La Fe Health Research Institute receives accreditation from the Scientific Foundation of the Spanish Association Against Cancer as a center of excellence in cancer research

The La Fe Health Research Institute (IIS La Fe) has been accredited by the Scientific Foundation of the Spanish Association Against Cancer as one of Spain's leading centers in cancer research. This distinction strengthens its role in the national scientific landscape and enhances its capacity to lead innovative projects in the fight against cancer.

The accreditation will allow IIS La Fe to access exclusive funding calls, collaborate more closely with the Scientific Foundation, and increase its visibility in the scientific community. This will lead to more resources, more opportunities, and most importantly, a greater impact on improving cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient quality of life.

"This recognition highlights the effort and excellence of our researchers," said Dr. Pilar Nos, Scientific Director of IIS La Fe. "It's a testament to the work we've been doing for years and a motivation to keep moving forward with determination." She also praised the contributions of Drs. Adela Cañete, Pau Montesinos, and Luis Martí-Bonmatí, whose leadership was key in achieving this international recognition.

The manager of Hospital La Fe, José Luis Poveda, emphasized that this accreditation represents "a key step forward" within the framework of the European EUnet CCC Joint Action, which fosters collaboration among leading cancer centers to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research. Integration into the network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCC) will allow La Fe to strengthen early detection programs, enhance survivor care, boost research, and ensure the highest standards of specialist training.

This accreditation places IIS La Fe among prestigious institutions such as the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), the Josep Carreras Institute, and the i+12 Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre. From now on, IIS La Fe will expand the reach of its research and contribute significantly to improving cancer treatment at both national and international levels.

High-impact research and innovation

This accreditation is not just a badge of honor; it reflects a robust research activity. In the field of oncology, IIS La Fe has 12 research groups, 21 principal investigators, and 29 postdoctoral researchers. In the past year, it has published 258 scientific articles in oncology, many in high-impact journals (with an average impact factor of 11.56), demonstrating the quality and international recognition of its scientific output.

It is also actively involved in clinical trials: 49 commercial and 10 non-commercial, one of them promoted directly by the institute.

Currently, IIS La Fe is managing 57 active cancer research projects, and in 2024 alone, it has launched 23 new oncology-related projects with national, international, and private funding.

Its commitment to innovation is also reflected in two registered patents, the creation of a spin-off company (RI MEDICAL), and direct collaborations with industry. This innovative ecosystem ensures that scientific advances reach clinical and business settings more efficiently and effectively.