Scientific programmes

The general objective of the IMIBIC’s “Active Ageing and Frailty” scientific programme is to advance in the knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of age-associated deterioration (senescence) in different organs and systems and develop strategies to promote healthy ageing and prevent frailty, as well as search for strategies to assist and care for the elderly from a health anthropology approach.

The general objective of our programme is to generate new knowledge in the fields of nutrition, metabolic diseases and neuroendocrinology with a view to preventing and improving the management of health disorders related to each of these areas. The world is currently witnessing an epidemic of nutrition-related diseases, particularly metabolic syndromes associated with obesity. Despite active research and the important advances that have been made, we still do not know the exact causes or underlying mechanisms of these diseases or how to effectively prevent and treat them. Given that these processes are closely linked to life expectancy, quality of life, well-being and the sustainability of the National Health System, their study is of crucial importance. Moreover, the intraindividual behavioural variability of people who live in the same environment is related to varying degrees of disease susceptibility and severity.

Our programme aims to develop a common line of quality research on health problems related to host-pathogen interactions focusing on the study of infectious diseases, immunological diseases and diseases in organ transplantation.

Despite the increasing number of patients diagnosed with cancer, mortality is decreasing in both sexes and in most tumours as a result of treatment advances, preventive measures and early diagnosis. For this reason, IMIBIC’s transversal cancer research programme is aimed at advancing knowledge of cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, with a specific focus on contributing to the development of personalized or precision medicine in cancer.

The increasing life expectancy of the population is directly related to a higher incidence and prevalence of chronic inflammatory diseases. These diseases deteriorate patients’ quality of life and have a significant impact on their role in society. In addition, patients with these conditions receive chronic treatment, which causes a substantial financial strain on healthcare budgets. For these reasons, the main objective of this programme is to address chronic disease in three ways. Firstly, through broadening the knowledge of and characterising the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic inflammatory diseases. Secondly, and based on this new knowledge, by seeking new therapeutic strategies to improve the prognosis and development of the disease. And lastly, but not less importantly, through the development of new strategies to prevent or delay the onset or evolution of this type of disease.