The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ-CERCA) is pleased to announce the incorporation of Prof. Jordi Burés. He takes the position as ICREA Research Professor who will lead a research group focused on performing experimental mechanistic studies to innovate chemical processes.

Prof. Jordi Burés is a chemist known for his research in the field of mechanistic studies and catalysis. One area of Prof. Burés’ research involves the development of advanced visual and machine-learning tools to perform kinetic analysis, which enable the acquisition of new chemical knowledge.

Additionally, Dr. Burés has extensive experience in the development of novel organic synthetic methodologies guided by mechanistic understanding, which result in more economical and sustainable processes.

Prof. Burés career

Jordi obtained his undergraduate degree in Chemistry and his PhD with an FPU studentship at the University of Barcelona, under the supervision of Prof. Jaume Vilarrasa.

In 2010, he was awarded a Spanish postdoctoral fellowship to join the group of Prof. Donna Blackmond at The Scripps Research Institute in California.

Three years later, he began his independent research career as a Junior Research Fellow at the Chemistry Department at Imperial College London.

In 2016, he was appointed as Lecturer at The University of Manchester, where he climbed the academic ladder, becoming Full Professor in 2023. In 2024 he joined ICIQ as ICREA Research Professor. His current research lines reflect his academic and research journey, with the development of better synthetic methods guided by reaction mechanistic information.

In 2018, Jordi was honored with the Thieme Chemistry Journals Award. The following year, he received the Young Researcher Award from the Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry (RSEQ), and in 2020, he was the recipient of the Hickinbottom Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).

Know more about Prof. Burés

When did you decide to become a scientist and why? 

I have not made that decision quite yet. I simply follow my passion for chemistry, which blends diverse elements of science that resonate with me.

Advice to young researchers:

Work smart and hard, but remember to play even harder. Do not hesitate to step out of your comfort zone; the impact of your research multiplies when you work at the intersection of different research areas.

Why do you choose ICIQ for your next step?

I chose ICIQ because it is a leading global chemical research institution, home to exceptional research groups. Plus, its privileged location offers a high quality of life, making it ideal for both researchers and students.

What impact would you like your research to have?

I aim to push the boundaries of the tools and methods used to study reaction mechanisms, empowering my research group and others to develop sustainable and efficient chemical processes for a more prosperous society.

If there were a motto hanging at your lab’s door, what would it be?

Better understanding for better reactions