Once again, IREC took part in the Barcelona Science Festival (Festa de la Ciència), one of Catalonia’s leading public science events, which this year celebrated its 18th edition. Organised by the Barcelona City Council, the festival took place on 31 May and 1 June in and around the Born Centre for Culture and Memory, Plaça Comercial, and Ciutadella Park, as part of the strategic project Ciutadella of Knowledge (Ciutadella del Coneixement).
With over 160 activities across 28 venues, and involving more than 120 institutions and research groups, the event attracted around 18,000 visitors, offering a dynamic space for dialogue between science, innovation and society.
As part of its ongoing commitment to public engagement and science communication, IREC presented four hands-on activities that showcased key research lines in energy, sustainability, and emerging technologies.

3D Printing for Green Hydrogen
Held on Saturday 31 May, from 12:45 to 13:45, in the El món de la tecnologia space, this activity explored the potential of green hydrogen as a key vector for decarbonising the industrial and mobility sectors, despite ongoing challenges in its production and storage. IREC researchers demonstrated how 3D printing technologies can help address these challenges, with participants engaging in practical, hands-on tasks.
Participants: Santiago Márquez, Ismael Babeli, Natalia Kostretsova, Daiana Ferreira and Gianfranco Sabato, from the Nanoionics and Fuel Cells research department
Topic area: Technology and quantum science

The Invisible Energy in Your Home
This demonstration workshop was held on Saturday 31 May, from 19:15 to 20:00, in the Cuidem el planeta area. Delivered by the Climate Neutral and Resilient Buildings and Communities department, it focused on how solar orientation, natural ventilation and building design affect indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Using tools and simulations, participants were encouraged to rethink daily habits and optimise energy use at home.
Participants: Francisco Belío, Joaquím Romaní and Soledad Ibañez Iralde, from the Climate Neutral and Resilient Buildings and Communities research department
Topic area: Cities and urban habitats

Monitoring Heat at Home
This science-theatre contest took place on Saturday 31 May in two sessions (16:10–16:35 and 17:50–18:15) at the Marc Boada stage. The activity presented four types of intelligence —human, traditional computing, software -based AI, and hardware-based AI— through live challenges and interactive performances. The goal was to explore the strengths and limitations of each and highlight the need to combine them to address global challenges such as the energy transition and responsible resource use.
Participants: Joana Ortiz, from the Climate Neutral and Resilient Buildings and Communities research department, and Mar Satorras from Institut Metròpoli.
Topic area: Art, science and society

Brain, Chip or Software? The Intelligence Throne Challenge
This science-theatre contest took place on Saturday 31 May in two sessions (16:10–16:35 and 17:50–18:15) at the Marc Boada stage. The activity presented four types of intelligence—human, traditional computing, software-based AI, and hardware-based AI—through live challenges and interactive performances. The goal was to explore the strengths and limitations of each and highlight the need to combine them to address global challenges such as the energy transition and responsible resource use.
Participants: Juan Carlos Gonzalez Rosillo, Francesco Chiabrera and Alicia Ruiz Caridad, from the Nanoionics and Fuel Cells research department, and Julia Docampo from BSC.
Topic area: Technology and quantum science

By taking part in the festival, IREC reaffirms its commitment to science outreach as a vital tool for bridging the gap between research and society, and for fostering a knowledge-based culture of energy and sustainability. We sincerely thank all the researchers for their dedication and the Barcelona City Council for leading this inspiring initiative.

? For more information, visit the official website: www.barcelona.cat/festa-de-la-ciencia