Andorra takes a decisive step forward in advancing Research and Innovation at the European level

Andorra Research + Innovation (AR+I) and the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), based in Barcelona, have signed an agreement to develop research projects in the country and to foster a new model of cross-border scientific cooperation in Europe.

This collaboration agreement implements Andorra’s National Plan for Innovation and Economic Diversification, described as “a strategic commitment for the country.”

Minister Conxita Marsol announced the launch of the process to transform CATSA into the future national innovation centre, which will host projects such as the one formalised today, beginning with the call for tenders to select the architect responsible for the building’s renovation project.

 

The Andorra Altitude Innovation Area, whose future epicentre will be located at CATSA, will incorporate two highly qualified researchers accredited by both the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) and Andorra Research + Innovation (AR+I), based in Barcelona, who will carry out their activities primarily in Andorra for an initial period of three years. The researchers will not only sign publications and projects on behalf of CRG and AR+I, strengthening their international visibility and the integration of both scientific ecosystems, but will also work to develop solutions with real market viability and tangible benefits for citizens.

The two institutions have formalised a specific agreement activating the pilot phase of the Mountain Genomics Talent Programme, an initiative designed to promote excellence in research in genomics, high-mountain biodiversity and environmental health in the Principality. The programme also aims to facilitate the return of Andorran talent to the country.

The Director of the Centre for Genomic Regulation, Luis Serrano, and the Director of Andorra Research + Innovation, Marta Domènech, today signed the framework collaboration agreement at CRG’s headquarters in Barcelona to promote joint initiatives in research, innovation and knowledge transfer, marking a historic milestone in the international projection of science. Through this alliance, CRG and AR+I consolidate a scientific platform that combines international excellence with strong territorial roots, positioning Andorra as an emerging hub for mountain genomics research with European impact.

The event was attended by the Minister of the Presidency, Economy, Labour and Housing, Conxita Marsol, accompanied by the Secretary of State for Business and Economic Diversification, Marc Saura, and the Minister for Research and Universities of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Núria Montserrat, together with the Secretary General for Research and Universities, Oriol Escardíbul. The meeting also provided an opportunity to explore future avenues of collaboration.

For Minister Marsol, the new agreement represents “a strategic commitment by the country through a project framed within the National Plan for Innovation and Economic Diversification, reinforcing the Government’s determination to make research and innovation a driving force for economic development and diversification.” The signing coincides with the launch of the process to transform CATSA into the future national innovation centre, beginning with the tender to appoint the architect responsible for the renovation project of the building that will become the epicentre of the Andorra Altitude Innovation Area.

For her part, Minister Núria Montserrat stated that “the launch of the pilot phase of the Mountain Genomics Talent Programme promotes the exchange of talent in biomedical and biotechnology research and innovation, two strategic areas for the Department of Research and Universities. Today we open a new horizon of opportunities and foster research that will also strengthen coordination and the submission of joint projects between both institutions at national and international levels, fulfilling one of our mandate objectives of becoming one of Europe’s 50 most innovative regions by 2030.”

The Mountain Genomics Talent Programme, which gives effect to the framework agreement signed today, provides for the recruitment of two senior researchers with dual CRG–AR+I scientific affiliation, hired by Andorra Research + Innovation, who will carry out their work primarily in Andorra during an initial three-year period. AR+I will also provide facilities, resources and logistical support within the country.

The Centre for Genomic Regulation will assume the scientific leadership of the programme, facilitate access to its highly specialised infrastructures and technological services, and actively support the attraction of competitive European and international funding.

“This programme enables us to attract international talent, generate high added-value knowledge and position Andorra as a living laboratory for innovation in genomics and environmental health,” highlighted Marta Domènech, Director of Andorra Research + Innovation.

“Geographically, we are close neighbours, but institutionally this represents a significant step forward. Our long-term vision includes the possibility of establishing an Institute dedicated to Mountain Genomics or even a future external branch of the CRG in Andorra,” explained ICREA Research Professor Luis Serrano, Director of the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona.

The collaboration will connect Andorran research with shared European infrastructures and data ecosystems, facilitating participation in international consortia and initiatives such as the Catalan Initiative for the Earth Biogenome Project. This connection is particularly relevant given the exceptional biodiversity of the Pyrenees and the accelerating impact of climate change on mountain ecosystems.

Andorra as a living laboratory for genomic innovation

Located entirely within the Pyrenees, the combination of altitude, shifting microclimates and well-preserved natural ecosystems makes Andorra a genuine open-air laboratory. Scientists will be able to study in real-world conditions how environmental variation, biodiversity and human activity interact, generating high-resolution data that are difficult to obtain elsewhere in Europe.

The country’s compact and accessible nature will enable the testing of genomic technologies, environmental monitoring systems and nature-based solutions in a setting that is both controlled and ecologically complex. This approach integrates frontier science with practical applications in areas such as green biotechnology, sustainable construction, environmental monitoring, environmental health and technologies linked to strategic sectors including sport and land management.

Andorra’s National Plan for Innovation and Economic Diversification prioritises areas of hyper-specialisation such as sport and nature as innovation laboratories, life and health technologies, and sustainable construction, while promoting a public-private governance model and sustained progressive investment in R&D. In this context, the Mountain Genomics Talent Programme represents a strategic pillar for positioning Andorra as an emerging cluster for applied research in mountain environments, aligned with the objective of diversifying the economy and strengthening its resilience.

Source: Government of Andorra