A passion for science fills La Pedrera at the start of BIYSC 2025
This Tuesday, July 8, the Barcelona International Youth Science Challenge (BIYSC 2025) was officially launched at La Pedrera. This program, organized by Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera, brings together 150 young people from 31 countries for an intensive scientific research experience in Catalonia, exploring fields such as quantum physics, artificial intelligence, biomedicine, and planetary sciences.
The opening ceremony was hosted by Mariam Drissi, a fellow of the Foundation and participant in BIYSC 2023, who shared her personal experience with the new participants. In her words: “BIYSC was a life-changing experience for me, and I believe it will also be an unforgettable journey for this year’s participants.”
The institutional welcome was delivered by Lluís Farrés, Director of Science, Education and Research at the Foundation. Mar Fillat, coordinator of the program, also spoke, highlighting "the transformative and global nature of BIYSC as a meeting point for young scientific talent from around the world."
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One of the main highlights was the keynote speech by Dr. Ariel Guersenzvaig, professor of design ethics at ELISAVA – UVic-UCC, who reflected on the ethical challenges of research and technology in the age of AI and robotics.
The event continued with presentations by representatives from the 14 collaborating research centres, each introducing the scientific project they will lead during the program.
The event continued with presentations by representatives from the 14 collaborating research centres, each introducing the scientific project they will lead during the program.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the Science Fellows, the educational team guiding participants throughout their stay, and a final message from Mariam Drissi, encouraging everyone “to embrace every discovery, every question, and every connection to the fullest.”
BIYSC 2025 will run from July 8 to 18, reaffirming Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera’s commitment to fostering young talent and inspiring transformative scientific vocations.
