ICIQ recognised for the third time as a Severo Ochoa Excellence Centre

10th April 2025 – The Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades – MICIU) and the State Research Agency (Agencia Estatal de Investigación – AEI) have granted the prestigious “Severo Ochoa Excellence Centre” accreditation to the Institut Català d’Investigació Química (ICIQ) for the third time. This is the highest recognition for scientific institutions in Spain, alongside the “María de Maeztu Excellence Unit” accreditation. The execution of the strategic research plan will last for four years, while the “Severo Ochoa Excellence Centre” accreditation will be valid for a maximum of six years, starting from 1 April 2025.

This recognition was granted following a rigorous evaluation and competitive selection process, based on scientific criteria and in line with the highest international standards. It highlights the leadership in research and the development of transformative institutional programmes aimed at consolidating the centre’s capabilities and contributing to the leadership of research.

The recognition includes funding of €4.5 million over four years, allocated to institutional strengthening, the development of cutting-edge scientific programmes, and the attraction and retention of talent. Additionally, the call includes the direct assignment of 10 predoctoral contracts to accredited centres, representing additional funding of €1,250,000.

“This recognition reaffirms ICIQ’s national leadership in frontier chemical research and strengthens our commitment to transformative science that serves society,” said Professor Antonio M. Echavarren, Scientific Director of the Severo Ochoa Strategic Plan at ICIQ.

The evaluation committee particularly valued ICIQ’s solid track record in catalysis, its scientific and social impact, the originality of the proposed programme, — which includes initiatives such as the digitalisation of the centre and the strengthening of its scientific capabilities — along with its proven ability to attract talent, train high-level researchers, and transfer knowledge to the socio-economic environment.

According to Professor Emilio J. Palomares Gil, Director of ICIQ, “This third accreditation not only acknowledges the work carried out over the years, but it also empowers us to continue advancing the frontiers of knowledge and generate high-impact results.”

From the centre’s management, Dr. Imma Escofet emphasised the strategic importance of this distinction: “It will allow us to consolidate our structures, bring in young talent, and further boost our international projection.” She also highlighted the importance of knowledge transfer to facilitate a carbon-neutral economy in the chemical industry, noting that research in catalysis will have a substantial economic impact due to its decisive role in nearly all modern chemical processes.

From left to right: Prof. Antonio M. Echavarren, Dr. Imma Escofet and Prof. Emillio J. Palomares Gil celebrating the achievement this morning.

With this new accreditation, ICIQ renews its membership in the SOMMa Alliance (Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu), a network that brings together the most outstanding research centres and units in the country, reinforcing its commitment to open, competitive, and international science. Of the 17 accreditations granted in this call across Spain, two are located in the city of Tarragona: ICIQ (Severo Ochoa) and IPHES (María de Maeztu), reinforcing the city’s role as an emerging hub of leading scientific research.