As soon as anyone entered ICMAB, they found out that our Tió had left presents for everyone: the ICMAB 2025 calendar, featuring our brand new Severo Ochoa, and a fantastic umbrella.
We started the morning activities at 10.30 AM with two parallel activities: one activity for Senior and Junior Researchers and another for all Administrative and General Services Staff and Scientific Services Staff.
The first activity for all researchers was a conversation between Mariano Campoy-Quiles, winner of the Margarita Salas Medal for Research Mentoring, and Dolors Grillo, ICMAB's Talent Officer. Mariano shared his experiences as a mentor, reflected on what it means to be a good PhD supervisor, and expressed gratitude to his own mentors. The session was emotional and insightful, sparking a group reflection on the importance of effective and supportive supervision in academia.
This was followed by a roundtable discussion titled Scientific Stories and Life Experiences, featuring both Senior Researchers (Josep Fontcuberta, Jordi Rius—who recently retired—and Nora Ventosa) and Junior Researchers (Juan Pellico and Valeria Blanco, both Ramón y Cajal researchers starting this year at ICMAB). The discussion was moderated by Laura Cabana, Head of ICMAB's Strategic Projects Unit. During the session, researchers shared their career trajectories and key moments in their lives. Topics ranged from job stability, work schedules, and the passion required to work as a scientist, to balancing family life, overcoming impostor syndrome, and the motivations of the new Ramón y Cajal researchers for joining ICMAB. The discussion was engaging, relatable, and provided a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of a career in research.
Mariano Campoy-Quiles during the conversation with Dolors Grillo | ICMAB-CSIC
Josep Fontcuberta, Jordi Rius, Nora Ventosa, Juan Pellico and Valeria Blanco | ICMAB-CSIC
On the other hand, the activity planned for Administrative and General Services Staff and Scientific Services Staff consisted on group tours visits. From 10.30 to 11.30, Administrative and General Services Staff went through the Scientific Services laboratories in order to get to know the spaces, the people and equipment of these laboratories. From 11.30 to 12.30, it was the turn of the Scientific Services Staff: they went, in turn, visiting the offices and facilities of the Administrative and General Services Staff, to better understand their jobs and to foster interaction between these groups. Both groups truly enjoyed the experience and even wished to extend the visit to another day, as they discovered many things they hadn’t known before.
Group visit at the magnetometry service | ICMAB-CSIC
After these two activities, we were treated to a fantastic performance by ICMAB's choir at the roundabout, where they sang several Christmas carols, both Catalan and international. We even joined in to sing "Fum, fum, fum" together, as suggested by our Director, David Amabilino. It was a heartwarming moment of unity and camaraderie, where we all felt a strong sense of togetherness.
ICMAB's choir | ICMAB-CSIC
It was then time for lunch, and everyone was ready to enjoy a delicious meal! We shared a festive Christmas lunch with a variety of hot and cold dishes, including traditional Christmas treats like turró and neules.
To finish the day, we had a musical bingo, organized by PhD researchers from the center. It was an amazing and fun way to finish the day!
Bingo Musical at the terrace | ICMAB-CSIC
As we wrap up this special celebration, we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May the holiday season bring joy, relaxation, and inspiration as we continue to work together towards new achievements in the year ahead.
Take a look here at more photos of our Christmas celebration day.
Josep Fontcuberta, Jordi Rius, Nora Ventosa, Juan Pellico and Valeria Blanco | ICMAB-CSIC
