The first Saturday in October is just around the corner, and that can only mean one thing: the Open Day at the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB)!
The OpenPRBB is now in its 18th edition, offering citizens the opportunity to learn firsthand about the research carried out at our centers through guided tours, talks, and workshops. However, this event would not be possible without the volunteers who come forward each year to share their daily experiences in an accessible manner.
This year, this special event will be held on October 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can check out the program here.
But… what is it like to experience the OpenPRBB from the inside? We bring you the testimony of one of our volunteers, Willy Giralt, who was part of the team at the Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University (MELIS-UPF) for more than two years and will therefore always be part of our community.
As Salvador Dalí said: “And heaven, where is it? Heaven is not above or below, nor to the right or left. Heaven is in the center of the chest of the man who has faith“. For those of us who believe in research and science, part of our faith lies in each and every one of the residents who make up the different centers of the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park and, therefore, part of our heaven is that great miracle that is the PRBB.
During my almost two and a half years at the PRBB, I was able to immerse myself in the different centers, research staff, technicians, and all the administrative and service network behind those who are on the front line. I can no longer enjoy the sunrises, the daily learning, and doing my tiny bit to improve our present and future. However, I still hope, with surprise and a certain pride, I cannot deny it, that the PRBB will continue to count on me to be part of the now well-known OpenPRBB as a volunteer.
I am no scientist, but I can assure you that this is a great opportunity for all of us who, unfortunately, are a little distant from science, to get to know this piece of heaven and all the miracles that take place within it. It is a unique opportunity to be amazed, to learn, to understand, and to thank the members of the PRBB for their help in trying to improve our lives. And, last but not least, to thank them and also to demand, without ever ceasing to get involved, that we have public science of the highest quality.
Come, enjoy, and support research that is ours, that is built by us and intended for us.
Willy Giralt, former PRBB resident and OpenPRBB volunteer
We’re sure Willy’s words have moved you as much as they have us (thanks Willy, we’ll definitely be counting on you!) – and we’re sure you’ve already marked October 4 in your calendars! Here’s a rundown of everything you’ll find at OpenPRBB 2025:
- Guided tours lasting approximately 60 minutes, during which you can visit two laboratories. There will be 12 simultaneous tours starting every 30 minutes. There will also be a historical tour at 11:30 a.m. that will allow you to learn about the Park’s infrastructure. We recommend booking your ticket on EventBrite, but tickets will also be available on the day at the registration tent.
- Children under 12 years of age will not be able to participate in the guided tours. However, they can enjoy the Espai menut while their parents or guardians take the guided tour. They can also participate in the workshops in the square, accompanied by their families or guardians.
- Workshops to discover the Animal Facility, learn about DNA structure in a sweet way, find out what neurons are, delve into the microscopic world, and much more!
- ‘Ciència a la Fresca‘, a series of short 10-15 minute talks on topics as diverse as cancer, dementia prevention, and how a scientific idea is transformed into a solution for patients, among others.
- A laboratory workshop where participants will be given a challenge: to treat a genetic cancer. The minimum age to participate is 14, and tickets must be reserved in advance on EventBrite. On Saturday itself, you can sign up for the waiting list at the information point.
You can experience all this firsthand and free of charge on Saturday, October 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the PRBB (c/Doctor Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona).
This scientific outreach event is only possible thanks to the collaboration of the PRBB centres and the support of Barcelona City Council.
