Barcelona attracts global talent with 100 new scientific grants from the “la Caixa” Foundation

The programme stands out for its international character: 59 of the beneficiaries come from 25 countries, while 41 are Spanish researchers. This diversity turns Barcelona and other participating cities into spaces for scientific exchange, where different perspectives and disciplines come together to address global challenges.

Beyond funding, the fellowships include training in leadership, science communication and emotional wellbeing. For postdoctoral researchers, the focus is on research independence and the development of their own projects, a key step in consolidating careers in a highly competitive environment.

The projects will be carried out at more than 70 institutions and cover fields such as biomedicine, physics, engineering, neuroscience and climate change. This breadth reflects a commitment to research connected to current challenges and with a direct impact on society.

The programme is structured in two strands: Incoming, to attract international talent, and Retaining, to retain researchers who already work in the local scientific system. The aim is to balance the recruitment of global profiles with reducing brain drain.

Total investment exceeds 22 million euros and is supported by European initiatives such as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions. This backing places the programme among the most important in the private sector in Europe.

The arrival of this talent not only strengthens research, but also has a direct effect on the city: more projects, more collaboration and more opportunities. Barcelona thus consolidates its position as a setting where science is not only produced, but also lived and projected into the future.