Josep Maria Font Llagunes appointed as new Director of the Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (IRIS) at UPC

Barcelona, 16 April 2026 – The Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (IRIS) at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) has entered a new phase with the official appointment of Josep Maria Font Llagunes as Director. The handover ceremony, held this morning and attended by UPC Rector Francesc Torres Torres, marks the transition from Alexandre Perera Lluna, who has led the institute since its creation, guiding its launch and early consolidation.

This appointment signals the beginning of a new stage for IRIS, aimed at reinforcing its position as a key player in the health research and innovation ecosystem. The institute will continue to build on its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge transfer, and delivering meaningful societal impact.

He’s full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UPC, he heads the BIOMEC research group and has developed his career in fields such as biomechanics, healthcare robotics, and rehabilitation technologies.

Alongside his research activity, he has held several senior academic and management positions, including Director of the UPC Doctoral School and Associate Dean at ETSEIB. He is also co-founder of ABLE Human Motion, a company focused on translating advanced rehabilitation technologies into real-world clinical applications.

This combination of scientific expertise and strategic vision defines his approach to leading IRIS.

From right to left: Alexandre Perera Lluna, former Director of IRIS; Francesc Torres Torres, Rector of UPC; and Josep Maria Font Llagunes, newly appointed Director of IRIS, during the official signing ceremony.

The new management team also includes Clara Prats Soler as Deputy Director for Research and Carles Mas Moruno as Deputy Director for Academic Affairs. Together, they bring a balanced mix of scientific excellence, management experience, and in-depth knowledge of the research ecosystem.

In this new phase, the team aims to consolidate the institute’s growth and strengthen its position at both the Catalan and European levels. Key priorities include fostering stronger collaboration between research groups and increasing participation in competitive international projects, with dedicated support for the development of high-impact proposals.

Promoting research talent will also be central, with a focus on collaborative doctoral programmes, creating networking opportunities for PhD candidates, and implementing initiatives to attract and support researchers in excellence-driven funding schemes.

Knowledge transfer and innovation will remain at the core of IRIS’s mission, with efforts to deepen collaboration with the healthcare system and industry. This includes promoting translational research, supporting the creation of spin-offs, and reinforcing the institute’s role in initiatives such as the Xartec Salut network.

At the same time, the new leadership is committed to strengthening UPC’s role in health-related education, by reviewing and consolidating academic programmes and encouraging greater student engagement in IRIS research activities.

The institute will also enhance its visibility and outreach through a comprehensive communication strategy, including public engagement initiatives, institutional events, and a stronger digital presence.

Finally, this new phase will address key aspects of governance and integration within UPC, including updating internal regulations in line with new statutes, establishing governing bodies, and streamlining processes to facilitate the participation and affiliation of research and technical staff.

With 12 accredited research groups and over 170 researchers across several campuses in the Barcelona metropolitan area, the institute has quickly established itself as a dynamic, impact-driven research platform addressing key challenges in the healthcare system.

In this context, the leadership transition represents a natural step in IRIS’s continued growth and reinforces UPC’s commitment to applied research that is closely connected to society and focused on shaping the future of healthcare.