Valencian culture has shone throughout history for its valuable scientific contributions. It dates back to the Islamic period, with notable advances in medicine, and continues to the present day, marked by a series of historical milestones and iconic figures who have left an indelible mark.
In addition to the world-famous City of Arts and Sciences by the renowned Santiago Calatrava, this city is also home to leading scientific figures such as Dr Andrés Cervantes, Professor of Medicine at the University of Valencia, Head of the Medical Oncology Department at the Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Director of the Phase I Oncology Clinical Trials Unit at the INCLIVA Health Research Institute, and President of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). He is also the Chair of the Jury for the FERO Fellowships that we award each year to young researchers.
FERO Charity Gala: Why Valencia?
The FERO Foundation has been collaborating with INCLIVA since 2019
. In addition, in 2022 Dr Juan Miguel Cejalvo, also from the same centre, won a FERO fellowship with the aim of slowing growth and preventing metastasis in HER2-positive breast cancer by blocking the AXL protein, a molecular target that plays an essential role in resistance to anti-HER2 therapies.
For all these reasons, the FERO Foundation felt that Valencia was the best place to hold our third annual Charity Gala.
A great deal of science and fundraising at the FERO Charity Gala in Valencia
The FERO Charity Gala in Valencia was held on 1 October at the Westin Hotel Valencia. Nearly 150 people attended the Charity Gala, including leading figures from the scientific community and Valencian civil society.
We raised more than €50,000, which will be used to fund new research projects and new laboratories within the alliance that FERO maintains with INCLIVA at the Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, as well as to continue work on precision medicine in cancer, funded by the FERO Foundation in partnership with the Foundation for the Promotion of Solidarity Actions.
During the gala, we presented the 1st FERO DNA Award, a way of recognising leadership in oncology research and paying tribute to scientific figures who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and lifelong dedication to mentoring. This award aims to honour those who have made significant contributions to the development and growth of young researchers, positively impacting their careers and professional lives. Researchers who embody the DNA of our founder, Dr Baselga, which he also instilled in FERO: research and support for young people.
On this occasion, it was awarded to Dr Ana Lluch, Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the University of Valencia, who also leads the Breast Cancer Biology research group at INCLIVA, at the Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia.
Her moving speech, recalling our founder, Dr Josep Baselga, when we presented her with the first FERO DNA Award, was the perfect finale to a memorable evening.
We also had the privilege of hosting a round table featuring Dr Josep Tabernero, Medical Director and Director of the Digestive and Endocrine Tumours Unit at the IOB Institute of Oncology, as well as Director of the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), together with the acclaimed Dr Andrés Cervantes, whom we mentioned earlier. Both spoke with our Director, Dr Rubén Ventura, about the latest developments in cancer research, underscoring the crucial importance of prevention.
Dr Lluch receives the FERO DNA Award
Throughout her career, Dr Lluch has published more than 300 scientific articles in international journals, and has received numerous awards over the course of her career, now joined by the prize awarded by the FERO Foundation.
Dr Ana Lluch has made key contributions to the fight against breast cancer, establishing herself as a pioneer in implementing personalised treatments tailored to each patient’s genetic characteristics. Her research has been instrumental in advancing the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive subtypes. In addition, she has led the use of liquid biopsy, improving non-invasive monitoring of the disease in metastatic patients. “Her career, both in clinical practice and in training young talent, represents an immense legacy for our country’s scientific ecosystem,” added Rubén Ventura, CEO of the FERO Foundation.
Thank you very much to everyone who was able to attend the FERO Charity Gala in Valencia for believing in research to end cancer and, above all, for the trust you have placed in FERO to make this a reality.
The FERO Valencia Gala is here to stay!
