Under the inspiring leadership of Josep Tabernero, the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology has established itself as a Comprehensive Cancer Center of excellence of international renown that continues to grow from strength to strength.
Supported by an optimal organizational structure, our multidisciplinary translational research model enables us to anticipate and address the many challenges posed by this complex disease. At VHIO, we seamlessly bridge preclinical and clinical research to accelerate cancer discovery from bench-to-bedside and back, a vision that was pioneered by José Baselga, VHIO’s Founding Director.
We continue to drive progress against cancer through disruptive science and clinical innovation, adapting to the rapidly evolving landscape of oncology. As an example, at the end of this year, we welcomed Albert Antolin as Group Leader of our newly established Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Drug Discovery Group. Through the application of AI, his team will combine computational and experimental approaches to accelerate the discovery of new cancer medicines. With strong expertise in data science, chemistry, and cancer biology, they will work closely with other VHIO programs, as well as industry partners, to advance systems chemistry and support the early clinical development of novel therapies.
Also based on our strategic plan, we have continued to strengthen and optimize our scientific infrastructure to deliver on our research goals, priorities, and future initiatives. To view our organizational structure including our management areas, research divisions, groups, and units at 31 December, 2025, please click here.
In addition to Josep’s selection of research highlights this year, many other important developments have shaped our year. For example, we have continued to advance our cutting-edge technologies and platforms to remain at the forefront of promising applications and emerging approaches in oncology. These include the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and other analytes in liquid biopsy, implementation of single-cell sequencing and spatial approaches, and the application of AI and machine learning (ML) to deepen our understanding of the tumor ecosystem and improve prediction of disease progression in individual patients.
In parallel with translational and clinical research, we continue to accelerate the development of gene and cell therapy products. Aimed at establishing VHIO as an international reference in this rapidly emerging field and contributing to the expansion of Europe’s product development, we have contributed to advancing immune-based therapies, including Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes and CAR T-cell therapies, as well as antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). Marking a key milestone this year, the construction of our Advanced Therapies Accelerator Unit’s Clean Room is now complete.
We continue to advance plans for a new VHIO building adjacent to the CELLEX Building. This expansion will support our ongoing growth and help realize the vision outlined in our strategic plan.
Our continued progress against cancer would not be possible without our institutional programs—three of which have been renewed and set to launch in January 2026—as well as the incredibly generous support we receive from public and private institutions, companies, and individual donors, all of whom share our commitment to reduce the burden of cancer. As a direct reflection of the quality of our research, we also continue to secure additional funding through national and international competitive calls.
We are especially grateful to our Patrons and Institutional Supporters — Generalitat de Catalunya, Fundació Privada CELLEX, Fundación FERO, ”la Caixa” Foundation, Fundación BBVA, and Fundación CRIS contra el cáncer — for their devoted support and dedication.
A few of their many contributions include the following:
