The year 2025 has been one of consolidation, maturity and preparedness for the future at the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR).
Consolidating today,
preparing tomorrow
VHIRspective 2025
by the Director, Begoña Benito, MD PhD
TOP STORIES
A year of science, people and innovation
RESEARCH
Top Scientific Advances
Explore the following videos featuring some of the year’s most significant research highlights from our COREs/Missions.
INSTITUTIONAL
Main achievements of the strategic plan 2021-2025
The VHIR Strategic Plan 2021–2025 was structured around twelve strategic lines articulated across four key perspectives: results, customers, processes, and organisation.
INNOVATION
The Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) has launched the NEUROAGE network
Vall d’Hebron coordinates the NEUROAGE network to accelerate the impact of research on ageing and neurodegenerative diseases
PEOPLE
People & Culture Milestones in 2025
fostering fair recruitment, career growth, and an inclusive, stimulating research environment.
TOPIC
Paediatric and Perinatal Research Hub: key milestones in 2025
Throughout 2025, the Paediatric and Perinatal Research Hub has consolidated a period of growth and transformation.
HIGHLIGHTS
Institutional and research most relevant news
OUR KEY FIGURES
A snapshot of our research activity and impact
2703
Total staff
1353
Research staff
66.33
%
Women staff
1624
Number of publications
542
Publications in D1
41.56
%
Publications leadership
197
New project & HR grants
19.85
M€
Grants funding
777
Ongoing projects
16
New intramural projects & HR grants
1.07
M€
Intramural investment in 2025
63
Active intramural projects & HR grants
244
New clinical studies
1088
Active clinical studies
825
New patient inclusion
26
New protected assets
28
New public-private collaboration projects
1.2
M€
Revenue from innovation
RESEARCH
An overview of our research groups’ achievements
Diagnosis, Treatment & Technology
This research area drives the development of innovative diagnostic tools, cutting-edge therapies and transformative health technologies to advance precision and personalised medicine. By integrating translational research across imaging, omics, digital health, advanced therapies, nanomedicine and innovative surgical approaches, the programme aims to accelerate the delivery of impactful solutions that improve patients’ health and quality of life.
236
Number of publications
53.81
%
% Q1
25
%
% D1
68.22
%
% Leadership
55.28
%
% Female Leadership
2
CROWN (2021-2025)
14.94
%
HCP10% (2021-2025)
69.92
%
% Open access
30.51
%
% International Collaboration
34
Highly cited papers / HCP 1% (2021-2025)
14
Publications in high-IF journals with high Altmetric scores
112
Number of Ongoing Projectes (total)
18
International ongoing projects
15
Number of New projects (total)
1
International new projects
7
Number of Active clinical Trials
1
Number of New Clinical Trials
18
Number of Theses
RESEARCH GROUPS
Cancer
Cancer area directs its efforts to unveil and understand the mechanisms of the cancer origin and progression. The ultimate goal is to translate this knowledge into new diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic solutions to improve the outcome and quality of life of cancer patients. Our bench to bed comprehensive research includes the generation of relevant disease models, biomarker studies, drug development and clinical trials.
157
Number of publications
62.42
%
% Q1
32.48
%
% D1
40.76
%
% Leadership
54.69
%
% Female Leadership
2.07
CROWN (2021-2025)
22.09
%
HCP10% (2021-2025)
66.24
%
% Open access
50.96
%
% International Collaboration
21
Highly cited papers / HCP 1% (2021-2025)
17
Publications in high-IF journals with high Altmetric scores
89
Number of Ongoing Projectes (total)
18
International ongoing projects
19
Number of New projects (total)
3
International new projects
88
Number of Active clinical Trials
12
Number of New Clinical Trials
6
Number of Theses
RESEARCH GROUPS
Brain, Mind & Behaviour
The groups affiliated to this research area are focused on the study of diseases affecting the brain, mind and/or behaviour. These clinical conditions have a high personal, social and economic burden, leading to disability and reducing quality and life. By integrating basic, clinical and translational research, the area seeks to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies, enhancing patients’ quality of life and well-being while generating a positive impact on society.
405
Number of publications
73.58
%
% Q1
38.02
%
% D1
43.70
%
% Leadership
40.11
%
% Female Leadership
3.30
CROWN (2021-2025)
28.42
%
HCP10% (2021-2025)
69.38
%
% Open access
59.51
%
% International Collaboration
117
Highly cited papers / HCP 1% (2021-2025)
57
Publications in high-IF journals with high Altmetric scores
169
Number of Ongoing Projectes (total)
19
International ongoing projects
42
Number of New projects (total)
5
International new projects
167
Number of Active clinical Trials
53
Number of New Clinical Trials
15
Number of Theses
RESEARCH GROUPS
Chronic & Prevalent Diseases
This research area focuses on understanding and addressing chronic and prevalent diseases across the life course, as well as the challenges and opportunities of healthy ageing. Through transformative and person-centred research, it aims to improve prevention, diagnosis and care strategies that enhance quality of life, promote healthy longevity and contribute to the well-being of individuals and society.
624
Number of publications
71.15
%
% Q1
33.01
%
% D1
44.55
%
% Leadership
43.88
%
% Female Leadership
2.81
CROWN (2021-2025)
25.47
%
HCP10% (2021-2025)
64.58
%
% Open access
52.88
%
% International Collaboration
159
Highly cited papers / HCP 1% (2021-2025)
58
Publications in high-IF journals with high Altmetric scores
193
Number of Ongoing Projectes (total)
21
International ongoing projects
61
Number of New projects (total)
5
International new projects
269
Number Active clinical Trials
57
Number of New Clinical Trials
21
Number of Theses
RESEARCH GROUPS
Infectious, Systemic & Acute Disorders
This research area addresses infectious, systemic and acute disorders that represent major challenges to individual and public health, from common conditions to emerging health threats. By integrating innovative, translational and multidisciplinary research, it advances prevention, early diagnosis and treatment strategies that improve patient outcomes, enhance preparedness for future challenges and contribute to more resilient and sustainable healthcare systems.
399
Number of publications
67.42
%
% Q1
27.32
%
% D1
43.36
%
% Leadership
42.20
%
% Female Leadership
2.45
CROWN (2021-2025)
23.36
%
HCP10% (2021-2025)
69.42
%
% Open access
51.38
%
% International Collaboration
76
Highly cited papers / HCP 1% (2021-2025)
38
Publications in high-IF journals with high Altmetric scores
102
Number of Ongoing Projectes (total)
13
International ongoing projects
26
Number of New projects (total)
1
International new projects
137
Number of Active clinical Trials
31
Number of New Clinical Trials
9
Number of Theses
RESEARCH GROUPS
SCIENTIFIC IMAGES
The best images from the 2025 Vall d’Hebron Scientific Photography Contest
PARTNERS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In this section we want to thank the support of the board of trustees and other governing bodies, the entities that have placed their trust in us by financing research projects, as well as all the citizens and patient’s associations because through their private donations they contribute to providing research funds.
And, finally, to the patients and their families for their generosity in helping us on a day-to-day basis, whether in defining our mission, placing themselves at the center of research since they are the first to benefit, either as volunteers in the clinical trials.
