Invivo28 by IRB Barcelona

in vivo November 2014 | Issue 28

NEWSLETTER OF THE INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH IN BIOMEDICINE

Dance video raises awareness and funding for IRB Barcelona research “Together we can make a difference.” Researchers Marc Guiu and Tomomi Hashiyama summarise the spirit of the dance video that IRB Barcelona launched on October 13. With more than 840,000 YouTube views in more than 190 countries at the time this issue of In Vivo went to press, the video has been viral hit. Viewers from across the world have watched, shared, ‘liked’ and sent in words of encouragement in reaction to the unusual call for support of the Institute’s research. Though the experience might have been lots of fun for the participants, the idea behind this “pioneering initiative,” as director Joan J. Guinovart calls it, goes far beyond just showcasing the dancing skills of our researchers. Anna Merlos-Suárez, Strategic Projects and Philanthropy Officer, confirms, “this is just the first step of our philanScientists and staff at IRB Barcelona came together this summer for a very special project - a dance video to raise awareness about our research.

thropic strategy.” Read more on this project on page 2.

LightSheet Microscopy to open new era

Turning back into a stem cell A mechanism that allows a differentiated cell

The scientists observed that the cells that en-

LightSheet Microscopy is a promising

to reactivate itself as a stem cell was revealed by

ter the endocycle lose their capacity to reactivate

technique that has the potential to become

Jordi Casanova and his group in a paper pub-

as stem cells.

routine in most biomedical research fields.

lished in Cell Reports.

The first author of the article is Postdoctoral

Julien Colombelli, Advanced Digital

The study was performed on fruit flies and

fellow Nareg J.-V. Djabrayan. The article is the

Microscopy Core Facility Manager, tells In

describes a gene that determines whether a spe-

fruit of collaboration between researchers at IRB

vivo how the first conference in the field,

cialised cell conserves the capacity to become a

Barcelona and CSIC.

held in September in Barcelona, united

stem cell again.

ERC Proof-ofConcept

Òscar Martorell reports on page 3.

First PhD Retreat at IRB Barcelona

experts from around the world. On page 4.

Connecting research and patients

Meeting kangaroos

IRB Barcelona dances for research ways: For each YouTube viewing of

ers and staff members, and an international

the video, the Institute has received a

production team, it was filmed over 5 days in

donation from its sponsors. Contribu-

the Barcelona Science Park and in iconic sites

tions can also be made by SMS (text

in Barcelona. All costs for the production of the

IRBBARCELONA to 28014, in Spain only),

video were covered by generous contributions

and via IRB Barcelona’s donations webpage.

from our suppliers and collaborators.

Volunteers break out their dance moves during the video shoot.

ore than 840,000 views at the time this issue of In Vivo went to press and

counting.

IRB

Barcelona’s first fundraising video has gone viral, reaching viewers in 197 countries, with thousands of tweets and facebook posts. The video, which in addi-

❝ This is a pioneering

initiative. Using a fun and friendly approach, we highlight the role of science in society❞ Joan J. Guinovart

tion to raising awareness about IRB Barcelona research and activities, also allows viewers to contribute to our research in three different

Under the co-

“This is a pioneering initiative in Europe for

ordination of Sarah

a centre devoted to basic research. Using a fun,

Sherwood in the Of-

friendly, and community-spirited approach,

fice of Communica-

we highlight the fundamental role that science

tions and External

plays in society’s well-being, and take a look at

Relations, the video

some of the critical work that we do at IRB Bar-

has taken a year to produce. With the collabora-

celona,” explains the Institute’s director Joan J.

tion of more than 100 IRB Barcelona research-

Guinovart.

“The video is just the first step of our philanthropic strategy” ❝

hen, more than a year ago, the idea of making a dance video

draising, and that we are sufficiently

began to take shape in the Office of Communications and Ex-

proactive.

ternal Relations, no one knew how far would it go. Just weeks

after the video has gone viral, Anna Merlos-Suárez, Strategic Projects and Philanthropy Officer, reflects on the potential of tools like this video to help IRB Barcelona’s fundraising strategy.

What do you mean by ‘profes-

We are asking people to entrust their hopes and savings to us. This is an enormous responsibility❞ Anna Merlos-Suárez

sional approach’? It means to be able to personalise each case and offer something back to our generous donors. Philanthropy is not only receiving. We have to able to

“We are using other countries as a model,” explains Anna, “they rely on

offer something to our collaborators, in terms of explaining the objectives

the implication of society at large for funding of science. This is especially

of our work and its impact on their lives. We have to develop a relationship

true for those types of research that have direct benefit for the people, as is

with our donors, and it has to be mutually beneficial. We are asking people

the case for much of the biomedical research conducted here. This is what

to entrust their hopes and their savings to us. This is an enormous respon-

led the Institute to open a position specifically dedicated to philanthropy,

sibility that we need to be aware of.

and the video has become our first proactive initiative aimed at raising awareness about the need for new and alternative channels of funding.”

What is the most important part of your job in this initial phase? It is crucial to have a deep understanding of the work we do in order

Yet this is not the first philanthropic initiative at IRB.

to establish what we can offer. This is something collective, there is no one

There have been various examples of philanthropy at IRB Barcelona

person whom to ask. I need to talk to many people to gather an overall vi-

from the outset. Among them, the long-standing support of our activities

sion. Only ‘Together we can make a difference,’ as we say in the video. And

and research by bank foundations, or the financing of a specific research

this includes all of us.

line by a Friedreich’s Ataxia patients association, or initiatives like Vi per Vida, where an individual from outside the Institute decided to put together a fundraising event to support our research. This, of course, is in addition to the many anonymous people who over the years have contacted us to donate or support our scientists. Why is IRB launching its philanthropy plan now? In recent years, Spain and the rest of the world have seen a significant increase in philanthropic support of research. If we want to exploit this tendency, we have to make sure we have a professional approach to fun-

in vivo

November 2014 | Issue 28

How has the video been received so far? We will have to wait to get the big picture, but the number of views of the video, the tweets and facebook posts, are already indicative. Thousands of people have sent SMS messages, made donations, and have contacted us with questions, suggestions or even just encouragement. Not to mention our sponsors who supported the idea from the beginning. We are a rela-

tively unknown institute for the average person in the street. This is only a first step to build up confidence, a little seed we have planted. But we are paving the way to become a reference in the future.” (ltb)

Recovering stem cell capacities from a differentiated cell

SCIENCE BITES

➲

Beta amyloid under siege Natàlia Carulla and her

team, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Barcelona, have shown that beta amyloid, a peptide associated with Alzheimer’s disease, kills neurons

nveiling the genetic traits that favour

“The endocycle is linked to an irreversible

by forming structured aggregates of 20 to

the capacity of differentiated cells to

change of gene expression in the cell,” explains

100 units. Neither smaller nor larger ag-

keep stem cell properties is crucial to

Jordi Casanova. “We have seen that inhibiting

gregates are as toxic. They reported their

understanding several processes such as regen-

the endocycle gives the cells the capacity to

results in the 29 September issue of ACS

eration and tissue renovation. Jordi Casanova

reactivate as stem-like cells.”

Chemical Biology. By characterizing the

and his group, working with Drosophila larvae,

The research was carried on in the larval

have reported a mechanism that dictates whether

tracheal system of Drosophila, a tissue that is

a differentiated cell in the larval tracheal retains

remodelled during larval metamorphosis. It is

or not its potential to act as an progenitor for an

during this process that those cells that have

adult tracheal cell in the transition from a larva

not undergone endocycling start dividing,

to an adult fly. The study was published in Cell

generating the future adult tracheal system.

Reports in October.

The study helps researchers to better

structure of these aggregates, they hope to advance the search for therapeutic molecules.

➲

A fly against cancer

team led by Andreu Casali has de-

veloped a Drosophila model for colorectal cancer research. The flies, carrying the

The research, a collaboration between

understand the process of cell differentiation

scientists at IRB Barcelona and CSIC, reveals

and how certain cells can retain some stem cell

same mutations as colorectal cancer pa-

one key feature that some differentiated cells

properties. An understanding of how some cells

tients, develop tumours in the intestines

need to have in order to be able to revert into

can mantain their potential as progenitor cells is

that show similar properties to those in

stem cells. They must not have entered the

also essential to fully understand the process of

humans. Thanks to this fly model, the re-

endocycle, a modified cell cycle in which a cell

regeneration and can be a source of information

searchers have identified a gene involved

amplifies its genome several times without cell

to create new regenerative therapies in the

in the progression of the disease. The pa-

division.

medicine of the future. (om)

per was published in EMBO Reports.

➲

Glycogen, your new dietician Not gaining weight

following a strict diet is pie in the sky for most of us. This is what Joan J. Guinovart’s group has achieved in a mouse model. Mice presenting high levels of liver glycogen show reduced food intake and lower body mass, thereby suggesting the Larval tracheal cells have been transformed into tracheal stem cells. Each image shows cells divinding as well as the expression of markers associated with tracheal stem cells. (Credit: N. Djabrayan).

Eduard Batlle awarded ERC Proof-of-Concept support for COLOStage

liver glycogen is a direct regulator of appetite. In an article in Diabetes, the scientists propose liver glycogen as a potential target for pharmacological treatment of diabetes and obesity. (om)

The European Research Council (ERC) has approved funding for a

ing new tumours in the liver and lung, the main organs in which metastasis

research project in Eduard Batlle’s Colorectal Cancer

of the colon occurs. Such a prognostic test would allow the detection of

lab for its innovation potential. The lab has re-

those patients who should receive chemotherapy, thus avoiding unneces-

ceived one of 50 ERC Proof-of-Concept grants

sary treatments and optimizing therapeutic resources. “This award is the

the European agency gives to help researchers

impetus we needed to develop a product with real possibilities,” explains

who already hold an ERC grant to test the market

Eduard.

potential of a cutting-edge discovery.

The “COLOStage project” seeks to

actions such as establishing intellectual property rights, market studies,

develop a test to identify those colon

business opportunities and technical validation, such as clinical trials.

cancer patients at risk of develop-

Group Leader Eduard Batlle (Photo: G. Battista/M. Minocri)

The Proof-of-Concept grants seek to cover the expenses related to

(sa)

in vivo

November 2014

| Issue 28 p3

First LightSheet Microscopy conference held in Barcelona

emorise this name: LightSheet Fluorescence Microscopy

“In a traditional microscope,”

(LSFM). It is “on the verge of becoming a major and routine

notes Colombelli, “the conver-

technique in such fields as developmental, cell and systems

sion between photon excitation

biology, and oncology.” This is the claim of the organisers of the First

and emission of the sample is

LSFM International Conference, held on 25-26 September in Barcelona,

not efficient: you send much more energy than you need to the entire

organised by CRG, ICFO and IRB Barcelona.

sample. With the technique we developed here, you only reach the part

Julien Colombelli, Advanced Digital Microscopy Core Facility Man-

of the sample you need to observe, limiting the amount of total radiation

ager, explains that, “this technique is revolutionary compared to tradition-

received. This has obvious advantages: your living sample will survive

al microscopy methods (confocal or epifluorescence) where illumination

longer. Due to the special geometry of the system, you can also analyse

light has to pass through the whole sample to retrieve the information of

bigger samples.”

only one plane. In LSFM, the illumination is a plane of light, or lightsheet,

The conference was the first on this theme open to the scientific com-

and enters the sample laterally,” he says. Technically, what you do with

munity. Scientists presented new developments and users, developers and

the light is ‘optical sectioning,’ which means you illuminate only a part

companies had the opportunity to interact. Colombelli even prepared an

of the sample at the time (as seen in the bottom picture of an optically

educational LSFM microscope demo-tool made of Lego pieces (top right)

sectioned mouse embryo).

with an integrated laser beam that “works surprisingly well.” The best

If a live sample receives too much illumination, it might be damaged.

poster presenters got to take one home as a prize. (ltb)

On the trail to innovation

Drosophila in Begur

antiago de Compostela was the destina-

Extended members of the IRB Barcelona

On 23-26 September, the 2nd Spanish Con-

tion this September for a different kind

family also attended. Representatives from the

ference on “The Molecular, Cellular and Devel-

of pilgrimage. The city in north-western

spin-off Iproteos were on hand to raise aware-

opmental Biology of Drosophila” took place in

Spain has been a destination for Catholic pil-

ness about their work on new treatments for

the seaside town of Begur. The conference, or-

grims since the 9th century; this year it was host

diseases of the central nervous system, such as

ganised by IRB Barcelona Group Leaders Jordi

to the biannual Biospain event, which attracted

schizophrenia, Parkinson’s and epilepsy.

Casanova and Cayetano González, gathered

nearly 3,000 participants, including several

Arguably the youngest participant at the

top national scientists working on Drosophila

members of the IRB Barcelona community, led

meeting was 19-year-old Martí Jímenez, gradu-

to discuss their ongoing projects in a relaxed

by the Innovation Depart-

ate of the first edition of

ment.

environment.

IRB Barcelona’s mentoring

“The Begur meeting is becoming a really

“Biospain offers us the

programme, Crazy About

important reference for Drosophila research

opportunity to introduce

Biomedicine. He was in-

in Spain. Every two years, it brings together a

our technology portfolio to

vited to moderate a session

diverse group of specialists and blazes future

investors and potential licensees,” says Industri-

with biotechnology pioneers Joe Fernandez

research trails and new collaborations,” says

al Liaison Officer, Tiago Botelho. “It’s a chance

(Active Motif) and Jay Short (BioAtla), in which

Sofia Araujo, research associate at IRB Barce-

to promote new collaborative projects between

they shared their experiences as entrepreneurs

lona who took part in the meeting. “These en-

both national and international companies and

and and launched new exchanges with younger

counters are necessary to strengthen the links

IRB Barcelona scientists.”

members of the biotech sector. (ss)

between groups and push up the level of their

in vivo

November 2014

| Issue 28

research lines.” (om)

IN BRIEF Innovation Workshop Series. On 13 October ‘business angel’ and lecturer in Entrepreneurship at the IESE Business School, Mathieu Carenzo, shared with a group of 25 IRB Barcelona members his tricks to find the best way to present a new business project to potential investors. This workshop belongs to a series designed by the Innovation Department to guide researchers to make their discoveries attractive for investors. Collaboration challenges. The Spanish Ministry of Economy has financed 2 public-private collaboration projects involving IRB Barcelona researchers. Fernando Albericio will collaborate with Almirall, and Ernest Giralt with IRB Barcelona’s spin-off Iproteos. The funding was given within the ‘Retos-Colaboración’ 2014 scheme.

The first PhD Retreat to foster togetherness

ote it down on your calendar: 14

tutions like the Nencki Institute, or the Nijme-

and 15 November will be impor-

gen Institute, who have set up a specific grant

tant days for the PhD community

for their students to participate.

at IRB Barcelona. That's when a group of 15

“This event will last two days, and will take

student volunteers will hold the first IRB Bar-

place outside the institute,” adds organiser Rosa

celona PhD Retreat.

Ramírez, “allowing people to be more concen-

“The idea is to give our PhD students the opportunity to interact with each other,” says

trated and dedicated. We are sure that this will make our bonds stronger”.

organiser Clara Suñer. “Sometimes you see peo-

Besides science – with presentations of

ple every day, but if they are not in your lab,

research projects to the rest of the commu-

you may not know what they do exactly,” adds

nity – there will be social events aimed at

organiser David Suñol. “We are going to create

strengthening relationships, like team build-

an atmosphere where constructive criticism,

ing games or sporting events. There will

synergies and future collaborations can arise.”

also be a seminar on outreach activities.

Around 100 people are expected, 10% of whom will be invited from collaborating insti-

“If you don’t come, you’ll be sorry,” they all warn. Forewarned is forearmed. (ltb)

Contemporary Salva. On 21 October, Group Leader and ICREA professor Salvador Aznar was invited by the Barcelona Center of Contemporary Culture CCCB to give a talk on stem cells and their role in living organisms. The conference belongs to a 4-part debate on stem cells and the hopes they raise for a future without disease. The presentation is online: bit.ly/1nVQb5o. PhD course. As every year, IRB Barcelona welcomed its new class of PhD students with a 4-day course in September. This course aims to introduce the new young scientists to the different areas of research at IRB Barcelona, the core facilities and activities carried out by the different administration departments. Group Leader Retreat. On 6-7 October Group Leaders and Core Facility managers met at the annual retreat in Sant Fruitós de Bages. In addition to scientific

Organisers of the first IRB Barcelona PhD Retreat are looking forward to establishing new collaborations and exchanges. (Photo: G. Battista/M. Minocri)

Let’s go ‘Crazy’ again

pplications for the third edition of

challenge,” she says, “you have to make your re-

“Crazy About Biomedicine” at IRB

search understandable for secondary school stu-

Barcelona, organised in collaboration

dents.” But the researchers who have taken part

with the Catalunya-La Pedrera Foundation,

in this program agree: all the effort is worth it.

closed on 14 October with more than 200 bac-

“It’s a real pleasure work with these students,”

calaureate students applying. All are outstand-

Joana admits, “they are absolutely enthusiastic

ing students with talent and interest in all things

about science, and their passion is contagious.

scientific. Only 24 will be accepted to the 2015

They remind me why I decided to study sci-

edition of the mentoring programme, which

ence!”

presentations, they discussed how to im-

represents for them a unique opportunity to

prove relations between basic research and

Joana is very clear, “Being a scientist also in-

deepen their knowledge of scientific theory and

volves critical thinking. During the practical ses-

clinical activity, scientific infrastructures and

techniques in the field of biomedicine. During

sions it is important to leave time for dialogue

successful strategies for EU grants.

18 Saturdays throughout the year, they will

and debate, not only about the research itself,

work alongside our young researchers to get a

but also the impact it has on soci-

taste for science.

ety”.

Family Day. On 17 October, 50 IRB Barcelona staff members’ parents paid a visit to learn more about the Institute. After some presentations to get things started, they visited labs where they got to do some hands-on experiments, all under the expert guidance of a team of volunteers from the

Joana Faria, PhD student in Travis Stracker’s

Twelve new researchers are

lab, is one of the researchers who has

ready to tutor the next gener-

been working hard to develop motivating practical sessions for the students. “It’s a real

ation of “Crazies” 2015. The year promises to be a lot of fun again! (hg)

different research programmes.

in vivo

ber 2014 November

| Issue 28 p5

Botín Foundation, the private sector backing science Spanish banker Emilio Botín died on 9 September 2014. In addition to his role as President of one of Spain’s most important banks, he served as chair of the Botín Foundation. Among other programmes, the Foundation promotes science and tech transfer from basic research to society. In the 20 September edition of El País, IRB Barcelona director, Joan J. Guinovart, paid tribute to the Foundation’s contributions. Here are some excerpts.

A project to connect rare diseases, patients and research

RB Barcelona postdoc Mariana Muzzopap-

awareness.

pa and photographer Oscar Dhooge have

What are the goals of the campaign?

been involved in a project to raise aware-

ness about rare diseases. On 9 October, they inaugurated The Sweet Battle (Centre Civic Pati Llimona), an exhibition featuring photos and videos of Aina, a young girl with congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG), a rare disease that affects only 900 people in the world.

Rare diseases like CDG don’t receive a lot of funding. We wanted to contribute to raise awareness not only for the need for more research, but also to help families who are faced with the many different types of costly therapies that their children need to live better quality lives.

Though her research at IRB Barcelona is uns Director of IRB Barcelona, I have

related to CDG (she studies the contribution of

been witness to the impact of the pro-

tumor microenvironment in neoplastic growth

grammes led by the Botín Foundation.

in flies), Mariana studied up on the disease in or-

They are an example of support actions based

der to participate in the project. On 29 October,

on criteria of excellence, which have managed to

she moderated a session between photographers,

avoid falling into the trap of territorial distribu-

family members of children with rare diseases,

tion or predetermined quotas. […]

and doctors from Sant Joan de Deu to discuss

In 2005, the Botín Foundation launched its Technology Transfer Programme, focussing on

the challenges associated with rare diseases and future perspectives for research and treatment.

What did you find most challenging? I realise how little experience we as basic research scientists have dealing with patients and their families. I found myself trying to explain the results of the study in mice to Aina's mother and had to do it in such a way that she understood the limitations of research results. It wasn't very easy. Biomedical scientists are not often involved in dealing di-

the themes of biomedicine and biotechnology.

How did you get involved?

The Programme is designed to identify top bio-

A former colleague has a sister with CDG

medical researchers in Spain and provide them

people who their research

and I wanted to learn more about the disease.

the support necessary to achieve important sci-

is meant to eventually ben-

A CDG patients association put Oscar and

entific results, and at the same time ensure that

efit. This should change.

I in touch with Aina and her family. We met

these results are converted into real benefits for

And we need to be

them in January 2014 and spent the following

society. […] The success of this programme like-

equipped and ready

months getting to know the reality of their dif-

ly depends on several factors. First, its focus on a

to face the chal-

ficult situation, common to families affected by

single sector with potential, biomedicine, which

lenges together.

rare diseases. Our goal was to paint a realistic

has resulted in substantial impact and visibility

(ss)

picture of what life is like for them, to help raise

rectly with patients, the

for this area. Second, researchers selected for the Programme are chosen based on a specific criterion, the combination of science of excellence with its potential for transfer. […] The Foundation assigns each selected researcher a team of highly

Mariana Muzzopappa (Photo: G. Battista/M. Minocri).

Agreement with Nencki Institute signed

qualified technology transfer professionals who

On 1 September, IRB Barcelona and the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology (Warsaw,

closely follow his or her progress and work to-

Poland) signed an agreement to foster educational, cultural and scientific exchanges between

gether with his or her institution to ensure the

the two institutes. A special focus is dedicated to the graduate student community and to their

research results have maximum impact on soci-

initiatives – such as the PhD students retreat – for which exchanges are especially encouraged.

ety. […] In 2010, the Botín Foundation added a new programme to its roster, Mind the Gap, which aims to bridge the structural gap between biomedical science being done in the lab and the stage when projects may enter the market and become attractive to potential investors.[…] The Botín Foundation deserves special recognition for its fortification of the tech transfer sector. Through its two programmes, the Foundation not only provides valuable support to research and to researchers, but achieves an important

contribution as catalyst, referee and propellant of the R+D system. […] The Botín Foundation, onwards and upwards.

in vivo

November 2014 | Issue 28

A second date with Vi per Vida What:

Wine-tasting session featuring DO Alella and other catalan wines, led by wine expert Xavi Ayala and presented by Elisabeth Carnicè. Wines will be accompanied by dishes prepared by clinary students from the Institut Bisbe Sivilla.

Where: Fàbrica Llobet – Guri de Calella (55km from Barcelona)

When: Saturday, 29 November 2014 at 18h Entrance fee of 5 euro per person. All proceeds will benefit cancer research at IRB Barcelona.

EXCHANGES

“A stay abroad in a new lab opens your mind”

Maths4Life to continue in 2015

Argentina,

the immune system remains unaltered, if you

1981) is a postdoctoral fellow in Ángel

take away p38 from tumour cells, metastasis

Nebreda’s lab. His specialty, as is the case

subsides from some specific tissues, and is not

for the rest of the lab, is the protein p38. He

changed in others. We have to look further into

has just come back from Melbourne, Australia,

the mechanism.”

Maths4Life was launched in June. Of the

ebastián

Real

(Mendoza,

t was a great occasion for all math and computer fans who wanted to have a first-hand experience with biomedi-

cal research. The new training programme

where he spent more than eight months at the

Sebastián is convinced that, thanks to this

40 undergraduate students who applied,

La Trobe University in a lab focussing on how

exchange, a new fruitful collaboration will now

Aleix Boquet, Pau de Jorge and Alexandra

the immune system regulates metastasis.

be established between the two antipodal in-

Abos were selected to participate. “It was

“I had a great time. Spending time in a foreign lab opens up your mind,” he emphasises.

stitutes, and that it will become stronger in the

an extremely positive experience, we all

future.

learned,” says the Biostatistics/Bioinformat-

“You see a different way of doing things well

“IRB Barcelona has better services than

and learn from other colleagues. In my lab,

the Institute for Molecular Science there,” he

people

were

very

notes, “and the

good experts in me-

level of interna-

tastasis

tionalisation

regulation

ics Unit Manager Camille Stephan. “Alexandra learnt how to programme and helped us to carry out a research project looking for correlations between genetic variations and gene expressions we have not had much time to work on. We are hoping she comes

and the immune sys-

more or less the

tem, so it was easy

same. The main

for me to carry out

difference is that

Patrick Aloy, who hosted Aleix, speaks

in Australia they

enthusiastically of the experience. “He did

have more people

a great job,” he says. Modesto Orozco,

been at IRB Barce-

from

who worked with Pau, praised his effort.

lona since 2011 with

general, the im-

“It has been very good to have him here,”

a Sara Borrell schol-

pression I had is

he says.“I will keep in contact with him

arship, and one of the

that science looks

throughout the year.”

requirements for him

very cosmopoli-

was to spend some

tan over there.”

my research project.” Sebastián

has

time abroad. “But

Who are you going to meet if you decide to spend some months poles apart? (Photo: S. Di Yacovo)

I recommend every scientist here do the same,” he says.

Asia.

back for her master thesis.”

Academic Coordinator Patricia Nadal, who organised this new activity, is pleased

If you travel

with the positive feedback received. “We

that far, you also

will be back with a new edition in 2015,”

take advantage for some trips around. “As any

His project was to find out whether p38

good tourist, together with my wife who joined

has an influence on metastasis through the

me for part of the stay working in a hospital in

modulation of the immune system. “It did not

Melbourne, I had the chance to see kangaroos

turn out as we expected,” says Sebastián, “but

and visit the coral reef,” he explains. “Diving in

we still found something interesting. Even if

those waters was truly breathtaking.” (ltb)

she promises. (ltb)

PRIZES ERNEST GIRALT was awarded the Josef Rudinger Memorial Award, a

resa Tarragó, received the Expoquimia R+D+I Award in the Biotechnology

prize presented every two years at the European Peptide Symposium, held

category for the development of IPR19, a new drug to stop the progression

this year in Sofia, Bulgaria. Giralt was praised “for his important contribu-

and reverse of the cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia.

tions to the development of methodology in peptide synthesis, structural studies and molecular recognition and peptides and drug delivery.” Ernest was also named Max-Bergmann medalist, given by the European-based organisation of German, Swiss and Austrian chemists “in recognition of his scientific achievements in peptide chemistry.” IPROTEOS, IRB Barcelona spin-off founded by Ernest Giralt and Te-

JOAN MASSAGUÉ, president of IRB Barcelona’s Scientific Advisory Board, received the Spanish National Research Award 2014 by the Ministry of Economy and Competitivity for his contributions to the field of oncology. EVA NOVOA, former PhD student in Lluis Ribas’ lab, received the UB Faculty of Biology’s Extraordinary Doctorate Award.

in vivo

November 2014 | Issue 28 p7

SPOTLIGHT

NEW AT IRB BARCELONA Chemist Craig Donoghue (Glasgow, 1989) joined Antoni Riera’s lab just two months ago. After obtaining his undergraduate degree at the University of Glasgow, and a Master in chemistry methodology, he spent a year in 2011 in London at GlaxoSmithKline. “That was already tropical weather for me,” he says jokingly. After that, he moved to Liverpool for another year at Redx, a company specialised in developing oncology drugs. “This experience taught me that I needed more experience that I could only gain with a PhD, and that I enjoyed being able to work in a field related to oncology,” he says. His goal was to do a PhD abroad and he was recommended IRB Barcelona due to its reputation: “This place is ideal because it combines top-level research with a business slant and a special focus on oncology.” He admits he is going to miss his football league, “but luckily we are starting the season again next month at IRB Barcelona.” Something else will keep his heart close to home. “My mom is going to bring me my bagpipes, so I can keep playing once in a while,” he says.

Reconciling work and family requires considerate leaders

na Terriente (Granada, 1978) joined the Institute in January with a COFUND Fellowship after preparing her thesis in Madrid, a postdoc in Cambridge and a stay in the

Netherlands. As all COFUND fellows, she shares her time between two labs, the Development and Growth Control and the Signalling and Cell Cycle labs: “I’m in love with this model that fosters collaboration,” she says. At IRB Barcelona, she studies the role of p38 in haematopoiesis of Drosophila. “We are looking into the mechanisms behind the role of p38 in leukaemia,” she explains.

As the second Fulbright Fellow to work at IRB

As a postdoc, Ana has gathered considerable experience in re-

Barcelona, Danielle Miller (Doylestown, PA,

search. She is in a good position to compare the different experi-

USA, 1992) joined Fernando Albericio’s lab at the

ences she has had so far. “At IRB I found the same constructively

end of September. She studied at Ursinus College, in

critical environment that I was used to in Cambridge, with focussed

Pennsylvania, with a major in Spanish and Biochem-

research, and very good support for PhDs and postdocs, with con-

istry. “My goal when I go back to the States is to go

ferences and seminars. The support from the Grants office and the

to medical school, and treat Spanish-speaking patients,” she explains. Fulbright fellowships foster international exchange and allow the students to participate in research internships. Danielle will stay with us until June 2015. Her project consists of making a cyclic peptide for thromboembolic diseases. “In college I was able to participate in a research project while

innovation department is great, and core facilities have a very high profile.” Among the things she would like to improve, she finds that “a decent study room or library” would help.

simultaneously taking classes. Here I am excited to learn and work on a

Her goal? That the drugs against leukemia she wants to test

new project full-time,” she emphasises. “Once I learnt about IRB Barce-

“have an accessible use through open innovation plans. I want to

lona with the help of my supervisor, I could not think of a better place:

build a disease model to be used not just for basic research, but as a

great research, very international, and in a country I love. Everyone has

test platform for different drugs.”

been so helpful. It is going to be a memorable year for me,” she concludes.

Can talented female scientists reconcile their personal lives with scientific ambitions? “This is a very absorbing and addictive job,” she recognises. “It is hard, plus my partner does not live in Spain.

ON THE MOVE

Some things would help, though. For example, more lab technicians

Alexandre Puerto (Barcelona, 1978) has been the head of IRB Barcelona’s Finance Department for six years. At the end of September, he left the Institute to take up the position of Managing Director at IDIBELL. “My time at IRB Barcelona has been a great experience,” says Alex, “I have had the good fortune to be work with an incredible group of people, both in research labs and in the administration team, who are committed to what they do to make an

would allow me to work more from home. It is also helpful when meetings are organised and take place on time, which Marco’s lab is very good about. This shows a very considerate leader, who is respectful of people’s lives. This respect is essential and very necessary for a researcher who is also a mother. And of course, a kindergarten at

important contribution to society. I am proud that I have contributed to

the Park like we had in the Netherlands

strengthening IRB Barcelona’s financial basis for the future. At IDIBELL

would be a great asset. For the rest, I

we will enter into a new phase of the Institute,” he concludes, “and I look

believe female scientists need to put in

forward to the challenges that this brings.”

the same effort as anybody else to become a group leader.” (ltb)

Ana Terriente Felix, Marie Curie COFUND Fellow. (Photo: G. Battista/M. Minocri)

In vivo, issue 28. Published by the Institute for Research in Biomedicine. Office of Communications & External Relations. Barcelona Science Park. c/Baldiri Reixac, 10. 08028 Barcelona, Spain.  Web: www.irbbarcelona.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/irbbarcelona - Twitter: @IRBBarcelona Editorial committee: Luca Tancredi Barone (ltb), Sarah Sherwood (ss) (editors), Sònia Armengou (sa). Contributors: Helena González (hg), Òscar Martorell (om). Graphic Production: La Trama. Legal deposit: B 19148-2014. This document has been printed on recycled paper. To subscribe or unsubscribe from in vivo, e-mail: info@irbbarcelona.org. © IRB Barcelona 2014.