The research institute at Hospital Sant Pau in Barcelona has a new leader—Manuel Esteller, one of Spain’s most renowned experts in epigenetics and cancer. His appointment has become a major event for the scientific community, as his work is cited worldwide and his achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards.
Esteller, who previously headed the Josep Carreras Institute for Research, will now focus on developing new directions at Sant Pau. His mission is to build a strong team dedicated to cutting-edge research in epigenetics, personalized medicine, and translational oncology. This means the institute aims not only to study the underlying mechanisms of diseases, but also to apply discoveries in practice—so that patients can receive more precise and effective treatments.
A new chapter for Sant Pau and Esteller
Esteller’s move to Sant Pau came shortly after he stepped down from his leadership role at the Carreras Institute, where he had worked since 2019. There, he encountered internal disagreements and was relieved of his administrative duties but continued his scientific work. Now, as part of a new team, he has the opportunity not only to continue his research but also to build his own group—opening up new prospects for himself and the institute.
In scientific circles, Esteller is known as someone who can attract funding and top specialists. His experience in building international collaborations could help Sant Pau become one of the leading biomedical research centers in Europe. For Barcelona, this marks another step toward reinforcing the city’s status as a major scientific hub on the continent.
Contributions to Science and Recognition
Throughout his career, Manuel Esteller led the epigenetics and cancer biology program at the Bellvitge Institute (Idibell) for nearly twenty years. He is a member of the Royal Academy of Medicine of Catalonia and has received several prestigious awards, including the Jaume I Prize and the National Science Prize of Catalonia. His research focuses on how epigenetic mechanisms influence the development of tumors and other diseases, paving the way for new approaches to diagnostics and therapy.
With Esteller’s arrival at Sant Pau, new projects aimed at studying gene regulation and introducing innovative treatments are expected. The event has already sparked interest among young scientists and investors, who see the institute as a promising ground for advancing the medicine of the future.
Prospects for Patients and Science
For patients, this means that Sant Pau may soon launch new clinical programs based on the latest discoveries in epigenetics. The personalized treatment approach actively promoted by Esteller could improve therapy outcomes and reduce side effects. For the scientific community, it offers the opportunity to collaborate with one of Europe’s leading experts and participate in international projects.
Thus, the appointment of Manuel Esteller at Sant Pau is more than just a staffing decision—it’s a significant step for Spanish medicine as a whole. It opens up new opportunities for research, collaboration, and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies in healthcare.
