Message from the Director
“ICRA has reaffirmed its role as a leading research centre in the study of water, water quality, water scarcity and adaptation to climate change.”
For ICRA, 2025 was the first year of a new chapter. At a time when water has become established as one of the great challenges of our age, we have continued to strengthen our mission: to generate scientific knowledge of excellence and turn it into useful answers for society. It was a particularly significant year, marked by the final stretch of a severe drought that made clear the need for rigorous research, the capacity to anticipate and the tools to support decision-making.
Throughout 2025, the Institute has continued working to connect its research more effectively with the challenges facing the region, public administrations and the sectors that use water. This commitment has translated into a clearer focus on scientific cross-disciplinarity, on knowledge transfer and on closer institutional collaboration, particularly with our trustees and with the key players in the water ecosystem.
2025 confirmed that our direction is clear and that we have begun to move decisively towards the new ICRA we want to build.
This process is neither immediate nor free of difficulties. Transforming a research centre means reviewing structures, updating regulations, strengthening alliances, creating new spaces for governance and building the conditions for scientific excellence to translate into usefulness, impact and service to the country.
Along this journey, our goal is clear: to become a leading reference in water-related issues, particularly in everything concerning drought and the adaptation of the water cycle to new climate conditions. We aim to achieve this in Catalonia, as well as across Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, where these challenges are already a shared reality. This will only be possible through scientific rigour, collaboration and perseverance.
We will continue working to make ICRA an increasingly stronger, more open and more connected centre, closely aligned with the real needs of society. We are in the midst of a transition, yes, but it is precisely at times of change that the projects with the greatest potential for the future are shaped.
Vicenç Acuña, Director
Roadmap to 2029
2025
A new chapter begins. We are embarking on a new stage to strengthen research, governance and knowledge transfer in response to the major water challenges facing our country.
Milestones:
- Strategic Plan approved.
- Action Plan approved.
2026
Better prepared for drought. We are sharpening the focus of our research and innovation on water scarcity, climate adaptation and the resilience of water systems.
Milestones:
- Launch of the GRAPHEC spin-off.
- Approval of ICRA’s new statutes.
- Start of the programme contract with the Government of Catalonia.
- Start of works to renovate ICRA’s surroundings.
2027
We connect knowledge and decision-making. We aim to better translate science into practical tools for water managers, public administrations and water-dependent sectors.
Milestones:
- Construction begins on the ICRA innovation hub.
- Knowledge Regions actions begin.
2028
Innovation for resilience. We drive solutions in water reuse, sanitation, water quality and integrated water management in the context of climate change.
2029
Mediterranean leadership in water. We are working to become a leading scientific and institutional reference in drought, water scarcity and adaptation across Southern Europe.
Horizon 2029
Research that is useful for transformation. We are building an ICRA capable of generating scientific excellence and, at the same time, real impact on policy, management and society.
2025 in Numbers
% PERCENTAGE OF FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS 2025
% PERCENTAGE OF Q1, Q2 AND D1 IN 2025 ARTICLES
KEY FIGURES 2025
% KTT FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION RELATIVE TO COMPETITIVE PROJECTS (2022-2025)
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL SERVICES (SCT)
PILOT PLANTS AND BIOPROCESSES LABORATORY
GREEN WALL
EXPERIMENTAL STREAM FACILITY (ESF)
HYDROPONICS
RESEARCH STAFF DURING 2025
KEY FIGURES 2025
KEY FIGURES 2025
KEY FIGURES 2025
KEY FIGURES 2025
KEY FIGURES 2025
KEY FIGURES 2025
Featured news of 2025
RAC1
Catalonia launches a pioneering project to reuse drinking water and better withstand droughts
El País
The EU requires pharmaceutical companies to foot the multimillion-euro bill for removing pharmaceutical residues from rivers
EuropaPress
The European Innovation Council (EIC) selects six Spanish companies among the 40 most disruptive companies
The Conversation
Antibiotics in groundwater: how to tackle this emerging contaminant
The Conversation
The plastisphere: an emerging threat to the environment and public health
Diari de Girona
Girona hosts the European Water Movement’s annual meeting for the first time
Retema
Dr José Luis Balcázar (ICRA) receives the John Snow Award for Innovation in Public Health
Research lines
Main achievements of 2025:
- 01. Emerging contaminants in Catalonia and the Mar Menor: research on pharmaceuticals and antibiotics in hydrogeological settings (REMÉDIATE and FATE projects), studying their reactive processes in the subsurface and the risk to health.
- 02. Groundwater and drought: research on the relationship between groundwater availability and droughts (TREASURE project), to understand it as an alternative resource during periods of water scarcity.
- 03. Emerging contaminants in groundwater: determination and control in Catalonia (2022-2024) funded by the ACA, with the first results on pharmaceuticals and PFAS at Catalan level.
- 04. Diffuse nitrate pollution: study funded by the ACA to identify areas with denitrifying potential from hydrogeological, hydrochemical and isotopic data.
CONTRIBUTORS: Dr. Warren Meredith, Dr. Gabriela Córdoba-Ariza, Dr. Rafaa Trigui and Mr. Federico Franco
Main achievements of 2025:
- 01. Technical assistance to the ACA: study of the extent of recreational activities in rivers and reservoirs of Catalonia’s internal basins and their impact on river ecosystems.
- 02. Completion of the CityPoll project: analysis, through laboratory and field experiments, of the effects of urban runoff pollutants on river biofilm communities.
- 03. Start of the BIOVERA project: promoting citizen participation in the collection of environmental data on the ecosystem services of green infrastructure.
CONTRIBUTORS: Dr. Sergi Sabater, Dr. Josep Pueyo-Ros, Dr. Vicenç Acuña, Dr. Xavier Garcia-Acosta, Ms. Neus Besolí, Mr. Javier Ortiz, Ms. Victoria Dàvila and Ms. Blanca Tabarner
Main achievements of 2025:
- 01. CityPoll documentary: an 11-minute piece on the impact of urban runoff, winner of the MasOrgange Sustainability award.
- 02. Management recommendations: the CityPoll project proposes integrated urban wastewater management plans and improved monitoring of emerging contaminants.
- 03. RIVHS project: study of the impacts of anomalous hydrosedimentary dynamics on biological communities and the functioning of river systems.
- 04. RIVSTRESS project: definition of the effect of the most frequent stressors in Mediterranean watercourses, the basis of Javier Ortiz’s doctoral thesis.
CONTRIBUTORS: Dr. Anna Freixa, Ms. Neus Besolí, Mr. Javier Ortiz, Dr. Paula Gabriela Córdoba, Ms. Ariadna Gabarda, Mr. Àlex Gou, Prof. Josep Mas-Pla, Prof. Mira Petrovic, Dr. Josep Pueyo, Prof. Joaquim Comas and Dr. Oriol Gutiérrez
Main achievements of 2025:
- 01. Nature-based treatments: demonstration of the effectiveness of non-conventional systems and technologies for removing pharmaceuticals and other emerging contaminants from water.
- 02. Risks of chemical pollution: identification of the presence, persistence and ecological risks of pesticides and tyre-derived compounds in aquatic environments.
- 03. Impact on terrestrial ecosystems: how irrigation with wastewater and antibiotic pollution affect soil-plant interaction and crop development.
- 04. Food safety: assessment of the uptake of pharmaceuticals by edible plants and the risks associated with contaminated soils.
CONTRIBUTORS: Dr. Gianluigi Buttiglieri, Dr. Meritxell Gros, Dr. Lucas Alonso, Dr. Maria Eugenia Valdés, Ms. Maria Pau Garcia and Dr. Jose Luis Balcázar
Main achievements of 2025:
- 01. ProCleanLakes project: first large-scale monitoring campaign to assess emerging pollution in six European lakes.
- 02. Contract with the ACA: determination and control of priority and emerging substances in Catalan groundwater (2022-2024).
- 03. Junta Central d’Usuaris d’Aigua del Baix Ter: study of the potential for reusing treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation and aquifer recharge.
- 04. Start of the Iron-SEWER project: how ferric dosing can influence micropollutant dynamics and wastewater-based epidemiology.
CONTRIBUTORS: Dr. Meritxell Gros and Dr. Mira Celic
Main achievements of 2025:
- 01. Eionet working group (EEA): participation in the pilot study on monitoring antimicrobial resistance in European surface waters.
- 02. AMR surveillance in Catalonia: award of a public tender on antibiotic resistance indicators in wastewater.
- 03. Patent T811/CTTW/2025: co-invention, with the Patent Office of Poland, of a passive system for treating municipal wastewater.
- 04. PhageLand project: invited talk at the JPIAMR final conference in Stockholm to present the consortium’s results.
CONTRIBUTORS: Dr. José Luís Balcázar, Dr. Alexandre Sánchez, Dr. Eugenia Valdés, Dr. Sara Rodríguez-Mozaz, Dr. Lluís Corominas, Dr. Mireia Fillol, Dr. Meritxell Gros, Dr. Marie Rescan, Ms. Anna Pico Tomàs and Ms. Pamela Jael Colman
Main achievements of 2025:
- 01. Implementation of the EXPOWASTE project: integration of human biomonitoring and wastewater-based surveillance to assess exposure to contaminants and resistance determinants.
- 02. Article in mBio: perspective on the role of wastewater-based surveillance within the One Health framework.
- 03. STREAMS guidelines in Nature Microbiology: co-authorship of the consensus article for standardised reporting of microbiome studies.
- 04. John Snow Public Health Innovation Prize, from AMI, for contributions to research on antimicrobial resistance.
CONTRIBUTORS: Ms. Pamela Jael Colman Vega, Dr. Carlos Omar Lomeli Ortega, Dr. Zhi Mei, Prof. Carles Borrego, Dr. Lluís Corominas Tabares and Ms. Anna Pico Tomàs
Main achievements of 2025:
- 01. Experimental green wall at ICRA: pilot system for treating greywater within the MULTISOURCE, ReUseMP3, NEWater and GGsolutions projects.
- 02. Hydroponic laboratory platform: new system to investigate the fate of contaminants and their uptake by plants.
- 03. European and Mediterranean projects: strategic participation in NEWater, SAFE and AquaLoops4Med, strengthening ICRA’s leadership in nature-based solutions.
CONTRIBUTORS: Prof. Joaquim Comas, Dr. Sara Rodriguez-Mozaz, Dr. Meritxell Gros, Dr. Josep Pueyo, Dr. Esther Mendoza, Dr. Lucas Alonso, Dr. Sofia Semitsoglou-Tsiapou, Dr. Henry Beral, Dr. Josephine Vosse, Ms. Maria Pau Garcia Moll, Dr. Marc Castaño-Trias, Mr. Èric Herran and Mr. Massimiliano Riva
Main achievements of 2025:
- 01. RECREATE project: presentation at ICUC12 of frameworks for resilient water management based on alternative resources.
- 02. AIGUANEIX project: pilot system at the Roses wastewater treatment plant to produce high-quality reclaimed water for aquifer recharge.
- 03. iWAYS project: system at Tubacex combining dissolved air flotation and membrane distillation to recover water from industrial effluents.
- 04. intoDBP project: deployment of sensors in the Limassol network to predict the formation of disinfection by-products under real conditions.
CONTRIBUTORS: Dr. Nikolaus Klamerth, Prof. Mira Petrovic, Dr. Sofia Semitsoglou Tsiapou, Ms. Saida Marti García, Mr. Francisco Antonio Zafra, Ms. Atefeh Tizchang, Ms. Ángela Pedregal, Mr. Tomas Lock, Mr. Luca Sbardella, Dr. Nikoletta Tsiarta and Dr. Yicheng Wang
Main achievements of 2025:
- 01. Start of the VALORBIO project: circular platform to turn agri-food wastewater into biodegradable bioplastics for food packaging.
- 02. Completion of the CH4BIOPOL project: transformation of methane into high-added-value products from gaseous waste streams.
- 03. Completion of the 4SM project: digital and sustainable transformation of sewer networks, with ICRA, FACSA and EURECAT.
- 04. Editorial roles: M. Pijuan appointed editor-in-chief of Water Science and Technology (IWA) and executive editor of Water Research.
CONTRIBUTORS: Dr. Oriol Gutierrez, Mr. David Primo, Ms. Milagros Peña, Mr. Massimiliano Riva and Dr. Oriol Casavella
Main achievements of 2025:
- 01. Start of the GENESIS project: small-scale trials of electrochemical treatment of PFAS-bearing waste streams from the semiconductor sector.
- 02. Start of the FOREVER WATER project: validation of the electrochemical destruction of PFAS with graphene, driving its commercialisation through the GRAPHEC spin-off.
- 03. Electrochemical treatment with graphene: publications on the inactivation of multidrug-resistant bacteria and the removal of emerging contaminants.
- 04. Doctoral thesis of Natalia Ormeño Cano: electrochemical removal of antibiotics and multidrug-resistant bacteria with graphene electrodes, cum laude.
CONTRIBUTORS: Dr. Nick Duinslaeger, Dr. Elisabeth Cuervo Lumbaque, Dr. Chosel Lawagon, Dr. Tom Ducrocq, Dr. S. Nova, Ms. Anastasya Kravtchenko, Ms. Anna Segues Codina, Dr. Natalia Ormeño Cano, Mr. Johan Andres Pasos, Ms. Lidiya Yudina, Mr. Aditya Anand, Mr. Filip Zivkovic and Dr. Oriol Casabella Font
Main achievements of 2025:
- 01. AWARE and OPRA projects: life-cycle assessment of nature-based solutions and of the impacts of combined sewer overflows.
- 02. Nat4Wat platform (MULTISOURCE project): open-source decision-support tool for water treatment and stormwater management.
- 03. DECIDEIX project: extension of the SUGGEREIX system to identify water reuse opportunities at European scale.
- 04. GiroNat: modelling of Girona’s urban drainage system to assess the effectiveness of sustainable urban drainage systems.
CONTRIBUTORS: Dr. Gianluigi Buttiglieri, Dr. Lluís Corominas, Dr. Henry Beral, Dr. Anna Freixa, Dr. Oriol Gutiérrez, Mr. Èric Herrán, Mr. Oliu Llorente, Dr. Esther Mendoza, Dr. Josep Pueyo, Dr. Sara Rodríguez-Mozaz and Ms. Josephine Vosse
About this line:
Research line created in 2025 with an interdisciplinary One Health approach: it connects environmental quality, ecosystem integrity and human and animal health. It combines Earth system science and aquatic biogeochemistry with environmental chemistry and engineering to better understand the behaviour of contaminants in aquatic and urbanised settings, prioritising prevention at source and risk reduction.
Main achievements of 2025:
- 01. EXPOWASTE project: design of the sampling network to study socioeconomic inequalities in exposure to contaminants across urban neighbourhoods.
- 02. SARSAIGUA programme: coordination of SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological surveillance in wastewater, monitoring 24 Catalan treatment plants every month.
- 03. Article in Nature Communications: untargeted metabolomics to identify drug exposure from wastewater data.
- 04. Intra-urban surveillance in Barcelona: design of a network to detect new psychoactive substances, with the Barcelona Public Health Agency and BCASA.
CONTRIBUTORS: Prof. Carles Borrego, Dr. José Luis Balcázar, Dr. Mireia Fillol, Ms. Anna Pico, Ms. Sílvia Busquets, Ms. Pamela Colman, Dr. Josep Pueyo and Mr. Lluís Maria Bosch
Main achievements of 2025:
- 01. Start of the BIOVERA project, with Cetaqua and the Fundación Biodiversidad, to assess the environmental and social benefits of green infrastructure through citizen science.
- 02. MERLIN European project: modelling framework for the biophysical and economic impact of freshwater ecosystem restoration at basin scale.
- 03. Climate resilience in the West Bank: spatial analysis of climate risk to strengthen adaptation and sustainable planning in the region.
- 04. Publication in Journal of Environmental: use of social media data and artificial intelligence to map cultural ecosystem services across the Iberian Peninsula.
CONTRIBUTORS: Mr. Francesc Comalada, Ms. Inna Martínez, Mr. Joan Saló, Ms. Laia Estrada, Mr. Oliu Llorente, Ms. Sandy Alawna and Prof. Vicenç Acuña
About this line:
Cross-cutting line formally created in 2025 to establish drought and water scarcity as a strategic priority for ICRA, connecting hydrology, water quality and water management in a context of growing scarcity. During 2025 work focused on Laia Estrada’s doctoral thesis, which provides a first scientific basis through the analysis of hydrological trends since the start of the 21st century.
CONTRIBUTORS: Ms. Laia Estrada
About ICRA
The Government of Catalonia created the Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA) on 26 October 2006, within the Research Centres of Catalonia (CERCA) Programme. The Government of Catalonia participates in ICRA through the Department of Business and Knowledge. CERCA centres, ICRA among them, form part of the Research and Innovation Plan of Catalonia, approved by the Government of Catalonia.
Mission
ICRA’s mission is to generate and share knowledge to help society understand, protect and restore water systems. We study hydrological processes, freshwater ecosystems and chemical and microbial contaminants in contexts of scarcity and environmental stress. We develop innovative technologies for water treatment, resource recovery and reuse to ensure that scientific knowledge translates into practical, scalable and sustainable solutions.
Vision
ICRA’s vision is to contribute to a future in which water is the foundation of sustainability, equity, resilience and security. We aim to be an international benchmark in water research and innovation, inspiring and driving solutions that transform society’s relationship with water resources and freshwater ecosystems.
Values
- Multidisciplinarity: Going beyond disciplinary boundaries.
- People: Respect, honesty and camaraderie.
- Commitment: Focusing on solutions to current and emerging water challenges.
- Inclusion: Ensuring an inclusive institute with gender balance.
- Excellence and Impact: Pursuing excellence in research to generate transformative impact.
- Teamwork: Collaboration within ICRA and with external partners.
