Joan Guinovart Cirera (1947-2025)

ICFO joins the family of Dr Joan Guinovart Cirera, the IRBB community and all national and international colleagues in mourning the passing of a remarkable leader, scientist and person.

Dr Guinovart served as the founding director of IRBB (Institute for Research in Biomedicine Barcelona), a fellow institute of the BIST community, starting in 2005. He was the leader of the Metabolic Engineering and Diabetes Therapy group at IRB and professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Universitat de Barcelona. For his scientific expertise as well as key role in the research community, he received numerous awards including the Creu de Sant Jordi, the Narcís Monturiol Medal of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Prat de la Riba Prize of IEC and the FEBS Diploma d'honor, among other honors.  

In communicating Dr. Guinovart’s passing, the IRB community noted that “[He] has been a key figure in the field of biochemistry, leaving an indelible mark both scientifically and managerially. His intelligence, leadership and profound humanism have been fundamental for those of us who have had the good fortune to share his path with him, a one of a kind man in the world of research.”

In response to the news, Molt Honorable Salvador Illa, President of the Generalitat de Catalunya, remarked on his contributions to the teaching, practice and projection of science in Catalonia and around the world, asserting that “Dr. Joan Guinovart... leaves us a great legacy.” 

Dr Guinovart was an influential figure in national research policy. He was the first President of COSCE (Confederación de Sociedades Científicas de España) and served in numerous policy-making panels and committees in Catalonia and Spain. He has served as a devoted member of ICFO’s Board of Trustees – appointed by the Generalitat de Catalunya – since June 2022.

Dr Lluis Torner, the founding director of ICFO, had the opportunity to work very closely with Dr Guinovart during two decades while jointly putting forward policies that supported research excellence in the country. He notes that “Joan’s influence in promoting, defending and consolidating research policies that have made the CERCA system possible in Catalonia, and in leading IRBB, has been of paramount importance. His vision, dedication, team-spirit and friendship were a continuous source of inspiration, which will remain with us forever. We've lost a unique leader and a wonderful friend.”

ICFO will remember Dr. Guinovart with profound gratitude and admiration.