Institutional Recognition for Over Two Decades of Commitment
On June 17, 2025, at a ceremony held at the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya, we were honored with the National Award for Scientific Patronage, one of the accolades granted within the framework of the National Research Awards, promoted by the Government of Catalonia and the Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation (FCRI).
The award was presented by the Minister for Research and Universities, Ms. Núria Montserrat Pulido, and the President of the Government of Catalonia, Mr. Salvador Illa, in recognition of the scientific patronage work that the foundation has been promoting for over two decades.
Jury’s Assessment and Outstanding Trajectory
The awards jury
, composed of the president of the FCRI, Mr. Joaquim Nadal; the director general of Research of the Government of Catalonia, Mr. Joan Gómez Pallarès; the director general of Knowledge Transfer and Society, Mr. Javier Selva Sánchez; and eight external experts of recognized prestige, selected FERO Foundation as the recipient for its contribution to the research ecosystem in Catalonia.
Notably highlighted were:
- Its key role in the creation of the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), consolidated as an international benchmark in translational cancer research.
- Its continuous commitment to promoting young talent, with a scholarship program that has already supported nearly 70 emerging researchers.
Since its inception, FERO has allocated over 30 million euros to more than 100 research projects, strengthening a scientific ecosystem focused on advancing cancer cures.
A Deeply Emotional Tribute
The president of FERO Foundation, Silvia Garriga —widow of Dr. Josep Baselga, founder of the entity— was in charge of collecting the award. In her speech, she expressed profound gratitude to all donors who year after year trust in the project, to the former presidents of the foundation, and to the team that makes it possible.
Moved, she recalled that the person who would have been most excited to receive this award would have been her late husband, Dr. Baselga, who, since his arrival in Barcelona in 1996 from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, had a clear mission: to turn Catalonia into an international benchmark in translational oncology research.
A Recognition of Commitment to Science
This prestigious award highlights the fundamental role of patronage in driving scientific and technological progress, and celebrates the contribution of entities that are firmly committed to supporting research for the benefit of all society.
For FERO Foundation, this recognition represents much more than an institutional award: it is a testament to the collective commitment we share with our community of donors, collaborators, researchers, and citizens. Our mission —to promote translational oncology research and support the scientific talent of our country— gains even more meaning with this public endorsement.
We firmly believe that science saves lives and that private investment in research is essential to accelerate discoveries that can transform cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This award is, therefore, also a tribute to all the people who have trusted in our project and make it possible every day.
A Recognition Shared with an Excellent Scientific Community
The 2024 edition of the National Research Awards has highlighted the excellence and diversity of the scientific ecosystem in Catalonia. Along with FERO Foundation, the following were recognized:
- Núria Sebastián, awarded the National Research Award for her international career in cognitive neuroscience and her leadership in the study of language and the brain.
- Eva M. Novoa and Xavier Ros-Oton, jointly distinguished with the National Award for Young Talent in Research, for their respective contributions in epigenomics and applied mathematics.
- i4KIDS, the pediatric innovation hub of Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, which received the National Award for Promoting Knowledge Transfer for its collaborative model to translate research into clinical practice.
- The i2CAT–Sateliot consortium, awarded the National Award for Public-Private Partnership in R+I for its development of satellite technology for IoT networks.
- Fisidabo, an initiative by the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and Tibidabo Amusement Park, recognized with the National Award for Scientific Communication for its innovative way of disseminating science through immersive experiences.
- Ecomemb SL, a spin-off from the University of Girona and the Catalan Institute for Water Research, awarded the National Award for the Creation of a Science-Based Company for its commitment to sustainability and water reuse.
A Prominent Place Among Scientific Patronage Leaders
With this recognition, FERO Foundation joins a trajectory of entities distinguished for their commitment to science and research in the Scientific Patronage category. In previous editions, the National Award for Scientific Patronage has been granted to Fundació Dr. Antoni Esteve (2023), Fundación BBVA (2022), Fundació Banc Sabadell (2021), Fundació Víctor Grífols i Lucas (2020), Fundació Científica de l’Associació Espanyola Contra el Càncer (FCAECC) (2019), Fundació Pasqual Maragall per a la Recerca sobre l’Alzheimer (2018), Fundació La Marató de TV3 (2017), Fundació Bancària “la Caixa” (2016), Fundació Catalunya-La Pedrera (2015), Fundació Botín (2014), Fundació Josep Carreras contra la leucèmia (2013), Pere Balsells (2012), and Pere Mir (2011).
Looking to the Future with Renewed Strength
From FERO Foundation, we want to express our deepest gratitude for this recognition, which motivates us to continue working with greater strength, enthusiasm, and commitment. We will continue to support researchers in our country, promote transformative projects, and build bridges between science and society.
Thank you for joining us on this journey towards a future without cancer.