The Biennial coincides with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and aims to be an ideal space to understand the social change that this discipline has generated. Through talks, presentations, debates and scientific dissemination spaces, quantum communications will be addressed from areas such as philosophy, art and thought.

Quantum science is a strategic sector for Barcelona, as demonstrated by the fact that the city is home to the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), the ALBA Synchroton and the Institute for Photonic Sciences.

The City and Science Biennial is one of the most important scientific culture events held in Barcelona and is part of the Strategic Plan for Science and Innovation 2024-27, which also strengthens the role of the city as a science capital in southern Europe.

Nat Award Ceremony, first event of the Biennial 

Most of the Biennial’s activities are concentrated in Barcelona, with El Born. Museu d’Història de Barcelona again at the centre, yet also nearby spaces, such as the Hivernacle in the Parc de la Ciutadella, where the Biennial will be inaugurated on Tuesday, 18 November, in the evening. At this event, the Nat Award from the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona will be presented to Philip Ball, who has brought a new perspective to the dissemination of science. 

Science Night, among the highlights of Barcelona

Science Night is being held on Saturday, 22 November, with scientific monologues such as those by Big Van Ciencia, guided tours and interdisciplinary performances. The film programme will be exploring the influence of quantum theory on cinematic language through the screening of three films with a discussion. 

The more playful Biennial is also back, with quantum chess and board games, but also experiments for young and old alike to explore how quantum science and technologies allow us to study and understand the world.

An avatar of Albert Einstein, protagonist of the Madrid programme

In Madrid, the opening event on 18 November stands out and consists of a conversation between María García Díaz, Carlos Sabín and the Albert Einstein avatar, created thanks to technology developed by the Q-Math research group of the Institute of Mathematical Sciences (ICMAT) and the Carlos III University.

Extension to Mexico: FIL Ciencia

Taking advantage of Barcelona being the guest of honour at the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL), the Biennial will have the FIL Science extension, a space designed to bring knowledge closer to everyone and awaken scientific vocations among younger people.

+ Biennial

The main programme of the City and Science Biennial is joined, under the +Biennial label, by a diverse range of activities organised by municipal facilities, cultural centres, universities and other organisations.