The University of Perpignan Via Domitia (UPVD) hosted the presentation ceremony for the 2026 Xarxa Vives d'Universitats Medal of Honour. This year, the distinction was presented to Dr Mercè Boada, neurologist and teacher in the Department of Medicine at UIC Barcelona, and to microbiologist Dr Francisco Juan Martínez-Mojica, in recognition of outstanding careers devoted to scientific progress and a firm commitment to society.

The ceremony was presided over by the president of the Xarxa Vives d’Universitats and rector of the University of Perpignan Via Domitia, Yvan Auguet, and brought together institutional representatives, members of the university community, and leading figures from the academic, scientific and social spheres.

The first Medal of Honour was awarded to Dr Mercè Boada, an international authority in the study and treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The laudatio was delivered by the rector of the University, Dr Alfonso Méndiz, who highlighted a research career that resulted in the development of a pioneering model integrating clinical care, research, innovation and family support.

According to Méndiz, Dr Boada’s contribution “places people at the centre and reminds us that the most valuable progress is that which improves the quality of life for everyone”. He also underlined her ability to foster multidisciplinary teams, build collaborative networks, and create spaces for knowledge exchange that connect cutting-edge research with the real needs of those affected.

“In this regard, Dr Mercè Boada’s career constitutes a legacy that transcends scientific achievement and extends to the generations of professionals she has trained as a researcher, lecturer and mentor,” Méndiz stated.

Dr Boada, who was unable to attend the ceremony in person, expressed her gratitude for the recognition through Dr Lluís Tárraga, chair of the board of trustees of ACE Alzheimer Center Barcelona, an internationally recognised centre of which she is co-founder.

The Medal of Honour was then awarded to Dr Francisco Juan Martínez-Mojica, an internationally recognised microbiologist who identified and described CRISPR sequences, a discovery that has revolutionised molecular biology and transformed our understanding of the genome and how it can be modified, with applications already having an impact on fields as diverse as healthcare, agriculture and sustainability.

In closing the ceremony, the president of the Xarxa Vives d’Universitats, Yvan Auguet, congratulated the award recipients and highlighted the international and cross-border dimension of the network.