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It is with profound sadness that IRB Barcelona announces the passing of Dr. Joan J. Guinovart, the founder and first director of our Institute. His extraordinary vision, unwavering determination, and tireless leadership made possible the creation and growth of IRB Barcelona as a leading center in biomedical research.
Born in Tarragona in 1947, Dr. Guinovart obtained his degree in Pharmacy and his PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Barcelona, where he also served as a professor and with which he remained closely connected throughout his career. He founded IRB Barcelona in 2005 and served as President of the Spanish Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SEBBM), as well as President of COSCE and IUBMB. Through these roles, he fostered numerous critical initiatives aimed at strengthening research systems locally, nationally, and internationally, driven by his profound sense of duty and commitment to advancing science worldwide.
Leading the Metabolic Engineering Laboratory at IRB Barcelona, he made pioneering contributions to the study of carbohydrate metabolism, diabetes, and Lafora disease—research areas that continue to make a difference in the field of biomedicine. His dedication to education was evident in the countless generations of researchers he guided with commitment, approachability, and generosity.
In recent hours, various media outlets, political figures, and members of the scientific community have paid tribute to his unwavering passion for research and his profound humanity. Joan’s impact will remain in every conversation, corridor, and laboratory at IRB Barcelona, inspiring the same pursuit of excellence that he championed.
We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all those who shared in his scientific journey. We honor his memory by following his example of perseverance, curiosity, and generosity, and will keep the spirit of his work alive in every project we undertake.
Rest in peace, Dr. Guinovart. His absence leaves a great void, but his legacy will continue to illuminate the path of biomedical research.
About IRB Barcelona
The Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) pursues a society free of disease. To this end, it conducts multidisciplinary research of excellence to cure cancer and other diseases linked to ageing. It establishes technology transfer agreements with the pharmaceutical industry and major hospitals to bring research results closer to society, and organises a range of science outreach activities to engage the public in an open dialogue. IRB Barcelona is an international centre that hosts 400 researchers and more than 30 nationalities. Recognised as a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence since 2011, IRB Barcelona is a CERCA centre and member of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST).
