ICIQ hosts Tarragona Ràdio’s live broadcast to celebrate World Radio Day 2025

13th February 2025 – The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) hosted a special live broadcast of La Veu de Tarragona, the morning programme presented by Josep Suñé in Tarragona Ràdio, to celebrate World Radio Day 2025. The programme aired live from ICIQ’s auditorium from 9:00 to 11:00 h, offering a behind-the-scenes look at live radio production and engaging discussions with key figures from researchers, policymakers and athletes.

The broadcast opened with a roundtable discussion featuring the directors of Tarragona’s CERCA research centres and university: Marina Mosquera (IPHES), Josep Maria Palet (ICAC), Marina Galià (URV), and Emilio Palomares (ICIQ). The conversation emphasized the critical role of research investment in attracting scientific talent and fostering innovation. The directors stressed the need for continuous funding to maintain Tarragona’s position as a hub for cutting-edge research and technological development.

From left to right: Marina Mosquera, IPHES Director, Josep Maria Palet, ICAC Director, Marina Galià, Vice-Chancellor for Research at Universitat Rovira i Virgili and Emilio Palomares, ICIQ Director.

Marking 40 years since the first Catalan expedition to Everest, renowned mountaineer Òscar Cadiach shared his experiences, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of high-altitude exploration.

Mountaineer Òscar Cadiach shares his journey and reflections with Josep Suñé during his live interview at ICIQ.

Following this, the mayors of Tarragona, Rubén Viñuales, Vila-seca, Pere Segura, and La Canonja, Roc Muñoz, took part in a conversation about the importance of consolidating a Metropolitan Area to drive economic and social progress. They highlighted research and innovation as essential pillars for a knowledge-based society, calling for strategic R&D investments to enhance economic growth, retain talent, and strengthen the region’s global competitiveness.

From left to right: Pere Segura, Mayor of Vila-seca; Emilio Palomares, Director of ICIQ; Rubén Viñuales, Mayor of Tarragona; and Roc Muñoz, Mayor of La Canonja.

The programme also featured in-depth interviews with leading scientists, including an interview with Professor Antonio Echavarren, ICIQ Group Leader and Scientific Director of the Severo Ochoa Excellence Programme at the Institute, and President of Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry. He discussed his career and recent recognitions, such as the National Research Award Enrique Moles (2022), Rei Jaume I Award for Basic Research (2023), Pedler Award (2023), and his recent Honoris Causa from the University of Huelva (2025). During his interview, Prof. Echavarren highlighted the vital role of chemistry in tackling global challenges and stressed the importance of training future generations of scientists to drive sustainable innovation.

Another key scientific contribution came from Professor Marta Sales-Pardo of the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), who recently secured an ERC Synergy Grant, one of the most prestigious research grants worldwide. She introduced her ambitious six-year, €12 million project in collaboration with the University of Cambridge (UK) and Rockefeller University (USA). The research aims to analyse how neural circuits differ across fly species and influence behavior, using advanced computational models to reconstruct and interpret neural connections. This groundbreaking work could provide deeper insights into the relationship between brain structure and behavior.

Professors Antonio M. Echavarren and Marta Sales during their discussion.

Observed annually on February 13, World Radio Day recognizes the enduring influence of radio as a medium for communication, education, and public engagement. The special broadcast from ICIQ underscored the role of radio in connecting science with society, offering a platform for discussions on research, technological advancements, and human achievement.

ICIQ emphasized the vital role of radio in making scientific research more accessible to society. By collaborating with Tarragona Ràdio, the institute continues to foster dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and the public, strengthening the bridge between science and society.”

About La Veu de Tarragona Programme:

La Veu de Tarragona is a flagship morning program on Tarragona Ràdio, presented by Josep Suñé. The programme covers news, science, culture, and sports, providing a platform for dialogue and discussion on issues shaping Tarragona and beyond.