Andorra Research + Innovation (AR+I) and the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) presented on Monday the two researchers selected in the first international call of the Mountain Genomics Talent Programme. This joint initiative, offering a three-year fellowship, aims to foster research excellence in Andorra. The chosen candidates are international researchers Hannah Benisty and Maximilian Stammnitz, who will develop their scientific activity with a shared affiliation between AR+I and the CRG.
AR+I's general manager, Marta Domènech, highlighted that the selection represents a key milestone in creating a model that allows the world's best researchers to build their scientific careers from Andorra, while staying connected to one of Europe's most prestigious research centres.
The Minister for the Presidency, Economy, Labour and Housing, Conxita Marsol, framed the program within the Government's strategy to move towards a diversified, competitive, and resilient economy based on high value-added activities. She emphasized that Andorra's economic diversification rests on talent and research, aiming to attract international knowledge, bring Andorran talent back, and generate innovation and skilled jobs.
CRG Director Mónica Bettencourt-Dias noted that this is the first time the CRG has established research groups beyond its Barcelona campus and expressed excitement about deepening the relationship with Andorra, expanding work on biodiversity, which is crucial for both human and planetary health.
The selection of the two fellows marks the first concrete outcome of the collaboration agreement signed last March between AR+I and the CRG. The program aims to make Andorra a setting for high value-added experimentation and research, using mountain ecosystems as a unique natural laboratory to address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental health.
The program seeks both the return of talent linked to the country and the attraction of international talent. Hannah Benisty represents the return, having developed part of her career at the CRG and led international initiatives in biodiversity. Maximilian Stammnitz strengthens the attraction of international talent, expanding the country's scientific capabilities.
Over the next three years, the researchers will focus on developing biotechnological tools for detecting and monitoring environmental substances using biosensors. These technologies could improve environmental monitoring, ecosystem protection, and human health.
The international call sought researchers capable of leading frontier projects in mountain genomics, biodiversity, environmental health, and biotechnology. The selection was based on research excellence and the potential to contribute to Andorra's emerging research ecosystem.
The two fellows are also the first appointments linked to the planned development of a future Mountain Genomics Research Institute, aiming to position Andorra as an international reference point for research on mountain ecosystems.
