Mara Dierssen, group leader of the Cellular and Systems Neurobiology group at the Centre for Genomic Regulation, has been awarded the Big Vang Medal for her commitment to science communication.

The Catalan Association of Scientific Communication (ACCC), the radio broadcaster RAC 1, and the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia, awarded the Big Vang Medal to Mara Dierssen. This prize recongises scientists contributing to science communication and collaborating with the media.

The award ceremony was held on 15th June at Palau Macaya in Barcelona, during the celebration of the second anniversary of Big Vang, the science site of La Vanguardia. Joan Maria Morros, news editor in chief at RAC1 and Raül Toran, vice-president of the Catalan Association of Scientific Communication, highlighted Mara Dierssen’s commitment and availability for the media. They also emphasized her key role contributing to a better understanding of neurosciences and brain by acting as spokesperson as well as organizing and promoting the Brain Awareness Week in Barcelona and Spain.