Cornerstone of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute

The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute was established in 2010, with the aim to promote biomedical research and development of personalized medicine for haematological malignancies, particularly of leukaemia. The main purpose is to take another step forward in quality biomedical research against leukaemia and other haematological malignancies. The centre is a joint initiative between the Government of Catalonia and the Josep Carreras Foundation against Leukaemia, which aims to position the Institute as an international reference in the field of these illnesses.

The event was lead by the Very Honorable Mr. Artur Mas, President of the Generalitat of Catalonia; and was attended by the Excellency Mr. Josep Carreras, President of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute; the Illustrious Mr. Xavier Garcia-Albiol, Mayor of Badalona; the Honorable Mr. Boi Ruiz, Health Minister of the Generalitat of Catalonia; and Professor Evarist Feliu, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute and Vice-President of the José Carreras Foundation against Leukaemia.

The new institute will have two headquarters, one located at Campus Clinic, at the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona and the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Barcelona and one in the new building at the ICO Campus/ Germans Trias i Pujol, within the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, in ​​Badalona. To construct the new building, the Badalona City Council has given a plot of 4,550 square meters, located in the vicinity of Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol next to the current Institute of Predictive and Personalized Cancer Medicine (IMPPC).

The president of the Generalitat, Artur Mas, has stated that with this new facility a positive sign and hope is offered for leukemia patients. “With this ceremony today we not only put the foundation stone, but we set the foundations to head in the way of people who are clearly our role models” – commented. The leader of the Catalan Executive has also taken the opportunity to thank José Carreras “his attitude of generosity and service towards the country, which is evidenced with the Institute and the José Carreras Foundation” and stressed the solidarity of the Catalan people reflected in the fact that Catalonia is located in the ranking of organ donation.

 Image of the future building at Campus ICO/Germans Trias i Pujol

“The care and scientific environment we have at both campuses of the Institute is excellent. Our project aims to bring together, integrate, share and further enhance the existing excellent level. We are already doing it regarding managment by simplifying structures. We will do it in the scienctific matter by integrating transversal and multicenter services without unnecessary duplication,” said Mr. José Carreras during the event.

Render images of one of the laboratories type and P3 of the future building of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute

The Mayor of Badalona, Xavier Garcia-Albiol, pointed out the cooperation between private and public authorities in this project and showed Badalona’s satisfaction for being able to contribute in making it come true. The Mayor also emphasized that the new headquarter of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute helps to consolidate Badalona as an international benchmark in the field of medical research.

Prof. Evarist Feliu, Chairman of the Executive Commissioner of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute and Scientific Coordinator of Campus ICO / Germans Trias i Pujol in the same center, wanted to highlight in his speech his desire to have more campuses in the future. Throughout 2012 they will be working in the creation of the third campus at Sant Pau’s Hospital, coordinated by Prof. Jordi Sierra. So far, several groups of researchers already publish their work under the name of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute. The scientific coordinator of the Campus Clinic is Prof. Alvaro Urbano.

In the coming years, the José Carreras Foundation Against Leukemia will assign 14 million euros to the buildings and equipment of the Campus Clinic and ICO / Germans Trias i Pujol. The Welfare Foundation “La Caixa”, with the aim of promoting research excellence, is also working on the project with the José Carreras Foundation, to finance the construction and equipment of the Institute. The Government of the Generalitat, will assign a budget every year to finance general structural expenses for the functioning of the Institute. This will also be funded through competitive grants (scholarships and grants, etc.). and sponsorship.

For more information on the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, go HERE