- The EMBL is the leading European laboratory in life sciences
- Tissue biology research will be carried out, which can be key to understanding cancer, congenital malformations or immune system diseases.
The Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) They have presented the agreement whereby the international organization will open a branch in Barcelona. It will have between 6 and 8 research groups and their scientific objectives, focused on the development of tissue biology and disease modeling, will contribute to scientific advancement with cutting-edge technologies and will favor the conversion of new knowledge into practical applications in the field Of the health.
The EMBL branch in Barcelona, the first that the agency opens in almost 20 years, joins the headquarters of Grenoble (France), Hamburg and Heidelberg (Germany), Hinxton (United Kingdom) and Monterotondo (Italy). It will be located in the Biomedical Research Park of Barcelona, where researchers will have the most advanced technologies in image and disease modeling that will allow them to obtain complex 4D information about tissues and organs. Understanding how cells are organized and interacting at tissue level is key to addressing various aspects related to health such as cancer, congenital malformations, immune system diseases or tissue and organ regeneration, among others.
The Minister of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness, Luis de Guindos, the Minister of Business and Knowledge of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Jordi Baiget, the Secretary of State for Research, Development and Innovation, Carmen Vela, the General Director of EMBL and the President of his advice, Iain Mattaj and Patrick Cramer, and the director of the CRG, Luis Serrano, have participated in the presentation of the subsede.
Spain contributes financially to sustain EMBL activities through annual fees established based on national income. In 2016 it was up to him to contribute 8.5% (9 million euros) of the contributions of the member states to the budget. This contribution gives access to Spanish researchers to participate in all activities organized by EMBL.
Since 2006 there is a mixed unit between the EMBL and the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG) focused on advancing the understanding of complex biological systems. The CRG has been key so that EMBL has finally opened the branch in Barcelona. In July 2016, the Council of Ministers approved the granting of 6 million euros to the CRG for the signing of a collaboration agreement between both organizations until 2021.
About EMBL
It is the leading European laboratory in life sciences, an intergovernmental body established in 1974 and formed by 20 member states.
The EMBL conducts basic research in molecular biology, studying the history of life. It offers services for the scientific community, training the next generation of scientists and striving to integrate life sciences throughout Europe.
It is an international, interdisciplinary body with a high innovative capacity. Currently 1,600 people work from 80 countries spread over Barcelona, Grenoble (France), Hamburg and Heidelberg (Germany), Hinxton (United Kingdom) and Monterotondo (Italy). EMBL scientists work in independent groups, conducting their research and offering their services in all areas of molecular biology.
EMBL researchers drive the development of new technologies and methods in life sciences and work to transfer knowledge for the benefit of society.
About the CRG
The Center for Genomic Regulation, created in 2000, is a world reference institute in biomedical research participated by the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Pompeu Fabra University, the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness and the Social Work "la Caixa". It is accredited as a center of excellence ‘Severo Ochoa’ and is part of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology