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Group photo with the Friends of CNIO attending the day together with the centre’s research staff. / Laura M. Lombardía. CNIO.
Around a hundred people who contribute to cancer research in different ways have visited CNIO
“Each donation, for any amount, helps finance the salary of one of the best post-doctoral researchers in Spain,” explains the director of Philanthropy at CNIO. Donating “makes us part of the solution”
The profile of our donors is diverse: from very young people aware of the problem of cancer, to others who are older, some with a career related to medicine and science
“Investing in science is investing in health,” said researcher Bárbara Hernando, who is starting her Friends of CNIO post-doctoral contract over the coming weeks. After she spoke, her fellow researchers with Friends of CNIO contracts Lluis Cordón, Elena Jiménez, Ana M Roncero, Ivó Hernández, Clara Reglero and Yurena Vivas also took to the stage in the Margarita Salas Auditorium.
They all talked about how their work can contribute to the treatment of cancer patients to a very special audience: people who over the years have made it possible for thirty young scientists to continue researching. “Thank you” were the words heard most often throughout the day.
“It’s a pleasure to be with all of you, the Friends of CNIO,” said Maria A. Blasco, scientific director of CNIO. “With this event, we want to thank you for your unfailing support, and let you know exactly what your contributions make possible.”
This year, the annual celebration of CNIO’s philanthropy programme, the Friends of CNIO Open Day, attracted more than a hundred people who make donations to cancer research, either individually or through associations – such as Rosae, Supernenas or L@s Fuertes– and foundations –such as Fundación Domingo Martinez–. There was a record number of attendees at this event, which is in line with the fact that charitable donations to cancer research are also growing.
“Over the last two years, especially since the pandemic, people have more clearly understood the importance of basic and translational research. The message More research = less cancer is reaching people,” said Jessica Rose, director of CNIO’s Philanthropy programme.
With the Friends of CNIO initiative , CNIO establishes a direct relationship with those who want to support cancer research in major international research centres. 100% of the donations are used to employ young researchers. So far, a total of 34 researchers have been recruited through the programme.
The Friends of CNIO programme was launched in 2014. There are currently more than 2,400 Friends of CNIO, with a very varied profile: from very young people directly affected by cancer, to those who are older, often with a professional career related to medicine and science. Also, “the profile of donors is always changing,” said the Director of Philanthropy. “We have regular donors, companies, foundations and associations that contribute regularly.”
“People donate to CNIO because donating makes us part of the solution. Each donation, for any amount, directly finances the salary of one of the best post-doctoral researchers in Spain,” she added. “Especially since the pandemic, the public has more clearly understood the importance of basic and translational research, and how the work of scientists is critical to improving health outcomes.”
At the Friends of CNIO Open Day, the participants visited several laboratories and facilities within the centre.