Miquel Pericàs – an Outstanding Scientist and a Great Friend

From left to right: Miquel Pericàs, Laura Herrero (Ruben Martin's wife), Anne-Liese Pericàs, Steve Buchwald, Ruben Martin I first met Miquel Pericàs when he came to MIT to visit in the mid-1990s and to check on the progress of his student, Xevi Verdaguer, who was a postdoc with me. Little did I know that this would be the beginning of a close personal and professional relationship that has now gone on for over 25 years. When Miquel founded the ICIQ, I was very pleased to be appointed as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board (in 2002), which I ultimately led for almost nine years. I watched Miquel build the ICIQ into an international chemistry powerhouse during this time. He was able to attract outstanding colleagues and build an infrastructure that was the envy of others. He maintained a vigorous research program in organic synthesis, asymmetric catalysis, flow chemistry, and immobilized catalysts. I was fortunate enough to visit "Casa Pericas" in Barcelona many times, where I enjoyed the tremendous hospitality of Miquel and his wife, Anne-Liese. I can readily hear Miquel's common query: "Would you like a digestif?" Miquel, my friend, congratulations on all you have done for science in Spain and for building the ICIQ. You are an outstanding scientist and a great friend.