Banco Sabadell Foundation Awards 2026

ICREA researcher Marc Güell receives the 21st Banc Sabadell Foundation Award for Biomedical Research.

The Banc Sabadell Foundation has recognised the ICREA Research Professor Marc Güell Cargol with the 21st Prize for Biomedical Research for his pioneering contributions to synthetic biology and the development of new genetic engineering technologies.

Güell has been a pioneer in harnessing biology to create new molecular principles and technologies. His research has enabled the creation of new genome-writing technologies, the development of microbiome-based therapies and the generation of safe sources of organs for transplant, opening the door to a new generation of treatments with a direct impact on human health. Recently, he received an ERC Consolidator grant to develop RNA-based genetic writing technologies and leads EIC and DARPA grants to develop new skin microbiome technologies.

Part of his research is being translated into technology transfer. He is the co-founder of four companies and the inventor of patents licensed to leading gene-editing companies.

“It is a very sweet moment for the biosciences: there is a technological maturity that allows us to tackle major health challenges. The convergence between artificial intelligence and biotechnology is enabling us to make a great qualitative leap in biodesign. We can not only ‘edit’ or ‘write’ DNA; we are also beginning to “speak” DNA. I am very grateful for this recognition: I feel very privileged and excited,” explained Güell.

The Banc Sabadell Foundation Awards annually recognise the excellence of young researchers whose contributions stand out for both their scientific quality and their potential social impact. Furthermore, they differ from other awards because they are given at an early stage of their careers, which represents a decisive boost for their scientific and social development. Since their creation, these awards, together with the Banc Sabadell Foundation Awards for Economic Research and Marine Sustainability, have recognised nearly sixty researchers who are now leading figures in their fields. In this edition, alongside Marc Güell, Francisco Pelayo García de Arquer (ICFO) has also been awarded the 10th Prize for Science and Engineering.

The awards ceremony will take place on 7 July at the Banc Sabadell Corporate Centre in Sant Cugat del Vallès, in an event that will bring together authorities, researchers who were awarded in previous editions, and executives and prominent figures from the scientific and business worlds.

Marc Güell, ICREA Research Professor at UPF – Department of Medicine and Life Sciences.