The City Council and the ”la Caixa” Foundation subsidise 13 research projects in the field of health and sustainability

Of the total number of research lines selected, almost half (six) fall within the field of life sciences and health; six more focus on sustainability and climate change, and the last project is based on technological innovation in the city.

The awards are presented every two years, and the ceremony, which took place in the Salón de Crónicas at Barcelona City Hall, was presided over by the fourth deputy mayor and head of the Science and Innovation department, Jordi Valls. The deputy director general of research and grants at the ”la Caixa” Foundation, Àngel Font, was also in attendance.

This is the fifth edition of this biannual competition, the result of collaboration between the City Council and the Foundation, whose objective is to promote research projects in areas such as community health, the digitisation of the city, the climate emergency and sustainability in order to address the city's urban challenges. The initiative also aims to contribute to collaboration between established research entities so that they can work together, with the intention of promoting synergies between research centres, third sector entities and the city's economic and social fabric, and to develop applied research in strategic sectors.

In addition, the call for proposals is part of the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan for Science and Innovation, designed to strengthen research in the city and support scientific careers in Barcelona and its metropolitan area, which is already a national and European leader in scientific production. These grants are intended to promote and strengthen the areas that the plan considers strategic: life sciences and health, sustainability and climate change, and technological innovation in the city.

The 13 winning projects have been selected from 77 proposals and will receive up to 80% of the total cost of the research, up to a maximum of €150,000. The remainder, up to 100% of the project value, must be obtained from other sources of funding. Thirty-two entities are involved in the winning projects. Four of them are led by a university, five by research institutes (one has submitted two lines of research) and three by hospital research centres.

Thirteen subsidised projects

• Blue spaces for urban climate resilience (CLIMABLUE)

The project aims to analyse how the naturalisation of urban blue spaces can strengthen Barcelona's climate resilience. Microclimatic regulation, biodiversity and citizen well-being are being studied to identify potential health risks. The interdisciplinary approach allows for the generation of knowledge applicable to sustainable urban planning. Project led by the University of Barcelona (UB) in collaboration with the University of Granada, the Barcelona Public Health Agency (ASPB) and the Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute (IIS Biogipuzkoa).

• Community diversity in urban gardens (WELLCOM):

The aim of the programme is to understand how community practices in Barcelona's urban gardens contribute to social well-being, health and environmental resilience. It analyses the diversity of management models, their impacts and the opportunities they offer. It also proposes policy measures to strengthen these spaces as social and ecological assets. Project led by the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) in collaboration with the Open University of Catalonia (UOC), Tarpuna and the Metropoli Institute.

• Social determinants in urban dementia (DESODEM-BCN)

The aim of the project is to analyse the influence of socioeconomic status, social infrastructure and air pollution on the symptoms and biology of dementia in Barcelona. It combines biomedical, social and urban research to identify inequalities in diagnosis and progression, with a special focus on the pTau217 biomarker. The knowledge generated will be transferable to public health and clinical practice. Project led by the August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS) in collaboration with the Hospital de Mar Research Institute, the Barcelona Urban Research Institute (IDRA) and the Barcelona Public Health Agency (ASPB).

• 4. Mindfulness to prevent relapses in depression (BECOME)

The project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in an online group or self-help format to prevent relapses in people with recurrent major depression. A clinical trial with 300 participants will compare it with standard treatment. The aim of the study is to offer digital, scalable and non-pharmacological alternatives that improve quality of life and community mental health. Project led by the Sant Joan de Déu Research Foundation in collaboration with the Hospital de Mar Research Institute and the Autonomous University of Barcelona.

• Smart climate management of urban trees (ARSEC)

The project aims to scientifically monitor Barcelona's trees to understand how climate change affects their growth and health. Three species are analysed in various urban contexts, promoting citizen science, and the data is integrated into interactive tools to improve municipal management. The ultimate goal is to ensure the resilience and ecosystem services of urban trees. Project led by the Centre for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF) in collaboration with the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) and Barcelona Regional.

• Smart windows for urban energy efficiency (WINPRINT)

With the aim of responding to the urban climate emergency, the project is developing multifunctional windows printed with sustainable technologies that regulate sunlight and reduce energy consumption. The solutions will be validated in public buildings and will incorporate citizen participation. The initiative promotes technology transfer and positions Barcelona as a benchmark in green innovation. Project led by the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) and Futurechromes S.L.

• Digital technology for persistent COVID (SuperCAP)

With the aim of improving the quality of life of people with persistent COVID, the project is developing and evaluating the SuperCAP programme within the eSalut platform. The study analyses its effectiveness in reducing fatigue and cognitive difficulties through personalised digital tools. A large-scale clinical trial is planned to validate the impact. Project led by the Fundació Lluita contra les infeccions (FLS) in collaboration with the Institut de Recerca Germans Trials i Pujol and the Associació Afectats Covid Persistent del Garraf.

• Safe reuse of grey water in Barcelona (GreyWaterBCN)

In response to urban water challenges, this project analyses the microbiological risks associated with greywater reuse, particularly in terms of aerosols and antibiotic resistance. Advanced techniques are used to study different treatment systems in real environments. The results will guide public policies for safe and sustainable water management. Project led by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in collaboration with the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and the Barcelona Public Health Agency.

• Ultra-fast diagnosis of pathogens in blood (MICROPIX)

MICROPIX aims to transform the diagnosis of blood infections and antimicrobial resistance using a highly sensitive photonic microchip that detects pathogens and resistance markers in less than 30 minutes. This technology allows antimicrobial therapy to be adapted quickly and accurately to improve clinical outcomes and reduce the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Project led by the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) in collaboration with the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute and the National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC).

• Self-production of hospital oxygen with renewable energy (GreeSelfO2)

This study explores the technical and economic feasibility of a photovoltaic-powered electrolysis plant to produce medical oxygen at Vall d'Hebron Hospital. Scenarios are modelled according to hospital size and complementary uses of the hydrogen and heat generated are analysed. The project aims to increase hospital resilience and reduce polluting emissions. Project led by the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) in collaboration with the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) and Evarm Innovacion S.L.

• Intersectional equity in biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (DIVAD)

The project responds to the lack of representation in blood biomarker research by analysing the influence of ethnic, social and cultural factors on biomarker levels in people without cognitive impairment. It also validates cross-cultural tools for early detection and identifies barriers to access to prevention, thus promoting more inclusive and equitable research. Project led by the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Centre (BBRC) in collaboration with the Pasqual Maragall Foundation, IDIAP Jordi Gol and Pompeu Fabra University (UPF).

• Green and equitable urban freight distribution (GLIMS)

This project proposes a sustainable urban logistics model to reduce congestion, pollution and inequalities in access to freight distribution services. Using artificial intelligence, it simulates road pricing scenarios, analyses e-commerce demand and assesses its economic viability. The aim is to provide a basis for policies for efficient and fair UGD in Barcelona. Project led by the Open University of Catalonia (UOC) in collaboration with the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) and the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV).

• Vulnerability and urban heat in older people (HEAT BCN)

HEAT-BCN investigates the influence of social determinants of health and the urban environment on the vulnerability of older people to heat waves. Using a mixed and participatory methodology, it analyses experiences, behaviours and needs in order to improve local policies. The study validates technological tools and proposes specific adaptive actions. Project led by the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) in collaboration with the Pere Virgili Health Park and the University of Barcelona (UB).

During the award ceremony, a presentation was given on the progress of the 14 projects that were funded in the 2023 call for proposals, which focused on researching innovative solutions to urban challenges in community health, sustainability and climate change. The projects addressed topics such as knowledge and research on endometriosis and the design of programmes to promote healthy eating, among others.