ICIQ Celebrates Sant Jordi with books and chemistry

Yesterday, ICIQ hosted a vibrant celebration in honor of Sant Jordi, a cherished tradition blending literature and culture in Catalonia.

Sant Jordi, also known as Saint George, is a widely celebrated holiday in Catalonia and is often referred to as the “Day of Books and Roses”. On April 23rd people exchange books and roses as token of love and appreciation. ICIQ, being an active participant in promoting cultural activities, was delighted to offer different activities to join the festivities this year.

At the heart of the festivities was an enlightening discourse on the bestselling book “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus, thoughtfully dissected by Keith Armstrong, an English Teacher at ICIQ and the director behind Idiomes Tarraco. Armstrong’s analysis not only introduced attendees to the book but also sparked insightful dialogues on critical themes like gender equality in the scientific realm. Complementing this literary exploration was a captivating molecular chemistry workshop, where participants dabbled in the art of sweet and savory spherifications under the expert guidance of ICIQ’s Outreach Team.

“We are excited to celebrate Sant Jordi festivity at ICIQ and share this wonderful tradition with our community”, said Prof. Emilio J. Palomares Gil, director of ICIQ. “Books have the power to inspire and connect people, and we hope this event has brought joy and enthusiasm for reading among our people”.

Adding to the festivities, the inaugural ICIQer micro-stories contest captivated participants with nine imaginative submissions spanning three languages. Each story, distinguished by its creativity and linguistic finesse, underwent meticulous evaluation by a panel of three community members. Among the standout entries, Laia Marín Moncusí, a PhD student in Prof. Palomares Group, received an honorable mention for her poignant piece “Gone Letters, Gone Job.” Another mention was awarded to “Luz, Somba y Nube” penned by Dr. Joan Guillem Mayans, Scientific Education and Outreach Officer. The coveted title of winner went to Joan Vicent Estornell, a PhD student in Prof. Ruben Martin’s group, for his captivating work “Tornar,” notable for its unique presentation in the form of a rose.

Read all the micro-stories

Additionally, an enchanting book exchange point was established to facilitate the sharing of literary treasures among ICIQers. To further commemorate the occasion, a bookmark, adorned with symbolic imagery merging chemistry and literature, was illustrated by Elena Pedrola for the event, serving as a tangible keepsake of this memorable celebration.