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.