Xavier Luri Carrascoso is now officially the new director of the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC). Since September 1st, Luri has taken over from the previous director, Ignasi Ribas Canudas, who led the Institute from 2017 to 2025.

 Xavier Luri (Ribes de Freser, Girona, 1966) holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Barcelona, where he has been a professor in the Department of Quantum Physics and Astrophysics since 2021. In addition to his teaching career, which began in the early 1990s, Luri has built a solid research career at the Institute of Cosmos Sciences of the University of Barcelona (ICCUB), one of the research units that make up the IEEC.

Since 2023, he has been a member of the European Space Sciences Committee, an institution that provides independent scientific advice on space science to entities such as the European Commission (EC) and the European Space Agency (ESA). His scientific activity is closely tied to ESA, as it mainly focuses on the Gaia mission, an astrometric satellite built by ESA with ICCUB and IEEC participation, designed to create the largest and most precise 3D map of our galaxy by observing over a billion stars.

Luri was one of the original proponents of the Gaia mission for its approval by ESA in 2001 and was a member of its scientific advisory group, the Gaia Science Team (2001–2007). Since 2014, he has played a key role in Spain’s contribution to the project, participating in research and development related to supercomputing, data processing, software development, and the calibration of luminosity, kinematics, and galactic dynamics.

Luri also has extensive experience in innovation and knowledge transfer. During the development phase of the Gaia mission, he participated in ESA development contracts that led to a patent for a data compression system and the creation of the spin-off company DAPCOM, of which he is a founder.

In addition to his research and innovation work, Luri has shown a strong commitment to science outreach, actively working to bring space science closer to society. Throughout his career, he has participated in numerous activities such as talks, workshops, and astronomical observations, and has led successful outreach projects like co-founding the Big Van Ciencia association.

In this new phase as director of the IEEC, Xavier Luri will lead the Institute’s strategy to continue positioning it as a reference institution in scientific research, technological development and innovation, and in promoting the space sector in Catalonia. The IEEC plays a key role in the implementation of Catalonia’s NewSpace Strategy, driven by the Government of the Generalitat.

“It is an honor to have been chosen as the new director of the IEEC”, says Xavier Luri, as he thanks Ignasi Ribas for the work that has turned the Institute “into the great center that it currently is.” Luri’s goal will be to continue strengthening the role of the IEEC as a reference center in space research and industry in Catalonia, while opening it up to new challenges through its constituent units.

Heartfelt thanks from ICCUB

From the Institute of Cosmos Sciences of the University of Barcelona, we wish to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Xavier Luri Carrascoso for his dedication, commitment, and leadership over the years as director of our institute.

His vision, drive, and teamwork have been fundamental in growing ICCUB and consolidating it as a national and international research leader. It has been a privilege to walk alongside him, learning from his generous and inspiring approach.

As he begins this new chapter as director of the IEEC, we wish him every success and happiness in this new challenge. We are confident he will continue to leave a lasting mark, as he has with us, and will keep contributing with passion and excellence to the world of space science.