed by Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Catalonia, 2nd region in Europe in attracting Horizon 2020 projects and 5th in ERC Grants
Catalonia ranks 2nd in attracting projects and 5th in number and funding of ERC Grants. In absolute terms, the territory represents 45% of European research projects and 46% of ERC grants attracted in Spain.
Transfer from research centers
The graph shows the transfer capacity of research centers in the BioRegion based on an analysis of their budget per researcher and number of companies (spinoffs) created, including the volume of investment these spinoffs have secured.
Research institutions
Research Centers of Catalonia (CERCA)
CERCA has 41 centers, 33 of which work in areas related to the life sciences and health. Its mission is to foster development, synergies and the social impact of research.
Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)
BIST is a partnership of seven research centers, each a leader in its field, to promote collaboration on multidisciplinary frontier research (with one focal point being health), researcher training and social impact of science.
Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS)
The BSC manages the Mare Nostrum supercomputer, among the top 500 in the world, and is the benchmark HPC (high performance computing) center in Spain. It is a member of PRACE (Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe).
ALBA Synchrotron
Third generation facility comprised of a complex of particle accelerators that produce synchrotron light. It has two beamlines currently operating (biosciences and materials) and four under construction.
National Center for Genomic Analysis (CNAG)
Founded jointly by the Spanish and Catalan governments, CNAG carries out large scale genome analysis projects in collaboration with Catalan, Spanish and international hospitals and research centers.
Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB)
Promoted by the Government of Catalonia, Barcelona City Council and UPF, the PRBB is connected to Hospital del Mar and is home to 7 large biomedical research centers that employ over 1,600 people.
Barcelona Science Park (PCB)
Created in 1997 by the UB, the Park has 30,000 m2 of labs and offices where 96 companies, 123 organizations, 6 research centers and 3,000 professionals work, making it one of the main health R&D hubs.
Eurecat
Benchmark technology center in Catalonia offering innovation solutions and services for various sectors. Annual turnover of €38 million, 450 professionals and nearly 160 R&D projects managed.
Consell Superior d'Investigacions Científiques (CSIC)
The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) is the main agent of the Spanish science, technology and innovation system, responsible for generating scientific knowledge, transferring results to the business sector, advising administrations and institutions, training researchers, promoting scientific culture, managing scientific infrastructures and representing Spain in international organisations.