The National Institute of Health Carlos III hosted the joint award ceremony for the XI and XII editions of the Gilead Grants for Biomedical Research. On this occasion, Andalusian research took center stage, distinguishing four projects from three of the community's reference centers.
Gilead's program, a key initiative to boost biomedical R&D in Spain, recognized a total of 36 projects in this edition across diverse areas such as HIV, hemato-oncology, medical oncology, Covid-19, and delta hepatitis. Since its inception, the grants have funded 221 out of 938 applications received, with an accumulated investment exceeding 10.3 million euros and a presence in 13 autonomous communities.
The project evaluations, coordinated by the National Institute of Health Carlos III through its network of international evaluators, ensure the scientific independence of the process. The program also benefits from the support of prominent scientific societies such as the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), the Spanish Society of Hematology and Hemotherapy (SEHH), the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver (AEEH), and the GeSIDA group.
Within Andalusia, the Foundation for the Management of Health Research of Seville (FISEVI) and the Biomedical Research Foundation of Córdoba (FIBICO) received awards in the HIV area. Meanwhile, the Foundation for Research in Biomedicine and Health of Málaga (FIMABIS) and FISEVI itself were recognized in medical oncology, reaffirming the growing importance of the Andalusian research system.
The awarded projects in Andalusia were led by researchers of recognized prestige. In medical oncology, the work associated with FIMABIS and FISEVI stands out. In the HIV field, recognitions went to teams from FISEVI and FIBICO, demonstrating the strength of the community's research teams.
“"Biomedical innovation is strategic, and it is necessary to maintain investment in science to continue advancing in improving patient care."
During the event, future challenges for boosting health investment and access to innovation were discussed, analyzing Spain's competitiveness in biomedical research and the importance of accelerating the arrival of scientific advancements to the healthcare system. The gathering concluded with a tribute to the career of Dr. María Buti, highlighting research talent and public-private collaboration.
