Pau Ballester

Pau Ballester is an ICREA Research Professor and Group Leader at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), where he leads a research group focused on supramolecular chemistry. He is affiliated with ICREA (Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies) and has held leadership roles, including Deputy Director for BIST Affairs (2016–2018).

• PhD in Chemistry, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), 1986
• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Pittsburgh and MIT
• Former Assistant and Associate Professor, UIB (1991–2002)
• ICREA Research Professor, Scripps Research Institute (2003)
• Group Leader, ICIQ (2004–present)

His research centers on supramolecular chemistry, particularly the design of functional molecular containers and self-assembled systems. Key interests include molecular sensing, catalysis through encapsulation, and the study of non-covalent interactions. His group develops advanced supramolecular architectures such as calix[4]pyrrole cages and rotaxanes for applications in molecular recognition, reaction facilitation, and selective binding.

Recent publications (2020–2025) demonstrate a strong focus on confinement effects in organic reactions, anion/cation recognition, and supramolecular catalysis. His work integrates synthetic chemistry, physical organic chemistry, and spectroscopic analysis (e.g., NMR, luminescence) to understand and exploit molecular interactions.

Notable scientific awards include:

• Janssen Cilag Prize in Organic Chemistry (2012)
• Chemistry Fellow Distinction (2020–2021)
• Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences (EurASc, 2021)

Ballester actively mentors a diverse research team, including postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and visiting scholars. His group has secured competitive funding, including support from ICREA and collaborative projects. He has advised numerous graduate students, many of whom have gone on to postdoctoral positions at institutions such as LMU Munich, University of Bristol, and CSIC. The research environment emphasizes both scientific excellence and community building, with activities extending beyond the lab.

He leads a dynamic research group at ICIQ, contributing to advancements in supramolecular science and training the next generation of chemists.