50 Years Later: Science, Health Innovation, and Democracy in Catalonia

This program is aligned with the Generalitat's strategy to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of the Dictator, connecting Catalonia’s scientific and democratic progress with its current leadership in health research and innovation.

The event will provide both a historical and forward-looking perspective and will contribute to:

• Bridging generations and thus highlighting the qualitative and quantitative progress of health research in Catalonia;
• Showcasing the international relevance Catalonia has achieved over the past 50 years: an ecosystem positioned as both a refuge and a driver of scientific innovation;
• Fostering social and political debate by placing science as a cornerstone of freedom and an advanced society.

Welcome and Context

Thursday, 11/12/2025 – 4:00 PM

Antoni Plasencia will welcome attendees to the event and frame the importance of this commemoration within the context of the country’s scientific trajectory. His speech will highlight how health research has become, over the past fifty years, a key element for social transformation and democratic empowerment, connecting this evolution with the experiences and testimonies presented in the two sessions.

Moderator:

• Antoni Plasencia, Director General of Research and Innovation in Health. Department of Health of the Generalitat of Catalonia

From Repression to the BioRegion: Testimonies of a Transformation

Thursday, 11/12/2025 – 4:15 PM

Objective: To explore the historical and prospective evolution of health research and innovation in Catalonia through the stories of key figures who have been protagonists and witnesses of this change.

Roundtable with initial presentations and open dialogue, moderated by an expert in history and science policy.

Research in Freedom: The Future of Scientific Progress in a Changing Geopolitical Context

Thursday, 11/12/2025 – 5:15 PM

Objective: To debate the importance of academic freedom for scientific progress, analyze risks stemming from restrictive geopolitical contexts, and highlight opportunities for Catalonia as a hub for attracting talent.

Closing Session

Thursday, 11/12/2025 – 6:15 PM

Moderator:

• Olga Pané, Minister of Health. Generalitat of Catalonia

Networking and Refreshments

Thursday, 11/12/2025 – 6:30 PM