Andorra and CRG Launch Mountain Genomics Talent Pilot

Andorra Research and Innovation (ARI) and the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) have launched the pilot phase of the Mountain Genomics Talent Programme through a cooperation agreement signed Thursday at CRG's Barcelona headquarters. The initiative will bring in two high-level researchers with dual scientific affiliation to both institutions, who will base their main activities in Andorra for an initial three-year period, primarily at facilities linked to the Àrea d’Innovació Andorra Altitud, with its upcoming hub at the rehabilitated CATSA building.

CRG director Luis Serrano and ARI manager Marta Domènech signed the pact, which creates a scientific platform blending international expertise with local resources. CRG will handle scientific oversight, grant access to advanced infrastructure and technology, and assist with bids for European and international funding. ARI will supply workspaces, logistical support, and resources in Andorra. The researchers, contracted by ARI, will co-author publications and projects under both names, aiming to develop market-ready solutions in genomics, high-mountain biodiversity, and environmental health.

The event drew Economy, Presidency, Work and Housing Minister Conxita Marsol and State Secretary for Business and Economic Diversification Marc Saura from Andorra; along with Catalan Research and Universities Councillor Núria Montserrat and her secretary general, Oriol Escardíbul. It aligned with the start of the tender process to select an architect for CATSA's overhaul into the national innovation centre.

Marsol described the agreement as a "strategic national commitment" under Andorra's National Plan for Innovation and Economic Diversification, aimed at making research a driver of economic growth. Domènech said it would attract global talent, produce high-value knowledge, and establish Andorra as a "living laboratory" for genomics and environmental health innovation. Serrano outlined long-term goals, such as creating a Mountain Genomics Institute or a CRG outpost in Andorra, while connecting local work to European data networks and projects like the Catalan Earth Biogenome Initiative.

Montserrat welcomed the pilot for boosting talent exchange in biomedicine and biotechnology, enabling joint projects to help Catalonia reach the top 50 most innovative European regions by 2030. Andorra's Pyrenean altitudes, varied microclimates, and intact ecosystems provide ideal conditions for testing genomic tools, environmental monitoring, and nature-based solutions against climate change pressures. The programme supports national priorities in hyper-specialized fields like sports, nature as innovation labs, life and health technologies, and sustainable construction, while encouraging the return of Andorran talent.