The Sant Pau Research Institute (IR Sant Pau) expresses its great satisfaction and pride in the awarding of the Creu de Sant Jordi to Dr. Montserrat Baiget—an honor granted by the Government of Catalonia to individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the country in the civic, cultural, or scientific fields.
This award recognizes an extraordinary professional career marked by commitment, innovation, and dedication to the advancement of science and public health. Dr. Baiget has been a key figure in the development of human genetics in Catalonia and throughout Spain, where, as early as the 1970s, she led the creation of the first Genetics Service at Sant Pau Hospital—also the first of its kind in the country—which she directed until her retirement in 2017.
Over nearly five decades, Dr. Baiget has been a true pioneer, particularly in the field of genetic and molecular diagnosis of hereditary diseases such as thalassemia, hemophilia, and muscular dystrophy. Her vision and drive made it possible to incorporate the most advanced molecular genetics techniques into our healthcare system long before they became standard practice, paving the way for personalized medicine and pharmacogenetics.
She was also one of the first to implement the study of genes involved in hereditary cancer, offering thousands of women at high risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer the chance to follow personalized prevention and treatment protocols. Her work has had a direct and profound impact on the lives of many individuals and families.
In the research field, Dr. Baiget played a decisive role in establishing IR Sant Pau as a CERCA center. She has published over 450 scientific articles in international journals, presented nearly 650 papers at conferences, contributed to around thirty chapters in specialized books, and supervised 16 doctoral theses, all awarded the highest distinction.
Her leadership has been evident both in directing the Genetics Service and in advancing research at Sant Pau, helping to build a model of scientific and human excellence. A full member of the Royal Academy of Pharmacy, Dr. Baiget has broken barriers in a historically male-dominated environment, becoming a role model for new generations of women scientists.
Dr. Baiget expressed how deeply moved she is by this recognition:
“Throughout my life, I’ve received many awards, but the one that has made me happiest—by far—is the Creu de Sant Jordi. Because it feels like it comes from home, from my country.”
She also emphasized that, even though she began her career in a world dominated by male doctors, she never felt questioned for being a woman or a pharmacist. “When I started at Sant Pau, it was a world of men and doctors. I’m a pharmacist. But I don’t recall any moment when my work was questioned because I was a woman or a pharmacist. I’ve always been treated equally. That’s the truth. I’ve had—and still have—great friends in this institution.”
Finally, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity Sant Pau gave her to grow professionally. “When I started out, I was lucky that the stars aligned in my favor: a hospital, a department, supervisors who let me do my work. With that supportive foundation, I launched studies that were the first of their kind in Catalonia and Spain. And I think that being a pioneer is part of what the Creu de Sant Jordi is recognizing.”
The Creu de Sant Jordi is, without a doubt, a well-deserved tribute to a brilliant career and a collective gesture of appreciation for her irreplaceable contributions to medicine, science, and society.
From IR Sant Pau and the Sant Pau Hospital, we wholeheartedly congratulate Dr. Montserrat Baiget and share in the joy of this meaningful recognition.
Thank you for everything, Dr. Baiget—and congratulations!
