Spanish cardiovascular research boosted

The foundation stone for the new Spanish National Cardiovascular Centre (CNIC) was laid last week. The €31.5 million centre, due to open next year, is located on the campus of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III — the research body of the Health Ministry — in Madrid, close to the new Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO).

The ministry, which is funding the centre, hopes that CNIC will lead the way in a new era of cardiovascular research in Spain. Prime Minister José Maria Aznar took the opportunity of the launch event last week to announce a new National Plan on Cardiovascular Diseases. The plan is initially aimed at reducing the burden of coronary heart disease via improving prevention and treatment, but it also places a strong emphasis on basic and translational research.

Indeed, CNIC — which will act as the nucleus of a national network of centres and groups —...