She is the inaugural woman appointed as director, previously serving as ICIQ’s General Manager from 2020 to 2024

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Laia Pellejà as the new director of the ICERCA Foundation, effective March 1st. The Board, under the leadership of Minister Joaquim Nadal i Farreras, has approved this significant leadership change, marking a pivotal moment for the foundation.

This new leadership role will see Pellejà overseeing the strategic direction of research institutes in Catalonia, furthering its mission to promote scientific research and innovation in Catalonia.

With a rich background in research and leadership, Laia Pellejà brings extensive experience in academic research, holding a doctorate in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology from Rovira i Virgili University. Parallelly to her chemistry path, she also holds a Master’s in Public Management from School of Public Administration of Catalonia (EAPC) and the Open University of Catalonia (UOC).

Pellejà has also demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, having successfully managed teams and projects in her previous role at ICIQ as General Manager. Her vision, expertise, and dedication to scientific research make her the ideal choice for leading the ICERCA Foundation into the future.

Under Pellejà’s guidance, the ICERCA Foundation will continue to champion innovation and scientific excellence. The foundation plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and societal development through its support of cutting-edge research centres. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, Pellejà aims to further elevate the foundation’s role as a leading institution in the field of scientific research.

We congratulate Laia Pellejà on her appointment as the new director of the ICERCA Foundation. Her exceptional skills, expertise, and passion for scientific research will undoubtedly contribute to CERCA’s continued success. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact she will make in advancing scientific knowledge and innovation in Catalonia and beyond.

About ICERCA Foundation

The iCERCA Foundation has the mission of ensuring the proper development of the CERCA research centres with the participation of the Government of Catalonia. It also works to promote synergies and strategic cooperation, improve the positioning, visibility, and impact of research, and facilitate dialogue with various public and private stakeholders. Currently, a total of 42 centres in all scientific fields are part of the CERCA ecosystem.

For more information about the ICERCA Foundation and its programmes, please visit their official website.