The research performed at the Parc Científic de Barcelona (PCB) is characterized by its multidisciplinary nature, covering a wide range of research activities in the experimental, human and social sciences.

This activity is developed in public research groups, company R+D units and in joint research laboratories, the result of collaboration agreements between the public and private sectors.

The public research groups at the PCB, comprised mainly by investigators from the Universitat de Barcelona (UB), the ICREA Programme and the “Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona” of the CSIC, share a single aim, that of achieving research of excellence and promoting the transfer of know-how and technology. These research groups provide society at large with a wide knowledge base, which can be accessed through: subcontracting research and/or services, development of joint laboratories, commercialisation of patents, development of technology-based enterprises —spin-offs—, etc.

Institut de Recerca Biomèdica As the largest research centre of the Park, the IRB-PCB brings together 15 groups from the UB and the ICREA programme, and around 100 researchers from the IBMB-CSIC, who work in areas linked to basic biomedicine. As a promoter of multidisciplinary research at the interface between biology and chemistry, the Institute boasts state-of-the-art science and technology infrastructure and extensive experience, which are of interest to the pharmaceutical and fine chemistry industries.

“Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona” (IBMB-CSIC, Barcelona Institute for Molecular Biology) This centre is devoted to the study of the molecular and genetic mechanisms involved in the biological processes relevant for the development and physiology of living organisms. Its main lines of research are the following: Structural Biology, Developmental Biology, Gene Regulation, Plant Molecular Biology and Insect Physiology.

Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia is an interdisciplinary research centre focused on bioengineering and nanomedicine and based in Barcelona. Its mission is to conduct high quality research that, while creating knowledge, contributes to a better quality of life, improves health and creates wealth. IBEC establishes close links with international research centres, universities, hospitals and industry to exchange talent and develop and execute projects. The institute currently has 15 research groups and 200 researchers and staff from 18 different countries. IBEC’s six research programmes are Cellular Biotechnology, Nanobiotechnology, Biomechanics and Cellular Biophysics, Biomaterials, Implants and Tissue Engineering, Medical Signals and Instrumentation, and Robotics and Biomedical Imaging. Its patrons and founders are the Generalitat de Catalunya, the University of Barcelona (UB) and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC).

Co.S.Mo. LAB (Computer Simulation & Modeling) The Co.S.Mo. Lab is formed by research groups that develop their activities in the field of simulation and modeling of physical, chemical, and biological problems from a multiscale point of view (both spatial and temporal). Within this context, they perform basic research, promoting collaborations and sinergies. Besides, they provide services in order to solve problems from a theoretical and computational perspective. The research groups which compose the Co.S.Mo Lab are at present: the Quantum Simulation of Biological Processes Group (SPQBIO), the Reaction Dynamics of Polyatomic Systems Group (PDPOLSYS), and the Theoretical and In Silico Modeling of Biological Systems Group (THE.SI.M.BIO.SYS.).

	Companies and spin-offs The PCB is home to companies and spin-offs whose activities are linked to its priority research lines. These companies benefit from a setting with maximum research activity and a modern infrastructure of support services.

Joint Research Units The centralising of public research centres and companies from the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and fine chemistry sectors within the PCB brings basic research and the discovery of new drugs closer together, thus fostering a synergistic relationship between the two poles. Such combined efforts often lead to public and private sector collaboration to set up joint research units.

Multidisciplinary Research

	Multidisciplinary Research groups The PCB provides a focus for and promotes research and development activity in several multidisciplinary areas; this involves groups and enterprises from diverse areas of the experimental, human and social sciences that work in new fields of knowledge and market niches.