Barcelona is a dynamic, multicultural city that offers an unparalleled quality of life. The capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia and the second most populated city in Spain after the capital, Madrid is valued internationally for aspects such as its economy, artistic heritage, culture, sports and social life. Positioned as the 8th world’s best city to live in by the Best Cities ranking, Barcelona is a modern, cosmopolitan and prosperous city with international projection, which is committed to culture, innovation, solidarity and sustainability.

Located on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, about 120 km south of the Pyrenees, Barcelona lies on a small coastal plain bordered by the sea to the east, the Collserola mountain to the west, the Llobregat River to the south and the Besós River to the north. Its mediterranean climate brings mostly sunny days throughout the year, with warm summers and mild winters.

For more information on Barcelona’s events and activities, mobility and transportation, and the city hall’s commitment to sustainability, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, please visit the city hall’s webpage. To learn more about initiatives to attract and promote international talent in Barcelona, please read the Barcelona Welcomes Talent guide.

VHIO is one of the three scientific research institutes that belong to the Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus together with the Vall d’Hebron Hospital and the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). The interplay between these institutions aims at providing the best patient care through excellence research and innovation practices applied to clinical healthcare. You can check the campus map here.

The Human Resources department at VHIO supports international researchers in their relocation to Barcelona. In the International Mobility Guidelines for Researchers at VHIO you will find practical information about necessary administrative procedures, housing and living costs, as well as tips to navigate the local culture and resources.

The Euraxess website is another source for valuable practical information for international researchers moving to Spain.

You can access detailed information about the mobility of international researchers in Spain in the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) guidelines.

At VHIO we are committed to supporting researchers professional development by providing continuous state-of-the-art technical, scientific and transferable skill training opportunities and educational events that leverage their careers and expand their professional networks, widening their career perspectives.

In addition to the support from VHIO, you can look for Euraxess initiatives on Researcher Career Development and read their practical guide for Researcher Career Paths in Spain.