Designed to explore cutting-edge research in dialogue with other disciplines, Radical Science aims to imagine the world of the coming decades. The program consists of public debates held from January to June, inviting audiences to engage with transformative ideas at the intersection of science, philosophy, and creativity. Curated by physicist and science journalist Toni Pou, Radical Science will integrate Magmes, a poetic residency project led by scientist and poet Joan Duran, alongside artistic initiatives curated by researcher and cultural producer Irma Vila. The program also includes sessions tailored for secondary school students.

The debates in which ICMAB collaborates are within the Reimagining Energy topic, and took place on 20-21 February, with a last one taking place e on 6 June, all of them at CCCB. The debates gathered experts to discuss the scientific, technological, and economic challenges of the energy transition. Through audiovisual performances and roundtables, the event fostered interdisciplinary dialogue on sustainability and the future of energy. Both days were a complete success, with packed rooms of people engaged in the artistic performances and scientific discussions.

Several leading research institutions play a key role in Radical Science. The Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), the Institute of High Energy Physics (IFAE), the ALBA Synchrotron , and the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC ) coordinate the projects within the program. These institutions also coordinate the Complementary Plans projects in Catalonia. ICMAB contributes to the Advanced Materials plan through the InCAEM project, led by the ALBA Synchrotron.

The inauguration with frontier research experts

On January 20, the CCCB hosted the official launch of Radical Science, opening with the screening of Superradiance, an immersive audiovisual piece by artists Memo Akten and Katie Peyton Hofstadter. This mesmerizing fusion of visuals and music captivated the packed CCCB hall, drawing the audience into the cosmic essence of radical science.

The event featured a roundtable discussion where the directors of ALBA, IBEC, IFAE, and ICFO presented groundbreaking research initiatives and reflected on their societal impact. Speakers included Lluís Torner (founding Director at ICFO), Caterina Biscari (ALBA Director), Josep Samitier (IBEC Director), and Eugenio Coccia (IFAE Director,). The session was moderated by Toni Pou, science journalist. Before, Judit Carrera, director of CCCB, and Joan Gómez Pallarès, general director of Research at the Department of Research and Universities of the Generalitat de Catalunya, gave some opening speeches. 

Inauguration event at CCCB with Toni Pou, Caterina Biscari, Eugenio Coccia, Josep Samitier and Lluís Torner

Exploring energy transition

On Thursday, 20 February, the first debate of Reimagining Energy took place, addressing the urgent challenge of climate change and the development of new materials for the energy transition. The event opened with Matter, an audiovisual performance by artist Maotik, followed by a discussion with Lucía Aballe (ALBA Synchrotron), a leading researcher in advanced materials. Moderator Irma Vilà guided the conversation, leading a dynamic and engaging discussion. The session was a resounding success, with a full house of attendees eager to explore the future of energy and materials science.

The following day, Friday 21 February, physicist and nanomaterials expert, Beatriz Roldán (Fritz-Haber Institute) and economist, expert in climate, Mar Reguant (Northwestern University) explored the economic and technological hurdles of decarbonization in the debate titled Technology and economy for the energy transition. While progress is being made in solar energy and battery technology, heavy industries like metallurgy remain difficult to decarbonize. The discussion, moderated by journalist Elisenda Pallarés, examined the roles of innovation, policy, and economic strategy in accelerating the energy transition. Again, the event was a huge success, the CCCB has a loyal and reliable audience. 

There will be another debate within the Reimagining Energy series, which will be held on 6 June: Energy, a global challenge, with scientist and writer Vaclav Smil. He will reflect on the future of humanity in a scenario of climate crisis. The event will open with the screening of Slow Violence, an audiovisual piece by Joanie Lemercier.

Event on 20 February at CCCB with Lucía Aballe and Maotik, moderated by Irma Vilà

Magmes: dialogue between poetry and science

Magmes is a poetic residency programme in research centres of Catalonia under the auspices of the Radical Science project. 

Science and poetry share a deep curiosity about the world, challenging conventions and pushing the limits of language. Both disciplines embrace uncertainty, risk, and discovery. As groundbreaking research reshapes our understanding of life and the universe, Magmes fosters a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring that these scientific advancements are explored through the lens of humanistic inquiry.

Four poets have been invited to immerse themselves in the daily life of leading research centers, engaging in dialogue with scientists to exchange perspectives, concerns, and creative insights. Poet Lluís Calvo has been assigned to the Advanced Materials project, where we take part. He has been meeting these days with ICMAB researcher Esther Barrena and with other ICN2 and AlBA Synchrotron researchers, weaving poetry into the fabric of advanced materials research.

Lluís Calvo and Esther Barrna at ALBA Synchrotron

• Radical Science Programme of Debates (CCCB)
• Magmes: Poetry Residence (CCCB)
• Radical Science: the Science that is going to transform the world at CCCB (ICMAB)
• About InCAEM project (ICMAB)