Research at the CNIC is organized into three strategic departments, which study areas of fundamental interest identified as the most likely to lead to rapid advances in medical practice. These three research departments work closely with the Translational Platform, which coordinates intellectual property management and the translation of new knowledge into improved clinical practice and public health.
- Vascular Biology and Inflammation. The VBI department investigates the complex interactions between the components of circulating blood and the vascular wall, with emphasis on emphasis on vessel wall remodeling, inflammation and autoimmunity, and cell biology and signaling in metabolism and disease.
- Cardiovascular Development and Repair. The CDR department investigates the cell-cell interactions and signaling pathways operating during heart morphogenesis and vascular development, the origin and maintenance of the pluripotent state, and the metabolic regulation and repair of the adult cardiovascular system.
- Epidemiology, Atherothrombosis and Imaging. The EAI department develops non-invasive technologies for molecular-resolution imaging that can identify and characterize vulnerable plaques. In combination with epidemiologic analyses, this approach provides invaluable information on the underlying molecular mechanisms of disease, leading to tools for accurate diagnosis and targeted drug delivery.
- The Translational Platform develops initiatives that foster translational research at the CNIC through collaboration with international partners and Spanish hospitals. The Platform also identifies, promotes, and co-develops CNIC research with potential industrial applications, by facilitating the acquisition of patents and their subsequent development or licensing. The Platform’s own Clinical Research Program provides logistics and methodological support to CNIC researchers and to collaborating institutions and healthcare companies requesting assistance in this area. One of the Platform’s key activities is the creation of a biobank to support state-of-the-art cardiovascular research.
This scientific organization is designed to enable a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular research. Close interaction between the departments is creating a fertile environment for innovative research closely focused on the goal of improving cardiovascular health.