José Luis Mascareñas, researcher at the Centre for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS), participated as a speaker in a high-level scientific meeting honouring the renowned chemist and long-standing collaborator of CiQUS. The symposium “New Horizons in Catalysis and Chemical Synthesis: The Flow of Innovation” held this week in Tarragona, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Prof. Miquel A. Pericàs, gathered leading international figures in catalysis and synthetic chemistry to celebrate a career that has had a lasting impact on the field.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Prof. Miquel A. Pericàs has maintained a close and meaningful relationship with CiQUS since its early days. As founding director of the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), he played a key advisory role during the creation of the centre, sharing his experience on strategic planning, organisational structure, and the design of research facilities and laboratories. He also took part—together with Nobel Laureate Harry Kroto—in the scientific and academic event marking the formal inauguration of CiQUS in May 2010, and later that year was appointed member of its External Scientific Advisory Board (ESAB), a body he contributed to for a long period.
Prof. Pericàs is internationally recognised for his pioneering work in enantioselective catalysis, supported catalysts, and continuous flow processes, as well as for his leadership in advancing modern synthetic methodologies. His career combines fundamental research with translational and entrepreneurial initiatives, contributing to the development of innovative solutions in chemical synthesis.
CiQUS was represented at the symposium by a delegation that includes members of its leadership team to honour Prof. Pericàs. Among them, Prof. José Luis Mascareñas participated as an invited speaker, alongside internationally renowned chemists such as Nobel Laureate David W. C. MacMillan and Stephen L. Buchwald. This joint presence reflects both the strong and lasting ties between CiQUS and Prof. Pericàs, and the centre’s active role in the international scientific community.
The CiQUS holds the CIGUS recognition by the Xunta de Galicia, that accredits the quality and impact of its research, and receives financial support from the European Union through the Galicia FEDER Program 2021-2027.