Andalusia once again ranks among the national leaders in biomedical research following the recognition received, among others, by two researchers linked to the Seville Institute of Biomedicine (IBiS) and the Foundation for the Management of Health Research in Seville (FISEVI) in the 11th and 12th editions of the Gilead Biomedical Research Grants.

Researchers Luis de la Cruz Merino, in the field of Oncology, and Ezequiel Ruiz-Mateos Carmona, specialized in HIV, are among the 36 projects selected nationwide for the excellence and innovative nature of their research. The call recognizes work with strong scientific potential in medical areas where significant challenges still remain unresolved.

These awards granted to Luis de la Cruz Merino, head of the Cancer Immunotherapy group at IBiS and chief of the Medical Oncology Department at the Virgen Macarena University Hospital (HUVM), and to Ezequiel Ruiz-Mateos Carmona, principal investigator of the Immunovirology group at IBiS, reinforce the value of Andalusian research. On the one hand, they contribute to the advancement of new therapeutic strategies against complex tumors and to the personalization of oncology treatments; on the other, they consolidate Seville as a benchmark in HIV research, strengthening both clinical and translational research.

M.V. – Photographs provided by Gilead.

The award ceremony took place at the Carlos III Health Institute in Madrid during an event organized by Gilead Sciences, attended by researchers from across the country. The applications were evaluated by the Carlos III Health Institute itself through independent international experts, ensuring the objectivity and scientific rigor of the process.

The grants awarded to Drs. Ruiz-Mateos and de la Cruz further highlight Andalusia’s strong presence in this edition of the Gilead Fellowships, in which several research centers from the region were also recognized for their scientific advances. In addition to financial support, these grants help launch new lines of research, promote knowledge transfer to the healthcare system, and accelerate patients’ access to innovative therapies.

During the event, María Río, Vice President and General Manager of Gilead Spain and Portugal, emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in biomedical innovation and supporting national scientific talent as a key pillar for the future of the healthcare system.

María Río, Vice President and General Manager of Gilead Spain and Portugal | M.V. – Courtesy of Gilead.

Since their creation, the Gilead Fellowships have funded more than 220 biomedical research projects in Spain, with a total investment exceeding €10.3 million, consolidating their position as one of the leading pharmaceutical industry-driven initiatives supporting healthcare R&D.