CNIO Board Demands Clarity Amid Discontent and Leadership Concerns
The board of the National Center for Oncological Research (CNIO) convened this Tuesday to address significant issues regarding the institution's current economic and labor situation. They sought to clarify the decisions and conditions that have contributed to the center's current state, ultimately opting not to approve the proposed Action Plan for 2025. Instead, they instructed the CNIO to present a new proposal in the coming weeks.
This decision signals rising concerns among board members over the management of CNIO, which operates under a dual leadership structure. In an effort to address these issues, the board has requested separate reports from the scientific director and the management team, highlighting the urgency of evaluating the organization's functionality and governance.
Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities sources indicate that an extraordinary meeting is scheduled in four weeks to review the new Action Plan and management reports. The board, led by General Secretary for Research Eva Ortega-Paíno, has also suspended activities related to the CNIOArt Program and mandated an independent audit of its operations.
The atmosphere within the center has become increasingly tense, punctuated by a recent letter from a faction of scientists addressed to the Government. This group has called for an international search for a new scientific director to replace María Blasco, who has held the position since 2011. They argue that while financial constraints due to budget freezes are a factor, they are not solely responsible for the current issues. The researchers emphasized a perceived lack of institutional vision that has resulted in deteriorating infrastructure, difficulties in securing competitive funding, and a disconnect between the management team and CNIO staff.
Despite these troubles, ministry representatives remind stakeholders that the CNIO is a leading cancer research facility in Spain and the second-best in Europe according to the Nature Index. Currently, the center is benefiting from unprecedented levels of public funding, receiving regular governmental support for equipment enhancements. This includes an allocation of one million euros for annual improvements plus an additional one million euros this year, reinforcing the government’s commitment to equip the CNIO to continue its vital scientific work.
The Spanish Government asserts its dedication to ensuring that the CNIO is furnished with the necessary resources for its mission to advance cancer research and improve outcomes. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as the center strives to navigate these challenges and restore confidence among its staff and the scientific community.
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