IBEC researcher Samuel Sánchez has been honored with the 2023 Constantes y Vitales Award in the “Young Talent in Biomedical Research” category for his work on designing self-propelled nanorobots capable of delivering drugs within the human body. This initiative, presented by LaSexta and AXA Foundation, aims to foster biomedical research in Spain and spotlight the contributions of its scientists.
On November 3rd, the 9th edition of the Constantes y Vitales Awards for Biomedical Research and Health Prevention was held. These awards serve as an annual recognition by laSexta and the AXA Foundation to acknowledge the research and prevention efforts of Spanish scientists in the field of health. The individuals and initiatives distinguished this year were announced during a ceremony at the Neptune Palace in Madrid, which was hosted by journalist Mamen Mendizábal, the ambassador of the initiative.
One of the award recipients at the event was Samuel Sánchez, an ICREA research professor and the leader of the IBEC Smart nano-bio-devices group. He is also a member of the Young Academy of Spain. Sánchez was honored with the Constantes y Vitales Award in the “Young Talent in Biomedical Research” category, which includes a prize of 100,000 euros to support and ensure the continuation of the research he is currently leading.
“Thanks to the Constantes y Vitales award for granting us this visibility and enabling us to reach people. People who are watching TV today, believing in the importance of science and witnessing your support”
Samuel Sánchez
“Thanks to the Constantes y Vitales award for granting us this visibility and enabling us to reach people. People who are watching TV today, believing in the importance of science and witnessing your support,” said Sanchez after receiving the award from Silvio González, Executive Vice President of Atresmedia. Furthermore, he emphasized the significance of investing in science and supporting young researchers in Spain.
Samuel Sánchez’s research is focused on designing self-propelled nanorobots that navigate within the human body, carrying precise drug dosages, for instance, delivering them to the core of a tumor to combat cancer.
Nanorobots (self-propelled nanoparticles) are based on an extremely innovative and disruptive technology, and Samuel Sánchez’s group stands as a global leader in biomedical applications. Particularly in oncology, his research holds significant value, and the results achieved so far are very promising. The success of in vivo results solidifies nanobot technology as a novel drug delivery method with substantial potential in the field of nanomedicine, aiming to improve patients’ quality of life by reducing side effects and hospitalization costs.
The 2023 Award-Winning Scientists and Initiatives
The winners of this ninth edition were chosen by the members of the Committee of Experts on Constantes y Vitales from a total of 66 nominations. This committee comprises professionals with recognized prestige in the fields of scientific and medical research, including specialists such as Jesús García-Foncillas López, Fátima Bosh, Josep Brugada, Ángela Nieto, Carlos Camps, Ángela Milla, Bartolomé Beltrán, Mariano Barbacid, Pedro Duque, María Sanz Vicente, Javier García Martínez, Alfredo Carrato, Ramón Reyes, María José Alonso, and Gloria González-Aseguinolaza.
For the selection and evaluation of the candidates, the State Research Agency (AEI) collaborated in the case of the ‘Young Talent’ Award, and the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) was involved in the best biomedical publication category. More information about the winners of this edition, which received almost fifty nominations, as well as their research work, can be found in greater detail at www.constantesyvitales.com.
