The new CaixaResearch Institute strengthens Barcelona’s leadership in biomedicine

Barcelona has strengthened its position as one of Europe’s leading life sciences hubs with the inauguration of CaixaResearch Institute, a major new research center dedicated entirely to immunology. The institute is the first of its kind in Spain and Portugal, and one of the first in Europe.

The center was officially inaugurated last Friday by King Felipe VI, in an event attended by Salvador Illa, President of the Government of Catalonia; Mónica García, Minister of Health of the Spanish Government; Carlos Prieto, Delegate of the Spanish Government in Catalonia; and Isidro Fainé, Chairman of the la Caixa Foundation.

Promoted by la Caixa Foundation, the project represents a €100 million investment and is designed to become an international benchmark in translational immunology research. The institute’s mission is to advance scientific knowledge and help translate discoveries into earlier diagnoses, more precise treatments, and improved quality of life.

Immunology is playing an increasingly important role in understanding and addressing some of today’s most complex diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases. By focusing exclusively on this field, the new institute adds strategic value to Barcelona’s already dynamic biomedical ecosystem.

“We share a very clear goal: to bring together as many resources as possible to make a meaningful improvement to people’s health and quality of life”

Isidro Fainé, Chairman of the la Caixa Foundation

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In the words of Isidro Fainé, "This is undoubtedly one of the most important initiatives the La Caixa Foundation has ever undertaken. We share a very clear goal: to bring together as many resources as possible to make a meaningful improvement to people’s health and quality of life. It has been a priority for us to do this in line with our core values, starting from the ground up, taking a long-term approach, acting locally while maintaining a global outlook, and always keeping people and their wellbeing at the center."

A new hub for scientific talent

The new campus comprises 20,000 m² of state-of-the-art facilities with capacity for 500 professionals, including 425 scientists. For 2026, the institute has earmarked a €10 million budget for talent recruitment and scientific equipment as it works to consolidate its position among Europe’s leading immunology centers.

The first of the institute’s two buildings is already operational. Four research group leaders, Gabriel Rabinovich, Josep Dalmau, Gemma Moncunill, and Héctor Huerga-Encabo, are currently carrying out research activities.

They will be joined later this year by Maria Mittelbrunn and María Martínez. The institute currently employs around twenty professionals and, once fully operational, is expected to host 45 research groups and units.

This expansion further reinforces Barcelona’s ability to attract and retain international scientific talent, a key competitive advantage for the city in the global life sciences sector.

Collaborative science with international ambition

The CaixaResearch Institute is structured around three scientific pillars: immunology and disease, exposome sciences, and systems immunology and engineering. These areas are designed to work in an integrated and collaborative way, reflecting the cross-disciplinary nature of modern biomedical research.

The institute will also promote collaboration across the wider research ecosystem linked to the La Caixa Foundation. This includes initiatives such as the Innovation Hub, which aims to support the development of new therapies and maximize the transfer of research outcomes to society.

In parallel, a Biomedical Data Hub will enhance the management, integration, and analysis of biomedical data generated across associated centers, helping foster more connected and efficient scientific collaboration.

Strengthening Barcelona’s biomedical ecosystem

The launch of the institute is the result of collaboration with multiple institutions and public authorities. Barcelona City Council supported the project's urban planning aspects, while the Government of Catalonia signed an agreement with the foundation to foster synergies between the new center and Catalonia’s biomedical ecosystem.

The Spanish Government also supports the institute through agencies that promote biomedical research, while the European Investment Bank signed a loan agreement with CriteriaCaixa to help finance construction.

The project reflects the strength of public-private collaboration in Barcelona and Catalonia, where institutions, research centers, and industry work together to accelerate innovation and economic transformation.

A sustainable scientific campus in Barcelona

The new institute is located at the foot of Collserola Natural Park, in one of the city’s most prominent scientific areas. The campus was conceived around scientific functionality, integration with the surrounding landscape, and sustainability. The project has received LEED Platinum accreditation.

Environmental measures include photovoltaic panels, geothermal systems, rainwater harvesting, and internal water reuse systems. According to the project details, these measures are expected to reduce energy consumption by 38% and water use by 40%.

The first building was inaugurated in April 2026, while the second is expected to be progressively occupied throughout 2027.

Barcelona continues to grow as a global life sciences destination

The arrival of CaixaResearch Institute adds further momentum to Barcelona’s internationally recognized life sciences ecosystem, which combines world-class hospitals, universities, research centers, startups, and multinational companies.

With a strong talent base, advanced infrastructure, and a collaborative innovation environment, Barcelona and Catalonia continue to attract strategic projects that shape the future of health and biotechnology in Europe.

Source: La Caixa Foundation