IPHES-CERCA takes part in World Radio Day on the programme La Veu de Tarragona

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) hosted a special live broadcast of the programme La Veu de Tarragona,  the morning show presented by Josep Suñé on Tarragona Ràdio, to celebrate World Radio Day 2026.

The programme brought together institutional representatives, science communication officers and researchers from the main research centres in southern Catalonia.

The event highlighted the role of radio as a tool for science outreach, territorial cohesion and the projection of scientific knowledge to society.

Institutional roundtable: research as a driver of the territory

The programme opened with an institutional roundtable featuring:

Marina Mosquera, Director of IPHES-CERCA

Elisabet Vilella, Deputy Director of the Pere Virgili Health Research Institute (IISPV) and Director of Research at the Institut Pere Mata University Hospital

Emilio Palomares, Director of the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)

Josep Pallarès, Rector of Rovira i Virgili University (URV)

The discussion emphasised the strategic role of CERCA centres and the university as engines of scientific, economic and social development in the region. Participants agreed on the importance of consolidating a competitive research ecosystem capable of attracting international talent and generating globally impactful knowledge from southern Catalonia.

Science communication: explaining science to transform society

The second roundtable brought together science communication officers from the research centres of southern Catalonia:

Laura Hernández (ICIQ)

Gilbert Frigola (ICAC)

Vanessa Roig (IISPV)

Gerard Campeny (IPHES-CERCA)

The debate focused on the importance of science communication as an essential tool to bring research closer to society, promote critical thinking and strengthen public trust in science. It was stressed that communication is not only about disseminating results, but also about explaining processes, contexts and impacts, making science accessible, understandable and relevant to society as a whole.

International talent and commitment to the Catalan language

The event concluded with a roundtable featuring researchers from the four centres who share an international background and a strong commitment to the territory. All of them come from different countries and have chosen Catalonia to develop their scientific careers, while also showing interest in learning Catalan and fully integrating into the social and cultural environment.

Participants included:

Dr Deborah Barsky (IPHES-CERCA)

Dr Ruggero Bonetto (ICIQ, Italy)

Dr Marie-Claire Savin (ICAC, France)

Dr Brenno Domínguez Porfirio (IISPV, Brazil)

The discussion highlighted the international character of research centres in southern Catalonia and their ability to attract talent. At the same time, it underscored the importance of language as a tool for integration and local engagement, as well as the value of cultural diversity in building an open and plural scientific community.

IPHES-CERCA’s participation in this edition of World Radio Day reaffirms its commitment to high-quality science communication and to bringing research in human evolution and palaeoecology closer to society. As a close and accessible medium, radio remains a key tool for reaching new audiences and strengthening the link between science and citizens.

The full programme can be listened to at this link.