LEQUIA researcher Sebastià Puig has been awarded with  “ICREA Academy” grant for the period 2025-2029, a recognition to further boost his research career. Dr Puig has been an associate professor “Serra Húnter” at the University of Girona since 2019. His research focuses on the biotechnology field applied to i) wastewater and groundwater treatment, and ii) the conversion of CO₂ into biofuels and other valuable compounds. Among his most relevant contributions, advances in the study and development of bioelectrochemical systems stand out, an emerging technology based on the capacity of certain microorganisms to facilitate reduction and oxidation reactions of chemical compounds. In 2024, he was included in the Stanford Elsevier list of the best 2% of scientists worldwide within their field.

The ICREA Acadèmia programme started in 2008 and offers research intensification grants to outstanding university professors who already hold permanent positions in the Catalan research system and are in an expanding phase of their careers. The grant is for five years and is intended to promote the awardees’ research by relieving them from teaching duties. In 2023 call, four professors of the University of Girona have been awarded with the ICREA Acadèmia grant.