1- Impact of the microbiome on reproduction (Host researcher: Inmaculada Moreno) :
Focused on the endometrial microbiome and its clinical implications in infertility and obstetric complications such as implantation failure, recurrent miscarriage and preterm delivery

2- Maternal-fetal crosstalk (Host researcher: Felipe Vilella):
Focused on understanding the mechanisms of communication between the mother and the embryo and elucidating how the mother genetically modifies the preimplantation embryo.

3- Maternal contribution in obstetric pathologies (Host researcher: Tamara Garrido):
The main focus of our group is deciphering the origin and causes of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia.

4- Gynecological tumors (Host researcher: Aymara Mas):
We focus on the development of accurate and non-invasive diagnostic methods for gynecologic tumors.

5- Menopause and ovarian rejuvenation (Host researchers: Xavi Santamaría-Felipe Vilella):
Focused on understanding the mechanisms of ovarian aging and developing new strategies to delay or prevent reproductive aging.

Our main activity is biomedical research in the field of reproductive medicine and women’s health, focusing on clinical translation. As a multidisciplinary team of more than forty professionals, we are proud to be linked to the University of Valencia and the INCLIVA Health Research Institute (IIS INCLIVA). INCLIVA is a prestigious research center accredited by the Carlos III Health Research Institute, Spain’s leading national body for promoting health research. This prestigious affiliation enhances our institutional capacity, fosters academic careers, and ensures that our research meets the highest national standard. Together, we work to create a world where pathologies affecting the UTERUS will no longer be an impossible barrier.

Frontier Research
Our research at the Carlos Simon Foundation for Research in Women’s Health qualifies as frontier research due to its innovative approach to addressing critical and globally impactful challenges in women’s health. We are dedicated to deciphering the complex molecular, genetic, and microbiological mechanisms of the human uterus in both health and disease, with a strong emphasis on translational research that directly benefits clinical practice.
Women’s health, particularly in the areas of infertility, pregnancy complications, uterine tumors, and menopause, is often under-researched despite its profound impact on global health:
-Infertility affects up to 186 million individuals worldwide, with approximately 35% of cases attributed to uterine dysfunction.
-Preterm birth impacts 10% of pregnancies, while preeclampsia results in the death of millions of infants and mothers annually.
-Menopause affects 50% of the world’s population after age 50, leading to significant changes in women’s health and well-being.
-Uterine tumours, which are present in 70% of women globally, and ovarian cancer, the deadliest gynaecological cancer, pose immense public health challenges.

Our institution tackles these issues through cutting-edge research programs, leveraging the latest scientific advances in microbiome research, maternal-fetal communication, obstetric pathologies, gynaecological tumours, and ovarian rejuvenation. Each of our research lines is aimed at uncovering new insights into these conditions and developing innovative, evidence-based solutions that can transform clinical outcomes for women worldwide.
Moreover, the interdisciplinary nature of our research, involving experts in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, and clinical practitioners in our projects allows for a direct connection between research and patient care, offering journalists the opportunity to engage with both scientists and clinicians, gaining insights into the real-world applications of our work.

The Carlos Simon Foundation embodies the characteristics of frontier research: high-risk, high-reward investigations that push the boundaries of current knowledge to achieve breakthroughs in women’s health. In this context, the Carlos Simon Foundation is well-positioned to host journalists under the FRONTIERS initiative by integrating cutting-edge scientific methodologies with a patient-centered approach, our research not only addresses fundamental biological questions but also aims to develop novel therapeutic approaches, thus contributing to the advancement of healthcare.

IDIBAPS research is organized into research areas and multidisciplinary programs.

5 Research Areas and 3 transversal groups:
1. Biological aggression and response mechanisms
2. Respiratory, cardiovascular and renal pathobiology and bioengineering
3. Liver, digestive system and metabolism
4. Clinical and experimental neuroscience
5. Oncology and haematology
6. Transversal research groups focusing on primary care, pharmacology and nursing

Multidisciplinary Programs:
1. Transitional cancer research program
2. Lymphoid neoplasms program
3. Synaptic autoimmunity in neurology, psychiatry and cognitive neuroscience program

Among the multiple research groups, we would like to highlight the following research lines, supported by ERC grants, for the FRONTIERS Science Journalism Residency Program:
– Neuronal control of metabolism directed by Marc Claret, Principal Investigator of MITOSENSING project: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/725004
– Cortical circuit dynamics directed by Jaime de la Rocha, Principal Investigator of PRIORS project: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/683209
– Molecular pathology of lymphoid neoplasms directed by Elías Campo, Principal Investigator of BCLLatlas project: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/810287

Currently, the IBB hosts about 150 researchers, including tenured professors from the UAB, senior scientists, postdoctoral and doctoral fellows, master students and technicians. We host 17 research groups organized in 3 scientific programs that cover multiple scientific areas, but with a shared multidisciplinary character. This configuration allows a broad approach to biological problems and facilitates the transfer of scientific results towards the improvement of the well-being of our society. These three main research umbrella topics are: (1) Applied Proteomics and Protein Engineering, (2) Genomics in Evolution and Disease and (3) Response Mechanisms to Stress and Disease
The senior PIs of the IBB are Dr. Ventura, Villaverde, Ruiz-Herrera, Roig, Corchero, Ferrer, Ariño, Pallarès, Barbadilla, Martí, Gibert, Reverter, Yero, Cerdà, Jaraquemada, JM. Lluch, Piñol, Quijada, Cáceres, Daura, Lorenzo, Pividori, M. Lluch and Roher (Director of the IBB), offering experience in Bioinformatics, Cellular and Structural Biology, Genomics, Immunology, Microbiology, Synthetic Biology, Nanobiotechnology and Proteomics. Some areas in which our researchers work are within the fields of diagnostic tools and theragnostics, vaccine development, neurodegenerative disease detection and new treatments, immune disorders, cancer and targeted drug delivery, bacterial virulence and antibiotic resistances, biotherapeutics for several diseases, etc.

The Environment and Health over the Life-course programme conducts high-quality integrative research to expand knowledge on the causes and mechanisms of NCDs. The programme focuses on environmental, radiation, occupational, lifestyle, social, infectious, and genetic risk factors throughout life, from prenatal to late adulthood. Key topics include respiratory, immune, and cardiovascular health, neurodevelopment, and cancer.

The Climate, Air Pollution, Nature and Urban Health programme aims to strengthen evidence related to the health effects of climate change and exposures in urban and natural environments and to assess the health co-benefits of climate action. It focuses on factors such as temperature, noise, air pollution, and green spaces, and their effect on a spectrum of health outcomes, including premature mortality, cardiovascular and respiratory health, and cognitive function. Their main methods consist of the assessment of exposure and health impact, epidemiological modelling, and intervention evaluation, complemented by computational modelling of global climate variations, tipping points, and their impact on health.

The Malaria and Neglected Parasitic Diseases programme aims to generate valuable knowledge and expand, through a multidisciplinary approach, the current scientific understanding of malaria, Chagas, and other neglected parasitic diseases (NPD) affecting humans, and their interactions with human and animal hosts and/or vectors.

The Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health programme aims to bridge the know-do gap and support the global efforts to ensure that all women and children, regardless of where they live or are born, have access to quality healthcare services. Its research focuses on developing and assessing the efficacy and effectiveness of maternal and reproductive health interventions through relevant clinical trials and implementation science.

The profound impact of infectious diseases on society, notably underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic, accentuates the imperative for in-depth research to comprehend the intricate dynamics of infectious agents. This includes understanding their modes of transmission, the factors within hosts that influence disease outcomes, and the identification of effective intervention strategies. The urgency of this research has been particularly evident during the pandemic, highlighting the pivotal role of scientific investigation in addressing global health challenges.

The Infectious Diseases Research Program at CIC bioGUNE stands as a vanguard in scientific exploration, pioneering an initiative committed to unraveling the complex and dynamic molecular foundations of infectious diseases.

This program encompasses several crucial research areas:

• Molecular Basis of Cancer Progression: Investigating the molecular signatures and signaling pathways that drive the progression of Prostate, Breast, Colorectal, and Liver cancers. Our goal is to identify potential targets for precision medicine and advance the development of tailored therapeutic interventions.

• Precision Medicine in Cancer Treatment: Applying precision medicine approaches to develop targeted therapies for different cancer types. This includes deciphering the genetic and molecular variations that contribute to cancer heterogeneity and tailoring treatments accordingly.

• Biomarker Discovery for Diagnostic Advancements: Identifying and validating biomarkers that enhance cancer diagnostics and prognostics. Through advanced molecular profiling and bioinformatics analyses, we aim to contribute to the development of reliable biomarkers for various cancer types.

The importance of research dedicated to rare diseases lies in its potential to unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms, genetic factors, and cellular processes driving these conditions. Investigating genetic mutations associated with rare diseases provides crucial insights into the fundamental aspects of human biology and the consequences of genetic abnormalities. Understanding the molecular basis of disease progression is essential for developing targeted therapies that can alter the course of the disease, improving the quality of life for affected individuals.

The impact of rare diseases research extends beyond the laboratory, directly influencing clinical practice, healthcare policies, and societal perceptions. By identifying potential therapeutic targets, researchers contribute to the development of novel treatment approaches and pave the way for precision medicine tailored to the unique genetic and molecular profiles of individuals with rare diseases. Additionally, advancements in rare diseases research contribute to the broader understanding of biological processes, benefiting the entire field of medicine.

The Rare Diseases Research Program at CIC bioGUNE plays a pivotal role in addressing the challenges posed by rare diseases. By exploring the intricate molecular pathways, genetic factors, and cellular mechanisms associated with rare diseases, the program contributes not only to scientific knowledge but also to the development of innovative diagnostic methods and targeted therapeutic strategies. The societal impact of this research is substantial, offering hope and improved outcomes for individuals grappling with rare diseases and their families.