Andorra Selects Two Scientists for Mountain Genomics Program

Andorra Recerca + Innovació (AR+I) and Spain's Centre de Regulació Genòmica (CRG) have selected Hannah Benisty and Maximilian Stammnitz as the first fellows in the Mountain Genomics Talent Programme.

The Andorran biodiversity genomics researcher Benisty and German geneticist and bioengineer Stammnitz will conduct three-year projects in Andorra. Their work will use genomics to identify invisible microbes in high-mountain ponds, thermal waters and air samples, as well as to detect hard-to-spot chemical contaminants in water and air.

Benisty, who has worked at CRG, will examine environmental DNA to profile microorganisms resistant to lab growth. She described this as "invisible life yet to discover," noting potential for discovering molecules such as new antibiotics. Her research extends her ongoing €3 million EU-funded PyriSentinel project, which since 2024 has studied more than 300 Pyrenean ponds. She also plans a pilot to sample atmospheric DNA for tracking biodiversity and environmental shifts.

Stammnitz, trained at Cambridge, will develop molecular sensors drawing from natural detectors in plants, animals and humans. Using a high-throughput platform with AI, he aims to analyze thousands of protein-chemical interactions for portable devices that provide real-time hazard alerts, similar to smartwatches monitoring vital signs. He likened the effort to "planting a seed and seeing where the tree stands in ten years," with goals for long-term environmental monitoring tools usable beyond Andorra. He emphasized detecting health and environmental threats in the "invisible chemical world."

AR+I President Conxita Marsol called the programme a key part of the National Plan for Innovation and Economic Diversification. "Economic diversification must rest on two pillars: talent and research," she said. "We aim to attract global expertise, bring back Andorran talent and turn knowledge into innovation, skilled jobs and new opportunities." The initiative stems from a March collaboration agreement after an international call.

CRG Director Mònica Bettencourt highlighted Andorra's ecosystems for studying climate impacts, biodiversity and health risks. She noted this marks the first time CRG has created affiliated research groups outside its Barcelona campus, aiming to draw new teams, PhD students and European projects. AR+I envisions establishing a mountain genomics institute with CRG involvement.

AR+I manager Marta Domènech described the selection as a milestone, allowing leading scientists to build careers in Andorra while partnering with a top European centre.