The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) and the Sant Boi City Council have jointly announced the 1st Manel Esteller Award for Initiation in Biomedical Research, addressed to pre-doctoral researchers. The selected candidate will join IJC to start his or her scientific career under the guidance of Dr. Manel Esteller, honorary citizen of Sant Boi.

The purpose of the award is to support new vocations in research and to promote biomedical research in cancer, with special emphasis on leukaemia and other haematological malignancies.

The selected candidate will obtain funding for the first two years of his or her doctoral thesis. This contribution counts with the support of local companies from Sant Boi.

The Manel Esteller Award for Initiation in Biomedical Research is addressed to pre-doctoral researchers. According to the Award’s regulations, in order to participate it is necessary to have completed undergraduate studies in Medicine, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, or other related degrees, having obtained an average grade of at least 6.5 in the academic record. In addition, it is necessary to prove a master's degree or to have enrolled this academic year 2023 in an official university master's degree that gives access to a doctoral programme.

Requirements of the call and required documents

Application form

With this call, the City Council of Sant Boi joins forces with a scientific well-renowned researcher, proving its long-term strategic commitment as a city of health and to scientific innovation, young talent and specialized training in one of the sectors with greater weight in its local economy.

The presentation of the award took place last March at the Sant Joan de Déu Health Park, in a ceremony chaired by the Minister of Science and Innovation, Diana Morant.

Dr. Manel Esteller is a world-renowned doctor and researcher highly recognized for his fight against cancer. He is the current director of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), ICREA research professor and professor of Genetics at the University of Barcelona (UB). Dr. Esteller's research has enabled to understand the contribution of epigenetic alterations in several human pathologies, particularly in cancer, and to obtain their biomarkers, as well as to develop new treatments. In 2002, the Sant Boi City Council awarded him the title of honorary citizen of Sant Boi.