Representatives from GIMM CARE visited Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (HSJD) in Barcelona on 11 June, as part of a recently established collaboration between the two institutions. Following the signing of a collaboration agreement, the visit aimed to strengthen mutual understanding, identify areas of shared interest and explore opportunities for future joint initiatives in research and innovation. 

The GIMM CARE delegation included Cláudia Faria, Director; Madalena Reis, Head of Operations; Cristóvão Sousa, Head of Research & Development; and Clara Artur, Institutional Project Manager. 

Throughout the day, representatives from both institutions presented their research priorities, infrastructures and strategic initiatives, with a particular focus on advanced therapies, clinical research, precision medicine, biobanking, innovation and translational research. 

The visit also provided an opportunity to learn more about the research infrastructures and programmes of the Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), including the Advanced Therapies Platform, Clinical Research Unit, Biobank and Innovation Office, as well as its research programmes in paediatric leukaemia and brain tumours. 

Several opportunities for collaboration were identified, including joint research projects and grant applications in paediatric oncology and rare diseases; the development of a shared platform to support research and biobanking in rare diseases; and the establishment of exchange programmes for clinicians and scientists. 

This collaboration represents an important opportunity to build on the complementary expertise and capabilities of two leading centres supported by the “la Caixa” Foundation, further strengthening the clinical and translational research ecosystem and helping accelerate research with meaningful impact for patients. 

By bringing together expertise in research, innovation and clinical care, the visit reinforced a shared commitment to translating scientific discoveries into better healthcare. Through international partnerships such as this, GIMM CARE and Sant Joan de Déu continue to foster knowledge exchange, strengthen collaborative networks and create new opportunities to advance clinical and translational research for the benefit of patients and society.