Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and Spanish Partners Launch Strategic Initiative for Theranostics Research in Barcelona

© ANDREU PUIG/ Departament de Recerca i Universitats
A partnership for the future of medicine (from left): Jaume Collboni (Mayor of Barcelona), Diana Morant (Spanish Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities), Salvador Illa (President of the Government of Catalonia), Holger Hanselka (President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft), and Núria Montserrat Pulido (Catalonian Minister of Research and Universities).

(IN BRIEF) The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has partnered with the Spanish government, Government of Catalonia, and city of Barcelona to establish a joint framework for advancing theranostics research in Spain — a field that combines diagnostics and therapy for personalized medicine. The initiative, formalized through a declaration of intent, will operate under the Fraunhofer Spain Research Foundation, with the Fraunhofer Center for Applied Theranostics (CAT) in Barcelona serving as a model institution. Led by Prof. Josep Samitier of the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), the center will integrate expertise from Fraunhofer IBMT and IBEC to develop innovative biomedical technologies. The collaboration builds on Catalonia’s thriving life sciences ecosystem and represents a strategic step toward strengthening Europe’s leadership in precision medicine and innovation.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 10-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A major milestone in European medical innovation has been reached as representatives from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the Spanish government, the regional government of Catalonia, and the city council of Barcelona signed a joint declaration of intent in Barcelona. The agreement marks the beginning of a long-term partnership to advance theranostics research — a rapidly developing field that integrates therapy and diagnostics to enable personalized medical treatment.

The signing ceremony was attended by Diana Morant, Spain’s Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities; Salvador Illa, President of the Government of Catalonia; Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona; and Prof. Holger Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. Together, they reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting the future of individualized medicine under the umbrella of the Fraunhofer Spain Research Foundation.

A Collaborative Framework for Future Medical Innovation

The Fraunhofer Spain Research Foundation will serve as the official framework for all institutionalized Fraunhofer research activities in Spain, providing a foundation for sustainable and collaborative development. A key pillar of this effort is the Fraunhofer Center for Applied Theranostics (Fraunhofer CAT) in Barcelona, which has already laid significant groundwork over the past year through the support of public funding and cross-institutional cooperation.

Fraunhofer CAT will function as a hub linking research institutions, hospitals, and the biotech industry, accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical and industrial applications. The Center will operate under the leadership of Prof. Josep Samitier, Director of the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and Professor at the University of Barcelona. Prof. Samitier and his team aim to merge IBEC’s strengths in bioengineering, biosensors, and biomimetic systems with Fraunhofer IBMT’s expertise in stem cell technology and microsystems, driving innovation in diagnostics, prognosis, and targeted therapies.

Catalonia: A Hub for Life Sciences and Biotechnology

With Europe’s highest concentration of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, Catalonia offers an exceptional environment for scientific collaboration and commercialization. The new initiative builds on the long-standing partnership between Fraunhofer IBMT (led by Heiko Zimmermann and Peter Hauptmann) and IBEC, creating fertile ground for transformative research and technology transfer in the life sciences.

Strengthening Europe’s Research Ecosystem

This alliance between Spanish funding partners and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft represents more than a national milestone—it strengthens Europe’s scientific and industrial competitiveness in healthcare innovation. By combining cross-border expertise and resources, the collaboration enhances Europe’s capacity to lead in precision medicine and reinforces the continent’s position as a global center for advanced biomedical research.

“With this agreement, we are laying the foundation for a new era of cooperation between Spain and Germany in medical innovation,” said Prof. Holger Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. “The focus on theranostics will bring tangible benefits for patients and industry alike, demonstrating how European partnerships can drive progress through shared vision and expertise.”

Media Contacts:

Monika Landgraf
Director of Corporate Communications Spokesperson for the President
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Hansastraße 27 c
80686 Munich, German
Phone +49 89 1205-1333
presse@zv.fraunhofer.de

SOURCE: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft