On November 4, Madrid hosted the tenth edition of the FERO Charity Gala, an event that brings together the leading supporters of cancer research. This special evening was not only a tribute to the scientific talent being developed in Spain, but also an opportunity to support and raise awareness of the work of researchers.
The FERO Grants award ceremony took place during a charity dinner at the elegant Rosewood Villa Magna Hotel, an event sponsored by KETTAL and AstraZeneca, which brought together more than 250 attendees. The evening, presented by journalist Roberto Brasero, was led by the president of the FERO Foundation, Silvia Garriga, accompanied by vice presidents Sol Daurella and Angie Miquel.
The event was attended by distinguished personalities from the scientific and social spheres, who came together to support a common cause: to continue advancing oncology research and provide hope to those who need it most.
FERO Charity Gala: an ongoing commitment to oncology research
In this new edition of the FERO Grants, 32 innovative research projects have been submitted, reflecting the growing interest and commitment to advancing oncology science in Spain. Of these, 22 have applied for the FERO Grant, while 10 have applied for the FERO-ghd Project. With this call, it has now been 15 years since the FERO Foundation has been driving the development of translational oncology research, a key field in the fight against cancer.
The selection of the most outstanding projects has been carried out by the FERO Calls jury, a panel of 12 renowned researchers in oncology.
FERO Grants awarded in recognition of scientific talent
The first award recipient of the evening was Dr. Mate Maus, from the Vall d’Hebron Institut d’Oncologia in Barcelona, who received the XXVIII FERO Grant to investigate how age-related metabolic changes can accelerate the development of colorectal cancer and identify biomarkers that enable its early detection. The award was presented by Ms. Carmen Valle, Trustee of the FERO Foundation.
Next, Dr. Ana Ruiz-Sáenz, Ikerbasque researcher at CIC bioGUNE, was awarded the VI FERO-ghd Project in breast cancer, to investigate how altered glycosylation in tumor cells can affect the efficacy of antibody-drug conjugates in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Ms. Olivia Manjón, General Manager ghd Spain & Portugal, and Ms. Laura Carandini, Marketing Director ghd Spain & Portugal, presented her with the renowned FERO trophy.
Each FERO Grant is endowed with 80,000 euros to carry out a translational research project over the course of two years and is selected based on the following criteria:
- Potential impact on clinical practice
- Scientific rationale
- Innovation
- Suitability of the applicant
- Impact of the Grant on the applicant’s career
A boost for translational oncology research
All proceeds from the Madrid Charity Gala are allocated to strengthening the work of the FERO Foundation at the Cancer Center of the 12 de Octubre University Hospital.
At this hospital, we are funding cutting-edge research led by some of the most prestigious specialists in oncology:
- Dr. David Olmos and Dr. Enrique Billalabeitia, experts in prostate cancer, who are making a difference in the treatment and research of this disease.
- Dr. Eva Ciruelos, renowned medical oncologist and coordinator of the Breast Cancer Unit at the 12 de Octubre University Hospital and HM Hospitals in Madrid, who leads innovative projects to improve the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
To close this wonderful Gala, we had the honor of enjoying an exceptional performance by Marta Soto, the Andalusian singer-songwriter who perfectly blends pop with the deepest roots of her homeland. With her unique voice and unmistakable charisma, she captivated us by performing three songs from her recent EP, “PASO A PASO.”
This work, full of emotion and freshness, features collaborations with renowned artists such as Andrés Suárez and María Peláe, which has made this EP a true benchmark of singer-songwriter music.
A reminder of the importance of music as a vehicle for conveying emotions and generating impact. Undoubtedly, a memorable farewell that will remain in the hearts of all those present.
