About Us
The Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials- CIC biomaGUNE, member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA) , is a non-profit research organization created to promote scientific research and technological innovation at the highest levels in the Basque Country following the BioBasque policy, in order to create a new business sector based on biosciences.
Located in the Science and Technology Park of Gipuzkoa (Donostia-San Sebastián), the activity of CIC biomaGUNE is conducted by an average of 11 international and dynamic research groups, which develop high-level research at the interface between chemistry, physics, and biology, with a particular emphasis on the design of nanostructures and biomaterials with defined properties, and their applications in biomedicine.
The scientific strategy of the Center is structured around three main research priorities: Biofunctional Nanomaterials, Synthetic Bioengineering, and Molecular and Functional Imaging.
The main research lines focus on the design, preparation, and characterization of biofunctional nanostructures and custom biomaterials and their evaluation in in vitro and in vivo settings, to understand biological processes and develop biomedical tools. These applications include diagnostic, therapeutic, theranostic, or multimodal imaging, to better understand diseases, and ultimately apply them in clinical diagnosis and therapy
To carry out this ambitious program of research, the Center counts with a unique research infrastructure, equipped with advanced nanoscience, chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular imaging facilities, including fully equipped research laboratories, Technological Platforms and the Molecular Imaging Facility, selected as a Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructure (ICTS) by the Spanish Government and one of the most complete preclinical imaging research infrastructures in Europe.
CIC biomaGUNE started its activity in December 2006. José M. Mato is the Director General of CIC biomaGUNE since its definition in 2003. The scientific activity started under the direction of Manuel Martín-Lomas, who took the responsibility of shaping the identity of the Center. After an initial phase where the first research teams were selected from the international scientific community, the Molecular Imaging Facility was built and soon approved as a National Facility by the Spanish Government in 2010. Luis M. Liz-Marzán took over the Scientific Directorate from Manuel Martín-Lomas, starting this activity in January 2013 until December 2021. Since January 2022, Aitziber L. Cortajarena is the Scientific Director of CIC biomaGUNE.
The Center has obtained national and international recognition as a scientific leader and knowledge builder in the field of biomaterials. Among other achievements, our activity has resulted in the generation of knowledge (publications, patents, PhD theses) the internationalization of research through collaboration with international bodies and institutions, as well as opening our facilities to the scientific community and the industrial sector.
The Center counts with additional certifications and recognitions such as the Seal of Excellence in Human Resources "HR Excellence in Research", UNE 166002 for RD&I Management, and the AAALAC accreditation for the care and use of animals in science.
In 2018 CIC biomaGUNE earned the accreditation as a “María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence”- the highest recognition of scientific excellence in Spain awarded by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI).