About Fero
About FERO
The Foundation
25 years accelerating life-saving research.
National Scientific Patronage Award. “Dona con Confianza” Seal. Four alliances with Spain’s top oncology institutes. More than 30 million euros invested in research. A community of over 1,000 researchers.
This is FERO Cancer. Rigorous science. Real impact. Total transparency.
Mission and Vision
We select and fund oncology research that bridges the gap between the laboratory and the patient.
FERO Cancer selects and funds translational oncology research projects based on international scientific excellence criteria. We measure impact through tangible results: advances in scientific knowledge, high-impact publications, activated clinical trials, achieved treatments, benefited patients, and strategic collaborations that accelerate innovation in cancer.
A world where no patient waits for a treatment that already exists in the laboratory. FERO Cancer works every day to shorten that distance.
Scientific excellence. All projects funded by FERO Cancer are evaluated with the same rigorous criteria applied by the world’s leading scientific institutions.
Independence. No political or pharmaceutical ties. Funding decisions are made by an independent scientific committee.
Transparency. Annually audited accounts. Public impact reports. Total traceability of every euro invested.
Measurable impact. The impact of research is measured in patients, not in publications.
Dr. Josep Baselga — Founder
Dr. Josep Baselga. The oncologist who believed it was possible to cure cancer.
“The goal is to reach a cure for cancer. Aiming for less is settling for second prize.”
Dr. Josep Baselga
Oncologist · 1959–2021
Josep Baselga was born in Barcelona in 1959. He trained in medical oncology at the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and completed his specialization at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, the world’s leading oncology center. There, he developed part of his most significant research career, including his pioneering work on the HER2 receptor in breast cancer, which contributed to the development of trastuzumab — one of the most effective targeted treatments in the history of oncology.
In 2001, back in Barcelona, he founded FERO Cancer with a clear idea: Spain needed an institution that would fund translational research with the same excellence criteria as the best centers in the world. One that would make scientific decisions without political or pharmaceutical pressure. One that would measure impact in patients, not in publications.
Baselga was also Head of the Oncology Service at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Medical Director of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and President of the American Association for Cancer Research. He was recognized with the most prestigious awards in international oncology.
He passed away in September 2021. FERO Cancer is his most lasting legacy. The Dr. Baselga FERO Grant honors his memory by funding the researchers who will follow in his footsteps.
“The goal is to reach a cure for cancer. Aiming for less is settling for second prize.”
Dr. Josep Baselga
Oncologist · 1959–2021
Josep Baselga was born in Barcelona in 1959. He trained in medical oncology at the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and completed his specialization at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, the world’s leading oncology center. There, he developed part of his most significant research career, including his pioneering work on the HER2 receptor in breast cancer, which contributed to the development of trastuzumab — one of the most effective targeted treatments in the history of oncology.
In 2001, back in Barcelona, he founded FERO Cancer with a clear idea: Spain needed an institution that would fund translational research with the same excellence criteria as the best centers in the world. One that would make scientific decisions without political or pharmaceutical pressure. One that would measure impact in patients, not in publications.
Baselga was also Head of the Oncology Service at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Medical Director of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and President of the American Association for Cancer Research. He was recognized with the most prestigious awards in international oncology.
He passed away in September 2021. FERO Cancer is his most lasting legacy. The Dr. Baselga FERO Grant honors his memory by funding the researchers who will follow in his footsteps.
25 years of history
25 years of history. 25 years of science reaching patients.
Collaboration begins with VHIO — Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology.
The first Molecular Diagnostic Units are launched.
The support program for young research talent begins.
FERO Cancer expands its geographical presence.
FERO Cancer arrives in Valencia.
FERO Cancer honors his memory by creating the Dr. Baselga FERO Grant.
The first Dr. Baselga FERO Grant is awarded.
FERO Cancer operates in four reference centers.
Incorporation into the Governing Board of the Clínic Cancer Centre.
The mission remains the same: to shorten the distance between the laboratory and the patient.