On 5 February 2026, the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB CSIC) and the Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina (IBB UAB) held the Bi(o)lateral Day 2026, a joint meeting to reinforce collaboration at the interface of materials science, biotechnology, and biomedicine. The event brought together researchers, technicians, and support staff from both centres to present research lines, discuss shared interests, and explore new opportunities for cooperation.
The meeting took place across both institutes, with morning sessions at ICMAB and afternoon activities at IBB. Martí Gich (ICMAB) and Nerea Roher (IBB) opened the day by presenting the missions, scientific priorities, and strengths of their respective centres.
At ICMAB, Anna Laromaine introduced the institute’s bio related research lines, while Bernat Bozzo and Marc Martínez presented scientific services relevant to bio research. At IBB, Nerea Roher outlined the institute’s expertise in biotechnology, biomedicine, and biological models, as well as the services supporting research from the molecular to the organism level.
Dynamic discussions and young researchers
A central part of the morning consisted of four parallel round table discussions on biocompatibility and biosensors, validation in biological models, antimicrobial surfaces, and nanocarriers for therapy. These sessions enabled focused dialogue and helped identify complementary expertise and potential joint projects.
In the afternoon, early career researchers from both centres presented their work in areas such as nanomedicine, biosensing, nanotherapeutics, and multifunctional vesicles. An informal lunch and poster session further encouraged interaction and networking.
Participants during the Bi(o)lateral Day | ICMAB-CSIC
Building pathways for collaboration
Participants also discussed practical mechanisms to sustain collaboration, including co supervision of PhD candidates, joint TFG/TFM projects, coordinated applications to funding calls, internal seed funding schemes, and improved communication through shared seminar agendas and research updates. Patricia Hannon (ICMAB) and Montserrat Solé (IBB) led a session on funding opportunities and strategic alignment for joint proposals.
Anna Laromaine, researcher of ICMAB-CSIC, said: “The combination of formal presentations and round tables enabled stronger, more informal interaction, which I truly believe will crystallize into new ideas, contacts, and collaborations among the institutes. It was also great to see so many young researchers — shared activities for early stage scientists could further strengthen inter center relations and positively impact research.”
On her part, Nerea Roher, Director of IBB, said: “The Bi(o)lateral Day highlighted strong scientific complementarities in bio inspired materials, nanomedicine, and health related applications. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advance joint collaborations, identify concrete funding opportunities, and define next steps to strengthen long term cooperation between both centers.”
Participants during the Bi(o)lateral Day | ICMAB-CSIC
Looking ahead
The Bi(o)lateral Day 2026 marked an important step in reinforcing dialogue between ICMAB and IBB. By creating spaces for exchange across disciplines and career stages, the event laid the groundwork for future joint initiatives and strengthened collaboration at the intersection of materials science and biotechnology.
The organizers thank all speakers, moderators, participants, and support staff for contributing to a productive and engaging scientific meeting.
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ICMAB - Bi(o)lateral Day ICMAB and IBB: Unleashing Innovation and collaborations at the Intersection of Bio and Materials
