Training Program in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Applied to Cancer Research Training for the Future of Cancer Research

The Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO) has launched an ambitious Training Program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data applied to Cancer Research, with the aim of equipping professionals with advanced digital technologies capable of transforming cancer research.
This initiative is part of the Programme for the Attraction and Retention of Talent in Artificial Intelligence and Cancer, a strategic project designed to position CNIO at the forefront of computational oncology and strengthen its scientific and technological leadership in Europe.

This plan demonstrates a firm commitment to biomedical data science and digital innovation in oncology, reinforcing CNIO’s dedication to interdisciplinary, open, and translationally oriented research.

Program Objectives

The program is designed to train 14 professionals —including researchers, technicians, and scientific staff— in Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and computational methods applied to biomedical and cancer research.

Over four years (240 ECTS), participants will develop skills in three major areas:

1. Artificial Intelligence and Big Data
   • Predictive modelling, machine learning, and biomedical data analysis.
   • Development of digital tools for cancer research.
2. Oncological and Biomedical Research
   • Application of AI to diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy discovery.
   • Participation in high-impact multidisciplinary projects.
3. Cross-cutting Skills and Scientific Leadership
   • Scientific communication, project management, and international collaboration.
   • Participation in conferences, research stays at centres of excellence, and leadership training.

Structure and Methodology

The program combines theoretical training, practical experience, and applied research, with personalised supervision for each participant.
Research projects focus on cutting-edge areas such as:

• Digital genomics and cancer bioinformatics.
• Biomolecular design and structural nanomedicine.
• Computational oncology and biomedical image analysis.
• AI applications in diagnostics and personalised medicine.

Each participant follows an individual training plan that includes project development, attendance at conferences, international research stays, and advanced technical training.

Participants

The program incorporates 14 professionals selected through competitive calls, who will carry out their projects in various CNIO groups and units, working closely with their mentors.
Each trainee receives scientific and training guidance to ensure optimal progress throughout the program.

Research areas include:

• Digital genomics and mutational signature analysis.
• Identification of biomarkers using AI.
• Development of computational solutions for research groups.
• AI-driven protein and nanomedicine design.
• AI applications in therapeutic discovery.
• Predictive models for drug development.
• AI-based analysis of tumour interaction networks.
• Integrated analysis of clinical and genomic datasets.
• AI tools for cellular imaging, spatial transcriptomics, and clinical data.
• AI methodologies for clinical and epidemiological studies.
• Advanced algorithms for tumour characterisation and therapy response prediction.

Funding and Institutional Support

This program is funded through the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility – Next Generation EU, under Investment 4 of Component 19 of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, via the Red.es call for programmes dedicated to attracting and retaining talent in Artificial Intelligence.

Through this support, CNIO strengthens its commitment to excellence in training, the incorporation of emerging talent, and international leadership at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and cancer.