Antonio Pérez Martínez, head of the IdiPAZ-CNIO Pediatric Oncohematology Clinical Research Unit, has received the Spanish Royal National Academy of Medicine (RANME) Award, a recognition that includes the title of corresponding academician and the academic body’s medal.
“Since the beginning of my higher education I have focused my career on pediatrics, with the firm intention of improving the health of such a particularly vulnerable population as children”, said the new academician. “In particular, I have focused my work on tackling one of the most complex and devastating diseases, pediatric cancer.”
“To advance in this challenge, I have defined what I consider to be the essential pillars of my career, interdependent and complementary to each other: the design and application of innovative advanced therapies in clinical practice, supported by disruptive translational and clinical research, and both complemented by the training and commitment of young researchers, doctors, and teachers. On a day-to-day basis, my efforts are focused on bringing these pillars to their maximum potential,” he added.
Antonio Pérez with the Spanish Royal National Academy of Medicine Award. /Courtesy of RANME
The RANME has presented 12 awards, which “recognize the work, vocation, and career of Spanish medical professionals, as well as those who are dedicated to raising its profile,” according to the institution. “They are all profiles from the health sector who stand out for their professional excellence, ethical commitment, and contribution to the advancement of medicine and scientific dissemination, values that the Academy has championed since its creation in 1734.”
At the Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO) Antonio Pérez heads the IdiPAZ-CNIO Pediatric Oncohematology Clinical Research Unit, which conducts research so that new immunotherapies -more effective and with fewer side effects than conventional treatments- can be made available to children and adolescents.