“If you’re thinking about it, just go for it!”, BIYSC participants share their experience and passion for science

The Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera has concluded the 9th edition of the BIYSC – Barcelona International Youth Science Challenge, an international program that brought together 150 brilliant students from 32 countries to develop 14 cutting-edge research projects in collaboration with top research institutions in Catalonia.

Over two weeks, participants worked side by side with 80 scientists, tackling major scientific challenges in fields such as biomedicine, quantum physics, artificial intelligence, genetics, and aerospace engineering.

The program offered a unique opportunity to experience science hands-on. Natalia Obloj, a participant from the United Kingdom in the ICIQ project, shared:

“I decided to apply because I love chemistry and I’m really interested in sustainability. This project offered both, and I was so excited to work in a professional lab for the first time.”

Nonna Pedemonte Puig, from Catalonia, also took part in this edition and encourages others to apply:

“If anyone is thinking about applying or not, just do it. It’s an amazing experience and you’ll have a great time.”

The 14 research projects were hosted in collaboration with:

• ICFO – Institute of Photonic Sciences: Quantum Cryptography

• Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute: Multi-omics and Leukemia

• IRB Barcelona: Tumorigenesis with Drosophila

• ICIQ – Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia: Photochemistry and Drug Synthesis

• Hospital del Mar: HIV and STD Innovation

• IFAE – Institute for High Energy Physics: Cosmic Rays Detection

• La Salle – Ramon Llull University: Gaudí Engineering

• University of Barcelona – Faculty of Biology: Immortal Genetics with Planarians

• Hospital Clínic of Barcelona and UB: From Clinic to Lab

• ICCUB – Institute of Cosmos Sciences: Quantum Superposition and Entanglement

• INc – Institute of Neurosciences UAB: Neurobiology of Trauma

• UPF – Department of Medicine and Life Sciences: Synthetic Biology

• CRAG – Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics: Gene Editing and Climate

• ICN2 and UPC – NanoSat Lab: PocketQube Satellite Design

BIYSC 2025 once again fulfilled its mission to promote high-level scientific vocations, connect youth with real-world research, and showcase Catalonia’s scientific and technological excellence.