Honorary Member
Human Sciences: Psychologist and founder of the social project La Fageda
Date of admission: 18 December 2025
Admission address: “Del manicomio a la Real Academia: algunas reflexiones sobre las ideas de Platón” (From the asylum to the Royal Academy: some reflections on the ideas of Plato)
Response by: His Excellency Dr Jaume Llopis Casellas, PhD in Economics and Business Administration
Distinguished career: Psychologist and founder of La Fageda, recognized for promoting since 1982 a social enterprise model that offers work, support and dignity to people with intellectual disabilities, severe mental disorders and other vulnerable groups.
CRISTÓBAL COLÓN PALASÍ
- Born in Zaragoza in 1949.
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Degree in Psychology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY
- Founder of La Fageda, a social and business project he led for forty-two years and of which he is currently honorary president.
- Early work in psychiatric centres in Zaragoza, Martorell and Salt.
- Creation of the La Fageda cooperative (1982), based on dignity, meaningful work and holistic support.
- Internationally recognised model in social economy and inclusion, studied at institutions such as IESE, ESADE and Harvard University.
DISTINCTIONS
- Catalan Cross of Saint George (2009).
- Turn the World Outward Award (2022).
- City of Olot Medal (2024).
- Honorary Doctorate from the University of Girona (2024).
- CECOT Career Award (2025).
PUBLICATIONS
- Widely recognised case study in social economy, inclusive business models and supported employment for vulnerable groups.
