IREC awarded the Manel Xifra i Boada Prize
At the 21st edition of the Manel Xifra i Boada Awards, held in Girona, the Catalonia Institute for Energy Research is recognised for its contribution to the energy transition and its track record of excellence in research and innovation.
The Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC) has today been awarded the Manel Xifra i Boada Prize in the category of applied research group or technology centre, as part of the 21st edition of this award. The prize, presented by Ms Imma Xifra of Comexi Group and Mr Xavier Roca Ramon, Director General of Industry of the Government of Catalonia, recognises IREC’s standing as a leading institution in energy research and its commitment to transferring knowledge to society and industry. IREC’s Director, Dr Jordi Puigcorbé, collected the award on behalf of the institution.
The Manel Xifra i Boada Awards, promoted by EnginyersGi and Comexi Group, are rooted in the conviction that technical knowledge advances when it is shared. Established in 2005 in tribute to Comexi’s founder, Manel Xifra Boada, over twenty-one editions they have become a benchmark in Catalonia for recognising talent, innovation, and the transfer of knowledge between research and industry. The ceremony took place at the Auditori Josep Irla in Girona, in the presence of several institutional authorities, including Mr Lluc Salellas, Mayor of Girona; Ms Núria Montserrat Pulido, Minister for Research and Universities; and Mr Josep Calbó Angrill, Rector of the University of Girona.
The award has previously distinguished institutions such as the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS), the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), the ALBA Synchrotron, and, last year, the IBEC, and this year it is presented to a centre dedicated entirely to energy research. The ceremony, hosted by journalist Cristina Saez, also included the Best Professional Career Award, presented to industrial technical engineer Elisenda Pagès Feliu, and the Award for the Transmission of Technical and Technological Knowledge, collected by Rafael Aranda Quiles on behalf of RCR Arquitectes.
“This award recognises what we do at IREC every day: carrying out research to accelerate the energy transition with applicable solutions, from renewable energy and energy efficiency to storage and systems integration. Receiving this prize at such a defining moment for the energy transition reaffirms our work and encourages us to keep addressing complex problems, focused on electrification and decarbonisation, with the aim of building a more sustainable society.” — Dr Jordi Puigcorbé, Director of IREC.