Ruben Perellón, Deep Tech Brain program Director and Lead Scientist at UBneuro's Cognitive Neuroscience Unit receiving the award on behalf of the University of Barcelona

The University of Barcelona has been awarded with the second place in the “Best Pledger – University” category at the Trainer of the Year 2025 Awards, organised by EIT Tech Talent, part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and funded by the European Commission.

The Institute of Neurosciences of the University of Barcelona (UBneuro), as the organizer of the Deep Tech Brain microcredential programme has contributed to the recognition with over 500 students enrolled in the first edition.

The prize specifically acknowledges the training of 7,832 students between January 2023 and June 2025, as part of the university’s participation in the EIT Deep Tech Talent Pledger Community, a Europe-wide network that has already supported the upskilling of more than 1.3 million individuals. This award recognises the university’s strong commitment to advanced technological skills training, including initiatives such as the Master’s in Quantum Science and Technology and our Deep Tech Brain microcredential programme.

On 16/10/2025, in Brussels, Dr. Ruben Perellón Alfonso, director of the Deep Tech Brain programme and Lead Scientist of UBneuro’s Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, accepted the award on behalf of the University of Barcelona and UBneuro.

Ruben Perellón Alfonso, Deep Tech Brain program Director and Lead Scientist at the Cognitive Neuroscience Unit at UBneuro

The recognition was seen by Dr. Perellón as a reflection of the University of Barcelona and UBneuro’s ongoing efforts to bring together science, health, and technology, with the aim of preparing future professionals to navigate the challenges of responsible innovation across Europe.

About our program

Developed with funding from a EIT Tech Talent grant, Deep Tech Brain is an innovative microcredential programme developed with the support of the EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative and in collaboration with Institut Guttmann. It creates a unique educational space where professionals in deep tech and neuroscience connect through interdisciplinary training.

📹 Watch: Ruben Perellón on the mission and impact of the Deep Tech Brain programme

The programme offers modules in relevant deep tech areas inside neuroscience, such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, neuroimaging and neuromodulation. New editions are already planned; make sure to follow UBneuro’s social media to not miss it out!

🔗 More about the Deep Tech Brain programme
🔗 First edition highlights

Congratulations to all the other institutions recognised in the 2025 Trainer of the Year Awards for their contribution to advancing deep tech skills across Europe!