Microvillages and Science: scientific caravan visits already 4 microvillages

Science belongs to everyone, and this year, the IBB is actively expanding its outreach to remote communities by heading directly into the community centers and rural classrooms of Catalonia. "Micropobles i Ciència" (Microvillages and Science) is an initiative designed to tear down geographic barriers and make scientific culture accessible to everyone, no matter how small or remote their hometown.

Co-created by the Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (IBB) of the UAB and the Association of Micropobles of Catalonia (MdC), this project led by the Beatriu de Pinós researcher Tamara Fernández, secured funding through the AGAUR IMPACTE 2025 call. Its mission is clear: to close the urban-rural divide in science access, proving that vital conversations about infectious diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

The Project by the Numbers

• 9 Microvillages across Catalonia on the official roadmap
• 3 Core scientific areas explored: cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious diseases
• 4 Communities successfully reached this spring
• 1 Shared goal: to reduce the geographic gap in access to science and to promote well-being, education, and equality in rural areas

Spring Highlights: Bridging the Gap in Four Communities

The project features interactive workshops, hands-on experiments, scientific talks and open discussions tailored for all generations. Before heading into the summer break, the scientific caravan made four rewarding stops this May to connect directly with local residents:

• La Granadella (May 8): The journey kicked off with workshops on cancer, immunity, and neurodegenerative diseases specifically designed for ESO (Compulsory Secondary School students at the ZER.
• Brunyola (May 9): Neighbors gathered to explore different thematic workshops and joined informative talks on cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Maials (May 29): This time the IBB researchers hosted morning infectious disease workshops for preschool and primary school students, wrapping up the day with an open public science talk and an informal community afternoon snack
• Bassella (May 30): In this microvillage the researchers offered several workshops and sat down with locals to break down core concepts regarding neurodegenerative diseases.

What’s Next? The Autumn Roadmap

The spring cycle has successfully wrapped up, but our work to minimize the geographic divide is only halfway through its regional journey. After the summer, the team will hit the road again in September to visit five more microvillages.

Here is where the scientific caravan is heading next:

• September 19 | Lluçà
• September 25 | Bot
• September 26 | El Poal
• October 2 | Carme
• October 10 | Els Torms

For the autumn editions, follow the hashtag #MicropoblesICiència on social media for exact locations and times!

Through these activities, the IBB is helping bring science closer to people living in rural areas and small villages. So far, around 180 participants from these communities have benefited from the initiative, showing the value of making scientific knowledge and opportunities more accessible to everyone.