1. health and fitness
2. disease
3. cancer

in vivo
November 2014 | Issue 28
NEWSLETTER OF THE INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH IN BIOMEDICINE
Dance video raises awareness and
funding for IRB Barcelona research
“Together we can make a difference.” Researchers Marc Guiu and
Tomomi Hashiyama summarise the spirit of the dance video that IRB
Barcelona launched on October 13. With more than 840,000 YouTube
views in more than 190 countries at the time this issue of In Vivo went
to press, the video has been viral hit. Viewers from across the world
have watched, shared, ‘liked’ and sent in words of encouragement in
reaction to the unusual call for support of the Institute’s research.
Though the experience might have been lots of fun for the participants, the idea behind this “pioneering initiative,” as director Joan J.
Guinovart calls it, goes far beyond just showcasing the dancing skills
of our researchers. Anna Merlos-Suárez, Strategic Projects and Philanthropy Officer, confirms, “this is just the first step of our philanScientists and staff at IRB Barcelona came together this summer for a very
special project - a dance video to raise awareness about our research.
thropic strategy.” Read more on this project on page 2.
LightSheet Microscopy
to open new era
Turning back into a stem cell
A mechanism that allows a differentiated cell
The scientists observed that the cells that en-
LightSheet Microscopy is a promising
to reactivate itself as a stem cell was revealed by
ter the endocycle lose their capacity to reactivate
technique that has the potential to become
Jordi Casanova and his group in a paper pub-
as stem cells.
routine in most biomedical research fields.
lished in Cell Reports.
The first author of the article is Postdoctoral
Julien Colombelli, Advanced Digital
The study was performed on fruit flies and
fellow Nareg J.-V. Djabrayan. The article is the
Microscopy Core Facility Manager, tells In
describes a gene that determines whether a spe-
fruit of collaboration between researchers at IRB
vivo how the first conference in the field,
cialised cell conserves the capacity to become a
Barcelona and CSIC.
held in September in Barcelona, united
stem cell again.
p3
ERC Proof-ofConcept
Òscar Martorell reports on page 3.
p5
First PhD
Retreat
at IRB Barcelona
p6
experts from around the world. On page 4.
Connecting
research
and patients
p7
Meeting
kangaroos
IRB Barcelona
dances for research
ways: For each YouTube viewing of
ers and staff members, and an international
the video, the Institute has received a
production team, it was filmed over 5 days in
donation from its sponsors. Contribu-
the Barcelona Science Park and in iconic sites
tions can also be made by SMS (text
in Barcelona. All costs for the production of the
IRBBARCELONA to 28014, in Spain only),
video were covered by generous contributions
and via IRB Barcelona’s donations webpage.
from our suppliers and collaborators.
Volunteers break out their dance moves during the video shoot.
M
ore than 840,000 views at the time
this issue of In Vivo went to press
and
counting.
IRB
Barcelona’s first fundraising video
has gone viral, reaching viewers in
197 countries, with thousands of
tweets and facebook posts.
The video, which in addi-
❝
This is a pioneering
initiative. Using a fun
and friendly approach,
we highlight the role of
science in society❞
Joan J. Guinovart
tion to raising awareness about IRB Barcelona
research and activities, also allows viewers to
contribute to our research in three different
Under the co-
“This is a pioneering initiative in Europe for
ordination of Sarah
a centre devoted to basic research. Using a fun,
Sherwood in the Of-
friendly, and community-spirited approach,
fice of Communica-
we highlight the fundamental role that science
tions and External
plays in society’s well-being, and take a look at
.
Relations, the video
some of the critical work that we do at IRB Bar-
has taken a year to produce. With the collabora-
celona,” explains the Institute’s director Joan J.
tion of more than 100 IRB Barcelona research-
Guinovart.
“The video is just the first step of
our philanthropic strategy” ❝
W
hen, more than a year ago, the idea of making a dance video
draising, and that we are sufficiently
began to take shape in the Office of Communications and Ex-
proactive.
ternal Relations, no one knew how far would it go. Just weeks
after the video has gone viral, Anna Merlos-Suárez, Strategic Projects and
Philanthropy Officer, reflects on the potential of tools like this video to
help IRB Barcelona’s fundraising strategy.
What do you mean by ‘profes-
We are asking people to
entrust their hopes and
savings to us. This is an
enormous responsibility❞
Anna Merlos-Suárez
sional approach’?
It means to be able to personalise each case and offer something back to
our generous donors. Philanthropy is not only receiving. We have to able to
“We are using other countries as a model,” explains Anna, “they rely on
offer something to our collaborators, in terms of explaining the objectives
the implication of society at large for funding of science. This is especially
of our work and its impact on their lives. We have to develop a relationship
true for those types of research that have direct benefit for the people, as is
with our donors, and it has to be mutually beneficial. We are asking people
the case for much of the biomedical research conducted here. This is what
to entrust their hopes and their savings to us. This is an enormous respon-
led the Institute to open a position specifically dedicated to philanthropy,
sibility that we need to be aware of.
and the video has become our first proactive initiative aimed at raising
awareness about the need for new and alternative channels of funding.”
What is the most important part of your job in this initial phase?
It is crucial to have a deep understanding of the work we do in order
Yet this is not the first philanthropic initiative at IRB.
to establish what we can offer. This is something collective, there is no one
There have been various examples of philanthropy at IRB Barcelona
person whom to ask. I need to talk to many people to gather an overall vi-
from the outset. Among them, the long-standing support of our activities
sion. Only ‘Together we can make a difference,’ as we say in the video. And
and research by bank foundations, or the financing of a specific research
this includes all of us.
line by a Friedreich’s Ataxia patients association, or initiatives like Vi per
Vida, where an individual from outside the Institute decided to put together
a fundraising event to support our research. This, of course, is in addition
to the many anonymous people who over the years have contacted us to
donate or support our scientists.
Why is IRB launching its philanthropy plan now?
In recent years, Spain and the rest of the world have seen a significant
increase in philanthropic support of research. If we want to exploit this
tendency, we have to make sure we have a professional approach to fun-
p2
in vivo
November 2014 | Issue 28
How has the video been received so far?
We will have to wait to get the big picture, but the number of views of
the video, the tweets and facebook posts, are already indicative. Thousands
of people have sent SMS messages, made donations, and have contacted us
with questions, suggestions or even just encouragement. Not to mention
our sponsors who supported the idea from the beginning. We are a rela-
.
tively unknown institute for the average person in the street. This is only
a first step to build up confidence, a little seed we have planted. But we are
paving the way to become a reference in the future.” (ltb)
Recovering stem cell
capacities from a
differentiated cell
SCIENCE BITES
➲
Beta amyloid under
siege Natàlia Carulla and her
team, in collaboration with researchers
from the University of Barcelona, have
shown that beta amyloid, a peptide associated with Alzheimer’s disease, kills neurons
nveiling the genetic traits that favour
U
“The endocycle is linked to an irreversible
by forming structured aggregates of 20 to
the capacity of differentiated cells to
change of gene expression in the cell,” explains
100 units. Neither smaller nor larger ag-
keep stem cell properties is crucial to
Jordi Casanova. “We have seen that inhibiting
gregates are as toxic. They reported their
understanding several processes such as regen-
the endocycle gives the cells the capacity to
results in the 29 September issue of ACS
eration and tissue renovation. Jordi Casanova
reactivate as stem-like cells.”
Chemical Biology. By characterizing the
and his group, working with Drosophila larvae,
The research was carried on in the larval
have reported a mechanism that dictates whether
tracheal system of Drosophila, a tissue that is
a differentiated cell in the larval tracheal retains
remodelled during larval metamorphosis. It is
or not its potential to act as an progenitor for an
during this process that those cells that have
adult tracheal cell in the transition from a larva
not undergone endocycling start dividing,
to an adult fly. The study was published in Cell
generating the future adult tracheal system.
Reports in October.
The study helps researchers to better
structure of these aggregates, they hope to
advance the search for therapeutic molecules.
➲
A fly against cancer
A
team led by Andreu Casali has de-
veloped a Drosophila model for colorectal cancer research. The flies, carrying the
The research, a collaboration between
understand the process of cell differentiation
scientists at IRB Barcelona and CSIC, reveals
and how certain cells can retain some stem cell
same mutations as colorectal cancer pa-
one key feature that some differentiated cells
properties. An understanding of how some cells
tients, develop tumours in the intestines
need to have in order to be able to revert into
can mantain their potential as progenitor cells is
that show similar properties to those in
stem cells. They must not have entered the
also essential to fully understand the process of
humans. Thanks to this fly model, the re-
endocycle, a modified cell cycle in which a cell
regeneration and can be a source of information
searchers have identified a gene involved
amplifies its genome several times without cell
to create new regenerative therapies in the
in the progression of the disease. The pa-
division.
medicine of the future. (om)
per was published in EMBO Reports.
.
➲
Glycogen, your new
dietician Not gaining weight
following a strict diet is pie in the sky for
most of us. This is what Joan J. Guinovart’s group has achieved in a mouse
model. Mice presenting high levels of liver
glycogen show reduced food intake and
lower body mass, thereby suggesting the
Larval tracheal cells have been transformed into tracheal stem cells. Each image shows cells divinding as well as the
expression of markers associated with tracheal stem cells. (Credit: N. Djabrayan).
Eduard Batlle awarded ERC
Proof-of-Concept support for COLOStage
liver glycogen is a direct regulator of appetite. In an article in Diabetes, the scientists propose liver glycogen as a potential
target for pharmacological treatment of
diabetes and obesity. (om)
The European Research Council (ERC) has approved funding for a
ing new tumours in the liver and lung, the main organs in which metastasis
research project in Eduard Batlle’s Colorectal Cancer
of the colon occurs. Such a prognostic test would allow the detection of
lab for its innovation potential. The lab has re-
those patients who should receive chemotherapy, thus avoiding unneces-
ceived one of 50 ERC Proof-of-Concept grants
sary treatments and optimizing therapeutic resources. “This award is the
the European agency gives to help researchers
impetus we needed to develop a product with real possibilities,” explains
who already hold an ERC grant to test the market
Eduard.
potential of a cutting-edge discovery.
.
The “COLOStage project” seeks to
actions such as establishing intellectual property rights, market studies,
develop a test to identify those colon
business opportunities and technical validation, such as clinical trials.
cancer patients at risk of develop-
Group Leader Eduard Batlle
(Photo: G. Battista/M. Minocri)
The Proof-of-Concept grants seek to cover the expenses related to
(sa)
in vivo
November 2014
| Issue 28 p3
First LightSheet Microscopy
conference held in Barcelona
M
emorise this name: LightSheet Fluorescence Microscopy
“In a traditional microscope,”
(LSFM). It is “on the verge of becoming a major and routine
notes Colombelli, “the conver-
technique in such fields as developmental, cell and systems
sion between photon excitation
biology, and oncology.” This is the claim of the organisers of the First
and emission of the sample is
LSFM International Conference, held on 25-26 September in Barcelona,
not efficient: you send much more energy than you need to the entire
organised by CRG, ICFO and IRB Barcelona.
sample. With the technique we developed here, you only reach the part
Julien Colombelli, Advanced Digital Microscopy Core Facility Man-
of the sample you need to observe, limiting the amount of total radiation
ager, explains that, “this technique is revolutionary compared to tradition-
received. This has obvious advantages: your living sample will survive
al microscopy methods (confocal or epifluorescence) where illumination
longer. Due to the special geometry of the system, you can also analyse
light has to pass through the whole sample to retrieve the information of
bigger samples.”
only one plane. In LSFM, the illumination is a plane of light, or lightsheet,
The conference was the first on this theme open to the scientific com-
and enters the sample laterally,” he says. Technically, what you do with
munity. Scientists presented new developments and users, developers and
the light is ‘optical sectioning,’ which means you illuminate only a part
companies had the opportunity to interact. Colombelli even prepared an
of the sample at the time (as seen in the bottom picture of an optically
educational LSFM microscope demo-tool made of Lego pieces (top right)
sectioned mouse embryo).
with an integrated laser beam that “works surprisingly well.” The best
If a live sample receives too much illumination, it might be damaged.
.
poster presenters got to take one home as a prize. (ltb)
On the trail to innovation
S
Drosophila in Begur
antiago de Compostela was the destina-
Extended members of the IRB Barcelona
On 23-26 September, the 2nd Spanish Con-
tion this September for a different kind
family also attended. Representatives from the
ference on “The Molecular, Cellular and Devel-
of pilgrimage. The city in north-western
spin-off Iproteos were on hand to raise aware-
opmental Biology of Drosophila” took place in
Spain has been a destination for Catholic pil-
ness about their work on new treatments for
the seaside town of Begur. The conference, or-
grims since the 9th century; this year it was host
diseases of the central nervous system, such as
ganised by IRB Barcelona Group Leaders Jordi
to the biannual Biospain event, which attracted
schizophrenia, Parkinson’s and epilepsy.
Casanova and Cayetano González, gathered
nearly 3,000 participants, including several
Arguably the youngest participant at the
top national scientists working on Drosophila
members of the IRB Barcelona community, led
meeting was 19-year-old Martí Jímenez, gradu-
to discuss their ongoing projects in a relaxed
by the Innovation Depart-
ate of the first edition of
ment.
environment.
IRB Barcelona’s mentoring
“The Begur meeting is becoming a really
“Biospain offers us the
programme, Crazy About
important reference for Drosophila research
opportunity to introduce
Biomedicine. He was in-
in Spain. Every two years, it brings together a
our technology portfolio to
vited to moderate a session
diverse group of specialists and blazes future
investors and potential licensees,” says Industri-
with biotechnology pioneers Joe Fernandez
research trails and new collaborations,” says
al Liaison Officer, Tiago Botelho. “It’s a chance
(Active Motif) and Jay Short (BioAtla), in which
Sofia Araujo, research associate at IRB Barce-
to promote new collaborative projects between
they shared their experiences as entrepreneurs
lona who took part in the meeting. “These en-
both national and international companies and
and and launched new exchanges with younger
counters are necessary to strengthen the links
IRB Barcelona scientists.”
members of the biotech sector. (ss)
between groups and push up the level of their
p4
in vivo
November 2014
| Issue 28
.
research lines.” (om)
.
IN BRIEF
Innovation Workshop Series. On 13
October ‘business angel’ and lecturer in Entrepreneurship at the IESE Business School,
Mathieu Carenzo, shared with a group of
25 IRB Barcelona members his tricks to
find the best way to present a new business
project to potential investors. This workshop belongs to a series designed by the
Innovation Department to guide researchers to make their discoveries attractive for
investors.
Collaboration challenges. The Spanish Ministry of Economy has financed 2
public-private collaboration projects involving IRB Barcelona researchers. Fernando
Albericio will collaborate with Almirall, and
Ernest Giralt with IRB Barcelona’s spin-off
Iproteos. The funding was given within the
‘Retos-Colaboración’ 2014 scheme.
The first PhD Retreat
to foster togetherness
N
ote it down on your calendar: 14
tutions like the Nencki Institute, or the Nijme-
and 15 November will be impor-
gen Institute, who have set up a specific grant
tant days for the PhD community
for their students to participate.
at IRB Barcelona. That's when a group of 15
“This event will last two days, and will take
student volunteers will hold the first IRB Bar-
place outside the institute,” adds organiser Rosa
celona PhD Retreat.
Ramírez, “allowing people to be more concen-
“The idea is to give our PhD students the
opportunity to interact with each other,” says
trated and dedicated. We are sure that this will
make our bonds stronger”.
organiser Clara Suñer. “Sometimes you see peo-
Besides science – with presentations of
ple every day, but if they are not in your lab,
research projects to the rest of the commu-
you may not know what they do exactly,” adds
nity – there will be social events aimed at
organiser David Suñol. “We are going to create
strengthening relationships, like team build-
an atmosphere where constructive criticism,
ing games or sporting events. There will
synergies and future collaborations can arise.”
also be a seminar on outreach activities.
Around 100 people are expected, 10% of
whom will be invited from collaborating insti-
.
“If you don’t come, you’ll be sorry,” they all
warn. Forewarned is forearmed. (ltb)
Contemporary Salva. On 21 October,
Group Leader and ICREA professor Salvador Aznar was invited by the Barcelona
Center of Contemporary Culture CCCB
to give a talk on stem cells and their role in
living organisms. The conference belongs to
a 4-part debate on stem cells and the hopes
they raise for a future without disease. The
presentation is online: bit.ly/1nVQb5o.
PhD course. As every year, IRB Barcelona welcomed its new class of PhD
students with a 4-day course in September. This course aims to introduce the new
young scientists to the different areas of research at IRB Barcelona, the core facilities
and activities carried out by the different
administration departments.
Group Leader Retreat. On 6-7 October Group Leaders and Core Facility
managers met at the annual retreat in Sant
Fruitós de Bages. In addition to scientific
Organisers of the first IRB Barcelona PhD Retreat are looking forward to establishing new collaborations and exchanges.
(Photo: G. Battista/M. Minocri)
Let’s go ‘Crazy’ again
A
pplications for the third edition of
challenge,” she says, “you have to make your re-
“Crazy About Biomedicine” at IRB
search understandable for secondary school stu-
Barcelona, organised in collaboration
dents.” But the researchers who have taken part
with the Catalunya-La Pedrera Foundation,
in this program agree: all the effort is worth it.
closed on 14 October with more than 200 bac-
“It’s a real pleasure work with these students,”
calaureate students applying. All are outstand-
Joana admits, “they are absolutely enthusiastic
ing students with talent and interest in all things
about science, and their passion is contagious.
scientific. Only 24 will be accepted to the 2015
They remind me why I decided to study sci-
edition of the mentoring programme, which
ence!”
presentations, they discussed how to im-
represents for them a unique opportunity to
prove relations between basic research and
Joana is very clear, “Being a scientist also in-
deepen their knowledge of scientific theory and
volves critical thinking. During the practical ses-
clinical activity, scientific infrastructures and
techniques in the field of biomedicine. During
sions it is important to leave time for dialogue
successful strategies for EU grants.
18 Saturdays throughout the year, they will
and debate, not only about the research itself,
work alongside our young researchers to get a
but also the impact it has on soci-
taste for science.
ety”.
Family Day. On 17 October, 50 IRB
Barcelona staff members’ parents paid a
visit to learn more about the Institute. After some presentations to get things started,
they visited labs where they got to do some
hands-on experiments, all under the expert
guidance of a team of volunteers from the
Joana Faria, PhD student in Travis Stracker’s
Twelve new researchers are
lab, is one of the researchers who has
ready to tutor the next gener-
been working hard to develop
motivating practical sessions
for the students. “It’s a real
.
ation of “Crazies” 2015. The
year promises to be a lot of
fun again! (hg)
different research programmes.
in vivo
ber 2014
November
| Issue 28 p5
Botín Foundation,
the private sector
backing science
Spanish banker Emilio Botín died on 9
September 2014. In addition to his role as
President of one of Spain’s most important
banks, he served as chair of the Botín
Foundation. Among other programmes, the
Foundation promotes science and tech transfer
from basic research to society. In the 20
September edition of El País, IRB Barcelona
director, Joan J. Guinovart, paid tribute to
the Foundation’s contributions. Here are some
excerpts.
A
A project to connect rare
diseases, patients and research
I
RB Barcelona postdoc Mariana Muzzopap-
awareness.
pa and photographer Oscar Dhooge have
What are the goals of the campaign?
been involved in a project to raise aware-
ness about rare diseases. On 9 October, they
inaugurated The Sweet Battle (Centre Civic
Pati Llimona), an exhibition featuring photos
and videos of Aina, a young girl with congenital
disorder of glycosylation (CDG), a rare disease
that affects only 900 people in the world.
Rare diseases like CDG don’t receive a lot
of funding. We wanted to contribute to raise
awareness not only for the need for more research, but also to help families who are faced
with the many different types of costly therapies that their children need to live better quality lives.
Though her research at IRB Barcelona is uns Director of IRB Barcelona, I have
related to CDG (she studies the contribution of
been witness to the impact of the pro-
tumor microenvironment in neoplastic growth
grammes led by the Botín Foundation.
in flies), Mariana studied up on the disease in or-
They are an example of support actions based
der to participate in the project. On 29 October,
on criteria of excellence, which have managed to
she moderated a session between photographers,
avoid falling into the trap of territorial distribu-
family members of children with rare diseases,
tion or predetermined quotas. […]
and doctors from Sant Joan de Deu to discuss
In 2005, the Botín Foundation launched its
Technology Transfer Programme, focussing on
the challenges associated with rare diseases and
future perspectives for research and treatment.
What did you find most challenging?
I realise how little experience we as basic
research scientists have dealing with patients
and their families. I found myself trying to explain the results of the study in mice to Aina's
mother and had to do it in such a way that she
understood the limitations of research results.
It wasn't very easy. Biomedical scientists are not often
involved in dealing di-
the themes of biomedicine and biotechnology.
How did you get involved?
The Programme is designed to identify top bio-
A former colleague has a sister with CDG
medical researchers in Spain and provide them
people who their research
and I wanted to learn more about the disease.
the support necessary to achieve important sci-
is meant to eventually ben-
A CDG patients association put Oscar and
entific results, and at the same time ensure that
efit. This should change.
I in touch with Aina and her family. We met
these results are converted into real benefits for
And we need to be
them in January 2014 and spent the following
society. […] The success of this programme like-
equipped and ready
months getting to know the reality of their dif-
ly depends on several factors. First, its focus on a
to face the chal-
ficult situation, common to families affected by
single sector with potential, biomedicine, which
lenges together.
rare diseases. Our goal was to paint a realistic
has resulted in substantial impact and visibility
(ss)
picture of what life is like for them, to help raise
rectly with patients, the
.
for this area. Second, researchers selected for the
Programme are chosen based on a specific criterion, the combination of science of excellence with
its potential for transfer. […] The Foundation
assigns each selected researcher a team of highly
Mariana Muzzopappa
(Photo: G. Battista/M. Minocri).
Agreement with Nencki Institute signed
qualified technology transfer professionals who
On 1 September, IRB Barcelona and the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology (Warsaw,
closely follow his or her progress and work to-
Poland) signed an agreement to foster educational, cultural and scientific exchanges between
gether with his or her institution to ensure the
the two institutes. A special focus is dedicated to the graduate student community and to their
research results have maximum impact on soci-
initiatives – such as the PhD students retreat – for which exchanges are especially encouraged.
ety. […]
In 2010, the Botín Foundation added a new
programme to its roster, Mind the Gap, which
aims to bridge the structural gap between biomedical science being done in the lab and the
stage when projects may enter the market and
become attractive to potential investors.[…] The
Botín Foundation deserves special recognition
for its fortification of the tech transfer sector.
Through its two programmes, the Foundation
not only provides valuable support to research
and to researchers, but achieves an important
.
contribution as catalyst, referee and propellant
of the R+D system. […] The Botín Foundation,
onwards and upwards.
p6
in vivo
November 2014 | Issue 28
A second date with Vi per Vida
What: Wine-tasting session featuring DO Alella and other catalan wines,
led by wine expert Xavi Ayala and presented by Elisabeth Carnicè.
Wines will be accompanied by dishes prepared by
clinary students from the Institut Bisbe Sivilla.
Where: Fàbrica Llobet – Guri de Calella (55km from
Barcelona)
When: Saturday, 29 November 2014 at 18h
Entrance fee of 5 euro per person. All proceeds will benefit
cancer research at IRB Barcelona.
EXCHANGES
“A stay abroad in a new
lab opens your mind”
Maths4Life
to continue
in 2015
S
Argentina,
the immune system remains unaltered, if you
1981) is a postdoctoral fellow in Ángel
take away p38 from tumour cells, metastasis
Nebreda’s lab. His specialty, as is the case
subsides from some specific tissues, and is not
for the rest of the lab, is the protein p38. He
changed in others. We have to look further into
I
has just come back from Melbourne, Australia,
the mechanism.”
Maths4Life was launched in June. Of the
ebastián
Real
(Mendoza,
t was a great occasion for all math and
computer fans who wanted to have a
first-hand experience with biomedi-
cal research. The new training programme
where he spent more than eight months at the
Sebastián is convinced that, thanks to this
40 undergraduate students who applied,
La Trobe University in a lab focussing on how
exchange, a new fruitful collaboration will now
Aleix Boquet, Pau de Jorge and Alexandra
the immune system regulates metastasis.
be established between the two antipodal in-
Abos were selected to participate. “It was
“I had a great time. Spending time in a foreign lab opens up your mind,” he emphasises.
stitutes, and that it will become stronger in the
an extremely positive experience, we all
future.
learned,” says the Biostatistics/Bioinformat-
“You see a different way of doing things well
“IRB Barcelona has better services than
and learn from other colleagues. In my lab,
the Institute for Molecular Science there,” he
people
were
very
notes, “and the
good experts in me-
level of interna-
tastasis
tionalisation
regulation
is
ics Unit Manager Camille Stephan. “Alexandra learnt how to programme and helped
us to carry out a research project looking
for correlations between genetic variations
and gene expressions we have not had much
time to work on. We are hoping she comes
and the immune sys-
more or less the
tem, so it was easy
same. The main
for me to carry out
difference is that
Patrick Aloy, who hosted Aleix, speaks
in Australia they
enthusiastically of the experience. “He did
have more people
a great job,” he says. Modesto Orozco,
been at IRB Barce-
from
In
who worked with Pau, praised his effort.
lona since 2011 with
general, the im-
“It has been very good to have him here,”
a Sara Borrell schol-
pression I had is
he says.“I will keep in contact with him
arship, and one of the
that science looks
throughout the year.”
requirements for him
very cosmopoli-
was to spend some
tan over there.”
my research project.”
Sebastián
has
time abroad. “But
Who are you going to meet if you decide to spend some
months poles apart? (Photo: S. Di Yacovo)
I recommend every
scientist here do the same,” he says.
Asia.
back for her master thesis.”
Academic Coordinator Patricia Nadal,
who organised this new activity, is pleased
.
If you travel
with the positive feedback received. “We
that far, you also
will be back with a new edition in 2015,”
take advantage for some trips around. “As any
His project was to find out whether p38
good tourist, together with my wife who joined
has an influence on metastasis through the
me for part of the stay working in a hospital in
modulation of the immune system. “It did not
Melbourne, I had the chance to see kangaroos
turn out as we expected,” says Sebastián, “but
and visit the coral reef,” he explains. “Diving in
we still found something interesting. Even if
those waters was truly breathtaking.” (ltb)
she promises. (ltb)
.
PRIZES
ERNEST GIRALT was awarded the Josef Rudinger Memorial Award, a
resa Tarragó, received the Expoquimia R+D+I Award in the Biotechnology
prize presented every two years at the European Peptide Symposium, held
category for the development of IPR19, a new drug to stop the progression
this year in Sofia, Bulgaria. Giralt was praised “for his important contribu-
and reverse of the cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia.
tions to the development of methodology in peptide synthesis, structural
studies and molecular recognition and peptides and drug delivery.”
Ernest was also named Max-Bergmann medalist, given by the European-based organisation of German, Swiss and Austrian chemists “in recognition of his scientific achievements in peptide chemistry.”
IPROTEOS, IRB Barcelona spin-off founded by Ernest Giralt and Te-
JOAN MASSAGUÉ, president of IRB Barcelona’s Scientific Advisory
Board, received the Spanish National Research Award 2014 by the Ministry
of Economy and Competitivity for his contributions to the field of oncology.
EVA NOVOA, former PhD student in Lluis Ribas’ lab, received the UB
Faculty of Biology’s Extraordinary Doctorate Award.
in vivo
November 2014 | Issue 28 p7
SPOTLIGHT
NEW AT IRB BARCELONA
Chemist Craig Donoghue (Glasgow, 1989)
joined Antoni Riera’s lab just two months ago. After
obtaining his undergraduate degree at the University
of Glasgow, and a Master in chemistry methodology,
he spent a year in 2011 in London at GlaxoSmithKline. “That was already tropical weather for me,” he
says jokingly. After that, he moved to Liverpool for another year at Redx,
a company specialised in developing oncology drugs. “This experience
taught me that I needed more experience that I could only gain with a
PhD, and that I enjoyed being able to work in a field related to oncology,”
he says. His goal was to do a PhD abroad and he was recommended IRB
Barcelona due to its reputation: “This place is ideal because it combines
top-level research with a business slant and a special focus on oncology.”
He admits he is going to miss his football league, “but luckily we are
starting the season again next month at IRB Barcelona.” Something else
will keep his heart close to home. “My mom is going to bring me my
bagpipes, so I can keep playing once in a while,” he says.
Reconciling work
and family requires
considerate leaders
A
na Terriente (Granada, 1978) joined the Institute in January with a COFUND Fellowship after preparing her thesis in Madrid, a postdoc in Cambridge and a stay in the
Netherlands. As all COFUND fellows, she shares her time between
two labs, the Development and Growth Control and the Signalling
and Cell Cycle labs: “I’m in love with this model that fosters collaboration,” she says. At IRB Barcelona, she studies the role of p38 in
haematopoiesis of Drosophila. “We are looking into the mechanisms
behind the role of p38 in leukaemia,” she explains.
As the second Fulbright Fellow to work at IRB
As a postdoc, Ana has gathered considerable experience in re-
Barcelona, Danielle Miller (Doylestown, PA,
search. She is in a good position to compare the different experi-
USA, 1992) joined Fernando Albericio’s lab at the
ences she has had so far. “At IRB I found the same constructively
end of September. She studied at Ursinus College, in
critical environment that I was used to in Cambridge, with focussed
Pennsylvania, with a major in Spanish and Biochem-
research, and very good support for PhDs and postdocs, with con-
istry. “My goal when I go back to the States is to go
ferences and seminars. The support from the Grants office and the
to medical school, and treat Spanish-speaking patients,” she explains.
Fulbright fellowships foster international exchange and allow the students
to participate in research internships. Danielle will stay with us until June
2015. Her project consists of making a cyclic peptide for thromboembolic
diseases. “In college I was able to participate in a research project while
innovation department is great, and core facilities have a very high
profile.”
Among the things she would like to improve, she finds that “a
decent study room or library” would help.
simultaneously taking classes. Here I am excited to learn and work on a
Her goal? That the drugs against leukemia she wants to test
new project full-time,” she emphasises. “Once I learnt about IRB Barce-
“have an accessible use through open innovation plans. I want to
lona with the help of my supervisor, I could not think of a better place:
build a disease model to be used not just for basic research, but as a
great research, very international, and in a country I love. Everyone has
test platform for different drugs.”
been so helpful. It is going to be a memorable year for me,” she concludes.
Can talented female scientists reconcile their personal lives with
scientific ambitions? “This is a very absorbing and addictive job,”
she recognises. “It is hard, plus my partner does not live in Spain.
ON THE MOVE
Some things would help, though. For example, more lab technicians
Alexandre Puerto (Barcelona, 1978) has been
the head of IRB Barcelona’s Finance Department for
six years. At the end of September, he left the Institute
to take up the position of Managing Director at IDIBELL. “My time at IRB Barcelona has been a great
experience,” says Alex, “I have had the good fortune
to be work with an incredible group of people, both in research labs and in
the administration team, who are committed to what they do to make an
would allow me to work more from home. It is
also helpful when meetings are organised and
take place on time, which Marco’s lab
is very good about. This shows a very
considerate leader, who is respectful of
people’s lives. This respect is essential and
very necessary for a researcher who is also
a mother. And of course, a kindergarten at
important contribution to society. I am proud that I have contributed to
the Park like we had in the Netherlands
strengthening IRB Barcelona’s financial basis for the future. At IDIBELL
would be a great asset. For the rest, I
we will enter into a new phase of the Institute,” he concludes, “and I look
believe female scientists need to put in
forward to the challenges that this brings.”
the same effort as anybody else to become a group leader.” (ltb)
.
Ana Terriente Felix, Marie Curie
COFUND Fellow.
(Photo: G. Battista/M. Minocri)
In vivo, issue 28. Published by the Institute for Research in Biomedicine. Office of Communications & External
Relations. Barcelona Science Park. c/Baldiri Reixac, 10. 08028 Barcelona, Spain.  Web: www.irbbarcelona.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/irbbarcelona - Twitter: @IRBBarcelona Editorial committee:
Luca Tancredi Barone (ltb), Sarah Sherwood (ss) (editors), Sònia Armengou (sa). Contributors: Helena
González (hg), Òscar Martorell (om). Graphic Production: La Trama. Legal deposit: B 19148-2014.
This document has been printed on recycled paper. To subscribe or unsubscribe from in vivo,
e-mail: [email protected]. © IRB Barcelona 2014.