Spanish cardiovascular research boosted
Spanish National Cardiovascular Centre launched amid uncertainty over leadership.
Feb 17, 2003
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 —...