Description
This Thematic Network brings together IBEC researchers to explore cutting-edge developments in various aspects of the central nervous system (CNS), ranging from basic research to innovative therapeutic strategies. This network promotes interdisciplinary efforts to explore new therapeutic strategies and address CNS diseases and conditions. Through a series of focused workshops, participants will explore neurodegenerative disease pathways, regeneration after CNS injury, advanced in vitro CNS modelling, overcoming therapeutic barriers such as drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier, and cutting-edge neuroengineering technologies such as soft electronics and robotic assistive devices. The network/program will culminate in a final retreat where members will discuss workshop findings, propose collaborative projects for evaluation, and assess potential innovations for future development. These collaborative efforts aim to integrate diverse knowledge, accelerate therapeutic innovation, and establish new collaborations between IBEC members interested in neuroscience.
NET-CNS counts on the participation of the following IBEC research groups:
- Biomaterials for Neural Regeneration
- Biosensors for Bioengineering
- Cellular and Molecular Mechanobiology
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology
- Molecular Bionics
- Nanobioengineering
- Nanoprobes & Nanoswitches
- Phase transitions in Health and Disease
Contact us:
Main contact: zalvarez@ibecbarcelona.eu
Other contact: joliver@ibecbarcelona.eu
Network Members
Network Coordinator:
Zaida Álvarez
Junior Group Leader
She works on the development of tailored biomaterial strategies to reverse paralysis, the creatin of human spinal cord organoids and 3D-printed spinal cord constructs for in vitro injury studies and treatment evaluation.
Network Representatives:
Benedetta Bolognesi
Group Leader
She works on the development of deep mutational scanning strategies to study protein induced toxicity and protein aggregation.
José Antonio del Río
Group Leader
He works on different tauopathies and on the development of in vitro models using microfluidics, and neurons derived from hiPSCs.
Carolina Rodríguez-Gallo
Postdoctoral Researcher
She works on the development of new tools for organ-on-a-chip devices.
Daniel Gonzalez-Carter
Ramón y Cajal Researcher
He works on developing systems to achieve brain-specific therapeutic effects and on the generation of artificial targets to guide therapies to the brain.
Silvia Pittolo
Ramón y Cajal Researcher
She works on the development of personalized therapies for neuropsychiatry.
Amayra Hernández-Vega
Ramón y Cajal Researcher at IBEC
She works on in live-cell imaging studies, Tau phase separation, and Tau solid transition.
Jorge Oliver-De La Cruz
Postdoctoral Researcher
He works on the impact of mechanical cues in neurodegenerative diseases.
Mònica Mir
Sènior Researcher
He works on developing bioengineered models of organ on a chip with integrated monitoring systems
Network Programme
NET-CNS will organize 4 half-day workshops and a final retreat, each focusing on key topics in the central nervous system (CNS).
Each workshop will feature a seminar led by an IBEC speaker, followed by two distinguished experts, one external and one local. A final roundtable will foster a dialogue around the issues discussed during the workshop.
Workshop information.
Workshop 1: CNS Diseases and Disorders: Prevention and Treatment Pathways
Date and Venue
Friday 09/05/2025 · 09:30h – 16:30 h
Sala Baobab, Tower I, Floor 11 (PCB)
The first workshop of NET-CNS will focus on will focus on exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and CNS pathology, as well as emerging therapies and prevention strategies.
Confirmed speakers: Dr. Amaia Arranz (Achucarro) and Dr. Salvador Ventura (Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, IBB)
Full programme to be announced soon.
Workshop 2: Neuroengineering Strategies for CNS: Interfaces, Regeneration and Recovery
Date and Venue
Friday 23/10/2025 · 09:30h – 14:00 h
Dolors Aleu room, Cluster II, Parc Científic de Barcelona (PCB)
The second workshop of NET-CNS will explore advances in stem cell therapy, biomaterials for CNS repair, and the latest techniques in neural regeneration.
Programme to be announced.
Workshop 3: Overcoming Therapeutic Barriers in CNS
Date and programme to be announced.
This third workshop will focus on organoids, lab-on-chip systems, computational analysis, and other in vitro models of the CNS in healthy and diseased states.
Workshop 4: Innovation in CNS Modeling: Cutting-edge in Vitro Systems
This fourth workshop will focus on innovations in drug delivery systems, crossing the blood-brain barrier, local delivery of drugs, and engineered proteins to read brain activity.
All IBEC groups are welcome to join the network and actively participate by sharing their insights.