Located at the foot of Collserola, in Barcelona, the CaixaResearch Institute stands as the first research center specialized in immunology in Spain and Portugal, and one of the pioneers in Europe. This facility will host up to five hundred scientists dedicated to finding solutions for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular and infectious conditions.

Funded with 100 million euros by the 'La Caixa' Foundation, the center was inaugurated on Friday by King Felipe VI, President Salvador Illa, and the Government delegate, Carlos Prieto. Its laboratories, with capacity for forty research groups, already have six initial teams that have begun their work.

Among the prominent researchers is the immunology leader, Gabriel Rabinovich, who studies the role of microproteins in the immune system. He is accompanied by Josep Dalmau, an expert in brain studies, and Gemma Moncunill, specialized in vaccinology. Other teams, led by Héctor Huerga and María Martínez, are investigating stem cells and dendritic cells, respectively. The recent addition of Maria Mittelbrunn will focus on healthy aging.

The main objective of the CaixaResearch Institute is to accelerate early diagnosis and develop more effective treatments. To achieve this, it will collaborate with other foundation centers such as ISGlobal, the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, IrsiCaixa, the Barcelona Beta Brain Research Center, and the Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute. The Innovation Hub and the Biomedical Data Hub will be key platforms for knowledge transfer and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Immunology is the central pillar of the research, as it is fundamental to understanding the body's response to threats and developing new therapies. The 2,000-square-meter facilities are designed to be flexible and adapt to the needs of the teams. Furthermore, its proximity to CosmoCaixa will allow scientists to share their discoveries with the general public, fostering scientific vocations among young people.