• ICIQ
  • ICIQ
  • ICIQ

Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)

ICIQ logo

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) started its research activities in 2014. Since its creation, ICIQ aimed at becoming a center of excellence, and it is internationally known as a leading institution in the field of chemistry committed with performing research at the frontiers of knowledge.

ICIQ research groups conduct to top quality research on two main areas: catalysis and renewable energies.

Excellence and recognition awards
  • Since 2014 (renewed in 2020): "Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence" seal by the Ministry of Research, Development and innovation of Spain.
  • In 2012: awarded with the National Research Award for the public-privat partnership between ICIQ-Henkel-Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
  • In 2010: awarded with the “Narcís Munturiol” seal by the Government of Catalonia.
  • Since 2017: awarded with the HR Research and in Research by the European Commission.
  • Member of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) since 2017.
Ranking positioning
  • In 2018: in its fourth release, the web application Mapping Scientific Excellence ranks ICIQ in first position in “Best Journal Rate” (ratio of papers published in the most influential journals) and third in “Best Paper Rate” (proportion of highly cited papers published by an institution) in the field of Chemistry worldwide.
  • In 2014: ranking in the SCIMAGO Worldwide Rankings of Universities and Research Institutes in terms of Excellence with Leadership.
  • In 2010: 3rd position on Best Journal Rate in the Mapping Scientific Excellence worldwide ranking in the field of Chemistry. 
  • In 2006: 2nd on Best Paper Rate. 
Renowned researcher

Esther Alza

  • Studied Chemistry and Biochemistry at URV and obtained her PhD from ICIQ in 2011.
  • Awarded as Welcome Trust postdoctoral Fellowship to work in the University of Cambridge.
  • She came back to ICIQ in 2014 to set up the Unit ERTFLOW, future spin-off of ICIQ.
  • Major research interest in novel organic synthesis methodologies and technologies, from catalysis to flow chemistry with robotics and automatization for a fast development of new products and drugs.
The project

Chemistry plays a crucial role in addressing the main global challenges, by designing new appealing materials with crucial applications in the field of sustainable energy, industry and medicine. 

At ICIQ, you will gain a multidisciplinary training in synthetic chemistry, materials science, quantum physics and optoelectronics.

Working as real a scientist, you will have the opportunity to design, assemble and analyze different experimental setups for the characterization of materials and chemical reactions.

Are you ready for this challenge?