Translational medicine in Catalonia: the case of liver oncology

Resumen

Biomedical research has improved during the last decade in Catalonia, which is currently a well-recognized international biomedical scientific hub. The policy of head-hunting and attraction of talent fostered by the Catalan Government through the ICREA Professorship initiative has been successful. In 2006, I was appointed as ICREA Professor and started a research group in Translational research in liver oncology at IDIBAPS-Hospital Clínic in Barcelona. This appointment was possible due to a suitable environment in this institution, both regarding liver and translational medical research. This article summarizes some of the major advancements in translational medicine, liver research and translational hepatic oncology achieved during the last decade.