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Slafer is an ICREA research professor at the University of Lleida and leads the Crop Physiology research group at Agrotecnio
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His research focuses on the physiological bases of yield in extensive crops, mainly wheat and barley, aiming to increase production through efficient resource use.
Researcher Gustavo Slafer has been awarded the prestigious Narcís Monturiol Medal, a distinction granted by the Government of Catalonia in recognition of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to scientific and technological progress in Catalonia.
Slafer is an ICREA Research Professor at the School of Agrifood and Forestry Engineering and Veterinary Medicine (ETSEAFiV) at the University of Lleida (UdL) and the Agrotecnio-CERCA research center. An expert in crop physiology, he has significantly contributed to advancing knowledge on yield physiology, particularly in cereals, through research on growth and development processes. His work identifies alternatives to traditional agricultural practices and genetic improvement methods to enhance resource efficiency and sustainability in extensive crop production.
His work has had a significant impact both academically and within the agri-food sector, positioning him as a key figure in developing new strategies to optimize crops in the face of climate change challenges. In fact, the H-Index Dissemination Group (DIH)—which annually ranks scientists with the most cited publications—has recognized Slafer as the most influential researcher in agronomy in Spain.
Slafer leads the Crop Physiology research group at Agrotecnio and was part of the center’s management team from 2016 to 2018 alongside Ramón Albajes and Vicent Sanchís. He is also an honorary professor at the University of Nottingham (United Kingdom) and the University of Buenos Aires (Argentina).
Along with Slafer, the 2024 Narcís Monturiol Medal has also been awarded to: Jordi Alberch Vié (University of Barcelona – UB), Anna Alberni Jordà (UB), Joan Grimalt i Obrador (CSIC), Àngel Lozano Solsona (Pompeu Fabra University – UPF), Emilio Palomares Gil (ICIQ), Ana Isabel Pérez Neira (Polytechnic University of Catalonia – UPC), Petia Radeva (UB), Marta Reynal Querol (UPF), and Antonio Villaverde Corrales (Autonomous University of Barcelona – UAB).
The Archaeology Museum of Catalonia (MAC) has received the Narcís Monturiol Plaque.
About the Narcís Monturiol Medal
With this distinction, the Government of Catalonia annually honors researchers who have made exceptional contributions to the scientific and technological progress of Catalonia.
The Narcís Monturiol Medal was established in 1982 by the Government of Catalonia to recognize individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to research and innovation in the country. This award reaffirms Catalonia’s commitment to scientific excellence and support for internationally renowned researchers.
Since the Catalan government introduced the Narcís Monturiol awards in 1982, a total of 311 medals (238 to men and 73 to women) and 48 plaques have been granted to institutions. Among the recipients are four other Agrotecnio research professors: Paul Christou (2020), Olga Martín (2018), Ramon Albajes (2002), and Ignacio Romagosa (1998).
