The 1.5 million euro fund will be devoted to projects led by the BIST centres and other Catalan research institutes.
The Fundació Joan Ribas Araquistain and the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) have signed a collaboration agreement under which 1.5 million euros will be invested in various research projects.
A first part of the funds will go to the development of a liquid phase electron microscopy programme, which will allow advances in the study and understanding of complex biological processes such as the growth of tumors. It will allow for the analysis of living cells without the physiological and structural alterations caused by other methodologies.
A second part of the funds will be used to develop tools for non-invasive diagnostics, advanced imaging, and clinical applications of infrared spectroscopy technologies. These activities will be carried out in collaboration with various hospitals in Catalonia.
A third part of the funds will be used to boost research programmes aimed at developing technologies for the use of solar energy and to research new strategies for artificial photosynthesis.
Finally, in the field of research infrastructures, a platform for the design and production of biomaterials and nanomaterials will also be promoted in projects related to cancer diagnosis. Funds will also be used to promote biological chemistry projects, innovation in the field of bioregeneration, and microscopy instruments.
“The availability of the most advanced research technologies, in fields such as light and electron microscopy, allows us to go much further in the knowledge of complex diseases, such as cancer, and to develop diagnostic and therapeutic solutions that can be life-changing for thousands of patients. That is why we highly value the support of the Fundación Joan Ribas Araquistain, which will allow us to promote programmes with great potential for social impact,” said Gabby Silberman, Director General of BIST.
“In the context of the crisis that we are experiencing due to COVID-19, the importance of research to help us face great health challenges has become evident, and the support of private entities such as the FJRA is essential to be able to carry on our research”, added Silberman.
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