Mission and Vision

VISION

The Vision of the GENyO is to become a centre of excellence and reference in research, innovation, and biomedical transfer at national and international levels, consolidating the successes of the past and aiming at stabilizing the centre towards having a lasting positive impact on society.

MISSION

The Mission of the GENyO is to carry out excellent biomedical research on the basic and translational mechanisms of human disease and apply this knowledge, results, and technology to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the benefit of society.

Principles and Core Values

The GENyO is guided by 7 principles that form the foundation of our organization:

Excellence

We are dedicated to achieving excellence in scientific development by fostering interdisciplinary research in oncology and genomics. Our approach involves collaborative efforts that span various organizations, disciplines, and backgrounds both scientific, clinical and entrepreneurial. We believe that excellence is best pursued through diverse and cross-organizational partnerships, enabling us to address complex scientific challenges effectively.

Integrity

We maintain an unwavering commitment to the highest ethical standards in scientific research. Our governance structures are robust, ensuring a culture steeped in honesty, transparency, and integrity. This commitment to integrity is at the core of our scientific pursuits.

Collaboration

Collaboration is key in our research endeavors between researchers from Universidad de Granada, Fundación Progreso y Salud and FIBAO. We actively promote internal collaborations among our research groups and engage in co-creation of projects with external entities, including patients, healthcare workers, scientists, NGOs, corporations, and other research institutions. Our research is inherently multidisciplinary, conducted by diverse teams of professionals, and we seek to create synergistic partnerships with other centers, hospitals, and corporations.

Opportunities

We view our researchers as invaluable assets. We support them throughout their scientific journey to maximize their impact and potential. This support includes a robust infrastructure, inclusiveness and communication, comprehensive internal management, technological services, and continuous training and development opportunities. We are committed to nurturing our scientists and GENyO to emerge as leaders in future research.

Innovation

We aim at becoming an up-to-date center with state-of-the-art technologies and innovative thinking. We aim to make a meaningful impact on society through innovation, addressing unmet needs. Our focus is on fostering the transfer of promising innovations and knowledge, thus promoting innovation, transfer opportunities, and business development.

Transparency

Upholding research integrity, honesty, accountability, and efficient management of research resources are our guiding principles. Given that a significant portion of our funding is from public grants, we consider transparency not just a policy but a duty. We strive to make our research as accessible as possible, publishing in open-access journals, sharing data in open repositories, and inviting society to participate in our frequent engagement activities.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity

We believe that these values not only enrich our science but also boost productivity and satisfaction. Diversity in our team enhances research perspectives and fosters innovative solutions to biomedical challenges. Our HR practices are aligned with HRS4R standards, aiming to create a healthy, inclusive environment that our employees are proud to be a part of. We actively foster a respectful culture and provide regular training in effective communication and inclusive language, ensuring professionalism and cordiality in all interactions.

Research areas and strategic lines

The research areas in which GENyO will work can be grouped into two main areas (BASIC and APPLIED), each with two Strategic Lines (SL):

BASIC AREA: Functional Genomics

  • SL1: The Human Genome
  • SL2: Cancer Genomics

APPLIED AREA: Personalized Medicine

  • SL3: Detection, Diagnostics, Monitoring and Prognostics of Diseases
  • SL4: Advanced Therapies

The descriptions follow:

Basic Area: Functional Genomics (FG)

This area is designed to enhance and integrate the most basic knowledge about the structure and regulation of the genome in living organisms and human beings, encompassing lines of multidisciplinary research of both a theoretical and experimental nature. Its development will benefit from a balance between teams of experts in the use of omics technologies and the exploration of large databases and complex systems, accompanied by the promotion of precise functional assays and validations in in vitro and in vivo experimental models and cells. The main objective will be the establishment of solid bases of knowledge of the genome for its subsequent application to the well-being of the citizen. The understanding of the human genome pertains also the understanding of disease, disease heterogeneity and the genetic architecture of disease.

SL1: The Human Genome

This strategic line aims to address the challenges posed by the most current advances in genomics throughout the life cycle of the human being, from the initial phases of embryonic development to the stages associated with aging, as well as the impact that alterations of the genome have on multiple pathologies, including rare diseases.

Altogether, the advances in this strategic line will position GENYO as a reference in the advancement of basic knowledge of the genome, with relevance in the establishment of techno-scientific platforms and biotechnological initiatives associated with genomics at the regional and national level, as well as the establishment of international collaborations, mainly within the European framework.

This strategic line would be reinforced with the incorporation of a research group with a proven track record in the use of advanced bioinformatics tools. In this way, communication between groups that are using these tools, the consolidation of quality in silico research and its visualization in international forums would also be enhanced.

SL2: Cancer Genomics

Cancer is a most important area of research in the center. Here, the combination of genomics studies and cancer is at the core. Through this line, studies will be focused on understanding the genetic and molecular bases of cancer, thus promoting progress in the development of more effective and personalized therapies. Among the challenges still pending in this field, the understanding of the complex tumor heterogeneity stands out, including the study of its multiple cellular entities as well as the intricate extracellular network and the complex contributions of epigenetic and metabolic factors.

The impact of these investigations will highly complement GENyO’s leadership position in genomics, highlighted in this case by its necessary role in future strategies regarding oncological research at the regional, national, and international levels.

This strategic line must seek to be reinforced through the definition of new lines of work in such relevant areas as metabolism, aging, and inflammation, as well as its necessary interaction with clinical researchers from the Andalusian healthcare system, more specifically through collaborations with oncologists and internists seeking the possibility of moving results in this line to the practical applicability in the second area.

Equally important will be the incorporation of a leading group in bioinformatics research (in line with what was previously mentioned), allowing the unique value of the advanced study of international databases, disease data, multi-omics data to be consolidated.

Applied Area: Personalized Medicine (PM)

This area aims to join forces to promote applied research based on in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of each individual, including the study of genetic and molecular factors associated with pathologies, as well as the influence of the microenvironment where these develop. The conjunction of multidisciplinary studies is required in which the application of in silico approaches has great value to complement experimental advances closer to clinical application. The two lines under the applied area may be supported by the attraction of talent supported by Pfizer in line with the center´s and the pharmaceutical company´s interests. This area has the following strategic lines:

SL3: Detection, Diagnostics, Monitoring and Prognostics of Diseases

This strategic line will favor the development of cutting-edge research to advance the identification of personalized biomarkers that may be key to early diagnosis and to predict the progression of diseases and an individualized response to treatments.

The research of these teams will have a decisive impact on the optimization of current diagnoses, as well as the effectiveness of treatments for certain pathologies. In this context, it will be very important to optimize the interaction with regional and national clinical services that contribute to the development of these lines of work. The possibilities that these studies offer for the development of new industrial initiatives must also be significantly enhanced.

The reinforcement of this strategic line, apart from the necessary interaction with clinical services, would benefit from the incorporation or more direct collaboration of clinical professionals in the GENYO research groups. Likewise, the development of this strategic line would contribute very positively to the creation of a new Clinical Trials Support Service.

SL4: Advanced Therapies

Finally, this strategic line will promote lines of work for the development of advanced therapies, both in cancer, immune-mediated diseases, and rare diseases, including the potential generation of spin-offs and technological development initiatives with the industry.

With the development of this applied strategic line, GENyO will contribute to the implementation of advanced therapies in a more efficient, safe, and accessible way, improving the quality of life of patients and advancing the treatment of various diseases.

Transversal Strategic Lines and support services

GENyO has several services and expertise that run across the strategic lines. First the Support Units: Genomics, Cytometry, Microscopy, Cell Culture and General services.

These units are managed by specialized technical personnel and each has a researcher that makes decisions on the strategies each of the units follows in coordination with the Direction and the administration. The plan includes to update the support units with the latest infrastructure in genomics, microscopy and cytometry providing service to in-house as well as researchers from outside, not the least the University of Granada. In particular, the genomics unit has been providing services including optimization and design of experiments and technologies not only in Granada or Andalusia, but also the whole of Spain and even abroad.

The following are planned Cross-cutting lines that include research as well as potential services that can be performed at the center, at the support units, or through the creation of spin-offs that work within the center. The main objective is that through these services, increase the funding for the center. Specific plans will be developed for the adequate implementation of the support services, and their feasibility as well as a service portfolio that will be disseminated to interested parts.

  • Nanotechnology-based therapeutic support service: Would be managed in conjunction with the Strategic lines SL3 and SL4. Already, the researchers Rosario Sánchez and Karim Benabdellah are working in conjunction through spin-off companies to provide such a service which includes design, use of novel nanotechnologies combined with CAR-T cellular therapies. The aim is to develop interventions for many different needs, diseases and therapies.
  • Gene-Editing support service: This is not only an internal service, but also, through spin-offs and researchers’ expertise, a plan for creating such a support service will be prepared and the possibilities of obtaining financing through such a service will be considered. Once again, such service may encompass experimental services for basic and applied research, but also with therapeutic potential.
  • Multi-OMICS and Bioinformatics analyses: GENyO is already renowned for the use of genomics and multi-omics, as well as bioinformatics and machine learning predictive models used for several diseases. The support services will go through the Genomics unit which includes bioinformatics services, but also various sequencing and genomic analyses services which can be seen in GENyO´s webpage. Support in the design of projects, all with accessible tariffs and optimization of experimental conditions. The inclusion of new state-of-the-art instrumentation will make GENyO a leader in Andalusia and will make use of the added value its prestige in genomics has already given it. Expertise in machine learning and predictive models will be a major important inclusion, potentially through the attraction of young talent. 26 STRATEGIC PLAN 2024-2027
  • Experimental support services for companies and enterprises (e.g. accreditation): GENyO has prior experience in helping small-medium companies (SME´s) in their experimental accreditation. We plan to extend such a service and create a portfolio of potential services that can be done.
  • Clinical Trial support services: While GENyO is not a Health Institution as such and is not able to promote or sponsor clinical trials, we will develop a plan to attract clinical groups with experience in clinical trials and who may consider the use of GENyO´s services for these. In addition, we shall include in the plan services that may be of interest and not part of the centralized work pharmaceutical companies, starting with Pfizer already do for analyses of their samples in their trials. A much closer collaboration and communication with the Andalusian Health System will be promoted and GENyO will seek to include physicians with expertise in clinical trials to become affiliated to our center. In fact, discussion with Pfizer will be initiated to create professorships and auleae in collaboration with the University of Granada. Importantly, FIBAO is in charge of organizing and coordinating clinical trials in Andalusia and this may be done through the FIBAO researchers.
    • Strategic Priorities: Towards a Maria de Maeztu Unit

    GENyO has developed a clear and concise Strategic Plan from mission, vision and principles to strategic priorities, goals, carefully scheduled actions, KPIs, and initiatives. This Strategic Plan is not a static document, but a multiyear process that will be implemented over time and revisited periodically. Goals and strategies will continue to evolve through GENyO’s iterative planning and evaluation process, conducted in conjunction with its Scientific Advisory Board, Patronage, Board of the Center, responsible investigators, and its stakeholders. It will guide GENyO’s direction over the next 5 years and will help determine how the centre allocates resources to support and enhance scientific research. In implementing this strategic plan, GENyO will seek continuous stakeholder input and respond as warranted. We will employ several strategies to bring us closer to our vision, while deploying our Mission. These strategies pertain to GENyO’s three strategic priorities for the 2023-2027 planning horizon:

    • International excellence and interdisciplinarity in research and innovation.
    • Responsible, sustainable, and efficient consolidated governance.
    • Talent, Education, and Social Impact. Each of the three strategic priorities consists of specific objectives; as part of the implementation plan, these are translated into concrete actions that will contribute to their achievement.

    Significant steps are required to achieve each of the strategic objectives; therefore, each strategic objective is further broken down into specific goals. Finally, measures are proposed that translate the objectives into concrete actions as part of the implementation of the Strategic Plan. The following table illustrates the cascading of the Plan’s 3 strategic priorities into 7 strategic objectives, 12 operational goals and 33 actionable measures.