The National Theatre of Catalonia has hosted the delivery of the 2024 National Research Awards, organized by the Government of Catalonia and the Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation (FCRI). The Minister of Research and Universities, Núria Montserrat, presented the awards to the winning individuals and institutions.
Main Award Winners
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2024 National Research Award:
Núria Sebastián, professor at Pompeu Fabra University, has been recognized for her career in cognitive neuroscience and the study of bilingualism. -
2024 National Young Talent Award (ex aequo):
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Xavier Ros‑Oton (ICREA – University of Barcelona), awarded for his contributions to partial differential equations and the international impact of his mathematical research.
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Eva Maria Novoa (ICREA – Centre for Genomic Regulation), awarded for her pioneering research in epitranscriptomics and RNA dynamics.
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Other Awards
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Knowledge Transfer Promotion: i4KIDS hub (Sant Joan de Déu Hospital).
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Scientific Communication: Fisidabo project (UPC – Tibidabo Amusement Park).
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Scientific Patronage: FERO Foundation.
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Public-Private Partnership in R&I: i2CAT and Sateliot (Enxaneta and Menut nanosatellite project).
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Science-Based Company: Ecomemb SL, spin-off of ICRA and the University of Girona.
Institutional Statements
President Salvador Illa highlighted the importance of research as a driver of progress and stated that “Catalonia will always stand by science.” The minister Núria Montserrat reaffirmed the commitment to position Catalonia among the 50 most innovative regions in Europe and announced that the National Scientific Communication Award will henceforth bear the name of Joan Guinovart.
Mathematical Research in the Spotlight
The distinction for Xavier Ros‑Oton represents a top-level recognition for mathematical research conducted in Catalonia. Ros‑Oton, a prominent researcher in the field of partial differential equations, has been the first mathematician to receive this award, highlighting the vitality and international relevance of our field.
In his reflections, he highlighted his participation in the Kangaroo and Olympiads as one of the main motivations for becoming interested in and dedicating himself to mathematics.
From the Catalan Society of Mathematics, we celebrate this recognition as a collective milestone and an incentive to continue promoting young talent, excellence in research, and mathematical vocations. Catalan mathematical research is advancing strongly.
We remain committed to the following objectives and related actions:
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Strengthening the public visibility of Catalan mathematical research achievements.
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Promoting collaboration with universities, research centers, and institutions to support new talents in mathematics.
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Awakening, detecting, and stimulating talent at school stages through activities such as the Kangaroo Test and Mathematical Olympiads, and youth training programs.
Congratulations to all the award-winning individuals and projects!