In memory of Dr. Santiago Olivella i Nel·lo (1944–2025)
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Santiago Olivella i Nel·lo, esteemed academic and researcher in the field of theoretical and computational chemistry.
The farewell ceremony will take place on Friday, November 7, at 16:15, at the Avinguda de Montserrat Roig, 100, Sant Cugat.
Dr. Olivella was a member of the Chemistry Section (3rd Division) of the Institut d’Estudis Catalans (IEC), specializing in the theory of chemical reactions. He was admitted on February 4, 2010, and held Medal No. 55.
He will be remembered for his pioneering contributions to theoretical chemistry, his leadership in creating key research infrastructures, and his dedication to advancing science and education in Catalonia.
Biographical Note
Santiago Olivella i Nel·lo
Barcelona, 1944
PhD in Chemistry and Research Professor at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). He began his scientific career under the mentorship of Manuel Ballester. After a stay in the theoretical research group of Michael Dewar at the University of Texas (1974–1976), he focused his research on applying quantum chemistry to the study of molecular structure and reactivity.
In 1981, he established his own research group at the Department of Organic Chemistry of the University of Barcelona, where he later founded and directed the Faculty of Chemistry Computing Center (1984–1993). He organized the creation of the Special Research Center in Theoretical Chemistry (CeRQT) at the University of Barcelona and served as its first director (1999–2001).
He co-founded the Quantum Chemistry Group of the Institute of Catalan Studies (IEC) in 1985 and promoted its transformation into the Catalan Network of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (XQTC) of the Government of Catalonia (1994). He also served as Secretary of the Catalan Society of Chemistry (1999–2001).
Dr. Olivella received several distinctions in recognition of his scientific contributions, including the Narcís Monturiol Medal for Scientific and Technological Merit from the Government of Catalonia (1999) and the Solvay Award from the CEOE Foundation (2003).