News from Spain
Authors: Juan Rodés
Journal: Hepatology (2004)

Although the quality of biomedical research investigation in Spain has improved in recent years, only 1.03% of the gross national product is dedicated to the financing of research and development activities. Nevertheless, the Spanish government intends to eventually increase its investment to 3% over the next few years in accordance with the initiatives set forth by the European Union. Biomedical research is a key element in Spanish scientific production; 41% of Spain's scientific publications have their origins in biomedical research. Biomedical researchers garner 51% of all the citations listed in the ISI (for all Spanish scientific research). Moreover, hospital-conducted research of the Sistema Nacional de Salud (the Spanish Health System) constitutes 20% of the total number of Spanish scientific publications. The budget for the biomedical research program of the Ministry of Health (MH) for the period 2004–2007 is 450 million euros. The Health Care Research program received 220 million euros for the year 2004, representing a real growth of 7%. More than 45 million euros have also been allocated for research activity undertaken by the foundations created by the MH in the fields of cardiology, oncology, genomics and proteomics, neuroscience, and international cooperation. Furthermore, the MH sponsors specific activities for the promotion and financing of clinical trials related to uncommon diseases, as well as new applications of existing medications whose patents have expired. As a consequence of the new Spanish Law of Cohesion and Health Care Quality, the MH has begun to promote the creation and accreditation of networks, centers, and institutes while forging alliances of greater scope between universities, hospitals, and other research institutions. This activity corresponds to the guidelines of the European Union—above all to the 6th Program of the Framework of Investigation, which aims to establish networks of excellence. This European model has provided the basis for the novel and efficient structure of Spain's biomedical investigation. One of the great advantages of this model has been the effective rapprochement between basic and clinical centers and groups, thereby avoiding the problems associated with an excessive concentration of resources of investigation in single isolated centers that are operating far from clinical reality. The fruits of this investment should be reviewed in 3 to 5 years. There are different categories or stages in the process of clinical biomedical investigation. Translational research encompasses transference of knowledge and technology from the laboratory to the bedside and vice versa. It is the application of basic knowledge to the health care process. One of the solutions to improve the translational process is based on the creation of multidisciplinary institutes of biomedical research with a horizontal organization and a strong clinical–health care component. This approach shortens the interval between the production of new knowledge and its application to clinical practice in real time. Clinical practice constantly provides ideas and challenges for both clinical and basic investigation. With a greater integration of the two approaches, there is a greater likelihood to apply such advances in the prevention and treatment of important health care problems. The framework of the MH's new program of investigation is based precisely on this philosophy.