The Salamanca Institute for Biomedical Research is receiving more than 2.7 million euros to advance research on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, inflammatory diseases, and precision medicine.
In this call for proposals from the Carlos III Health Institute, it has also secured ten human resources grants that will help attract and retain research talent.
The Salamanca Biomedical Research Institute (IBSAL) has secured funding for 16 research projects under the Strategic Health Action 2025 (AES 2025), the main national program to promote biomedical and health research, managed by the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII). The total amount awarded for these projects is 2,737,221 euros, representing significant support for the Institute’s scientific activity and its contribution to strengthening the healthcare system.
The AES is the primary public funding mechanism for health research in Spain. Through annual calls for proposals, the ISCIII supports the development of research and technological development projects, the training and development of research talent, and international collaboration, with the goal of promoting innovation and facilitating the transfer of knowledge to clinical and healthcare practice.
In the 2025 call for proposals, IBSAL achieved a success rate of 57%, with 16 projects awarded out of the 28 submitted, a significant improvement over the results from 2024, when the success rate was 44% (12 awarded out of 27 applications). This increase reflects the scientific quality of the proposals submitted and the consolidation of competitive research teams aligned with the priorities of the healthcare system. The funded projects are also co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), reinforcing their impact on scientific and technological development.
Current Challenges in Health Care
The funded research takes a cross-disciplinary approach to some of today’s major health challenges, including the study of cancer and oncohematological diseases, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory and immune-mediated processes, as well as the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies within the framework of precision medicine. This multidisciplinary approach reinforces IBSAL’s translational nature and its commitment to generating knowledge that has a direct impact on healthcare.
In addition to its research projects, IBSAL has also seen a significant boost in the area of human resources. In the AES 2025 staff recruitment calls, 10 grants were awarded, representing a 50% success rate—an improvement over the previous year’s results, which had a success rate of 47%. These grants include PFIS predoctoral contracts, M-AES mobility grants, and various positions aimed at recruiting, retaining, and expanding research activity, as well as specialized roles in bioinformatics and research management. Specifically, the following contracts were awarded: 1 PFIS, 2 Río Hortega, 1 Sara Borrell, 1 Miguel Servet, 2 research intensification grants, 1 M-AES, 1 bioinformatics position, and 1 research management position.
Taken together, these grants solidify IBSAL’s position as a center of excellence for biomedical research, capable of attracting and retaining talent, driving high-impact projects, and addressing major health challenges. The funding obtained will enable continued progress in research aimed at improving public health and strengthening the public research and healthcare system.
IBSAL
The Salamanca Institute for Biomedical Research (IBSAL) was established on March 21, 2011, through an agreement signed by the Department of Health of the Regional Government of Castile and León and the University of Salamanca, which was joined in February 2012 by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). It is one of the 36 health research institutes accredited by the Carlos III Health Institute.
Its scientific activity is organized into six areas, comprising a total of 88 research groups: Cancer (23 groups); Cardiovascular, Renal, and Respiratory (11); Neuroscience (12); Infectious, Inflammatory, and Metabolic Diseases (20); Gene and Cell Therapy and Transplants (6); and Primary Care, Public Health, and Pharmacology (16).
For more information and contact details:
comunicacion@ibsal.es
