FUNDACION SECTOR PUBLICO ESTATAL CENTRO NACIONAL INVESTIGACIONES ONCOLOGICAS CARLOS III

Their core work

CNIO (Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas) is Spain's national cancer research centre, conducting fundamental and translational research across the full spectrum of oncology. Their core work focuses on understanding how cancers form, spread, and resist treatment — with particular depth in metastasis biology, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and telomere dysfunction. They develop and use advanced mouse models, CRISPR-based tools, and proteomics to identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers. CNIO also bridges the gap between lab discovery and clinical application through drug development programs and participation in personalized medicine initiatives.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2015–2018), CNIO's H2020 portfolio centered on understanding cancer origins — breast and pancreatic cancer genetics, genetic risk modeling, nutrient sensing pathways, and experimental nanomedicine therapies (magnetic hyperthermia). From 2019 onward, the focus shifted decisively toward metastasis mechanisms, cancer stem cell biology, immunotherapy, and computational approaches including AI-driven genomics and proteomics. This evolution reflects a move from studying why cancers start to understanding how they spread and resist treatment, with increasing integration of data science and personalized medicine tools.

CNIO is converging toward integrated metastasis research that combines immunotherapy, cancer stem cell biology, and AI-driven biomarker discovery — positioning them strongly for next-generation precision oncology consortia.

How they like to work

CNIO acts predominantly as a project leader, coordinating 15 of 27 projects (56%), including several high-value ERC Advanced and Consolidator grants. Their 100 unique partners across 22 countries indicate a broad, hub-like network rather than a closed circle of repeat collaborators. They are comfortable leading both small investigator-driven projects (MSCA fellowships) and larger multi-partner consortia, making them a versatile anchor partner for oncology-focused proposals.

CNIO has built a network of 100 unique consortium partners spanning 22 countries, reflecting deep European reach with connections well beyond the Iberian Peninsula. Their partner base spans clinical centres, universities, SMEs in nanomedicine, and proteomics infrastructure providers.

What sets them apart

CNIO is one of the few European cancer centres that combines deep expertise in metastasis biology with strong ERC-level funding success (9 ERC/MSCA individual grants) and translational capacity including drug target validation and preclinical programs (TARGETSET). Their unusual breadth — from telomere biochemistry to AI-driven pancreatic cancer genomics — means they can anchor projects that need both fundamental mechanistic insight and clinical translation. For consortium builders, CNIO brings not just scientific prestige but a proven track record of leading complex EU projects to completion.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SHELTERINS
  EUR 2.5M ERC Advanced Grant on an original therapeutic angle — targeting telomere-protective shelterin proteins in cancer using CRISPR and mouse models.
• THERACAN
  Largest single project (EUR 2.5M) tackling two of the deadliest cancers (pancreatic and lung) with new therapeutic strategies.
• METALERT-STOP
  EUR 2.5M ERC Advanced Grant combining imaging, molecular characterization, and therapeutic targeting of metastatic niches in melanoma — represents CNIO's metastasis research at its most ambitious.