The ninth edition of the ICIQ–URV PhD Day took place from 16 to 17 October 2025 at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), bringing together around 200 participants from ICIQ and the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV). The event once again served as a platform for young scientists to share their research, exchange ideas, and strengthen collaborations.
This year’s invited speakers included Dr. Amadeu Bonet (Co-founder of Synkotech Biocompatible Materials), Dr. Cristina Fernández-García (Technician at Oficina C, FECYT), Dr. Manuel González (Science Disseminator and Manager at ESERO España), Dr. Arianna Brandolese (Junior Group Leader at the University of Birmingham) and Dr. Marc Magre (Senior Scientist at Johnson & Johnson). The opening ceremony was performed by Prof. Rosa Maria Marcé, from URV, and the closing remarks by Prof. Beatriz Prieto-Simón, from ICIQ.
“It’s an honour to attend ICIQ’s PhD Day,” said Dr. Manuel González. “On one hand, I believe it’s crucial to support initiatives organised by PhD students. On the other, I deeply believe in the power of collaboration. I hope my experience as a former PhD student can be of help to anyone attending these inspiring sessions.”
“It’s been a pleasure to close this year’s PhD Day and to witness the energy, talent, and commitment of our PhD students,” said Prof. Beatriz Prieto-Simón, Group Leader at ICIQ. “Events like this remind us that science is built on curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance – qualities that clearly shine in our young researchers.”
This year’s edition also featured 22 flash talks and 20 posters, showcasing the diversity and creativity of PhD research at ICIQ and URV. Two awards were presented to recognise outstanding contributions: Angelo Scopano received the prize for the best flash talk, while Giona Armellin, both from the Prof. Kleij group, won the award for the best poster.
Entirely organised by PhD students, the PhD Day is a unique event that highlights the initiative and dedication of the institute’s young researchers. This year’s organising committee was formed by Alisa Denisiuk, María Martín López and Eva Prat i Font from ICIQ; and Jennifer Lozano Castro, Dahiana Peñuela and Laura Solé Domènech from URV.
As said by Alisa Denisiuk, “Organising an event is never an easy and straightforward process, so it is very important to tackle it as a team. It was my pleasure to be a part of this year’s organising committee, I think we worked really well together. I am very happy with the invited speakers, who gave us a lot of hope for what is to come after the PhD. And I am also very proud on behalf of all the fellow PhD researchers who presented their work during the conference.
Beyond the scientific sessions, the programme also included social and wellbeing activities such as a yoga session and a salsa class, promoting networking and a relaxed atmosphere among participants. The event concluded with a gala dinner on Friday evening.
The logo for this year’s edition, designed by Laia Plana, former graphic designer at ICIQ, symbolically combines an ether crown with the rosette of Tarragona’s Cathedral, merging chemistry and local heritage.
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