Carme Rovira awarded the National Research Prize in Chemical Science and Technology
Dr. Carme Rovira, ICREA Research Professor at the Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTC)of the University of Barcelona, has been distinguished with the 2025 National Research Award “Enrique Moles” in the area of Chemical Science and Technology. She is the first woman to receive this recognition, granted by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
Her pioneering research in computational chemistry combines advanced mathematical and physical models with large-scale computer simulations to study enzymatic mechanisms relevant to biomedicine and biotechnology, particularly in the field of glycobiology. Her work has contributed to understanding how enzymes recognize and transform molecules, with applications ranging from rare disease diagnostics to bioenergy.
Carme Rovira completed her Chemistry degree and PhD at the University of Barcelona, followed by postdoctoral stays abroad before returning to the IQTC. Her research group makes extensive use of resources at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) to explore complex biochemical processes through computational approaches.
This award recognizes her outstanding contributions to theoretical and computational chemistry and serves as an inspiration for future generations of scientists, particularly women pursuing careers in science and technology.