Institute of Biomedical Technologies

Programs, groups and lines of research

The ITB's scientific activity is structured around three research programs that group the institute's lines of research and research groups according to their thematic focus. This structure, reviewed and consolidated within the framework of the latest strategic plan, fosters synergies between groups with complementary objectives and facilitates the development of interdisciplinary, translational research projects.

Each program is coordinated by one or more researchers who are members of the institute and brings together established research groups, defined as units with a principal investigator, research trainees and postdoctoral staff, active competitive funding, and proven scientific output. In addition, the institute includes groups with complementary activities and service units that support the work of the main groups.

Each group's section describes its composition, research areas, active funded projects, and most relevant publications during the 2024-2025 period. The complete list of publications is also available on the University of La Laguna's Research Portal.

Genetic and rare diseases

This program investigates the genetic and molecular basis of cancer, diseases with high prevalence in the Canary Islands such as diabetes or asthma, and rare metabolic diseases, with the ultimate goal of improving prevention, diagnosis and the development of more effective therapies with the pharmaceutical industry.

It is enriched by the unique genomic characteristics of the Canary Islands population, a result of North African and European mixing and island phenomena such as the founder effect. In the medium and long term, this area is geared towards promoting personalized medicine and collaborating with the pharmaceutical industry.

The program also includes research groups focused on identifying therapeutic targets and early drug development, as well as personalizing cancer treatments.


List of groups (click to expand information)

Chronic diseases related to aging

This program focuses on the study of the biological basis of the main human diseases associated with aging and on the search for new therapeutic strategies.

The severity and prevalence of these pathologies increase with age, which, together with the progressive aging of the European population, generates a significant health and economic impact.

These are complex diseases that affect multiple body systems, requiring a comprehensive approach based on prevention, the development of innovative therapies, and the promotion of healthy lifestyle habits.


List of groups (click to expand information)

Neurobiology and diseases of the nervous system

This program brings together groups that investigate the biology and pathology of the nervous system. Their lines of research include the study of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuronal vulnerability, the role of membrane proteins and signaling molecules in excitable cells, and the analysis of brain function and the biological basis of cognition.

To this end, electrophysiological, molecular, morphological and neuroimaging approaches are used, along with the development of innovative animal models to investigate the genetic basis of neurodegeneration.

This multidimensional strategy provides a comprehensive view of the nervous system and lays the foundation for identifying new therapeutic targets against neurodegenerative diseases.

List of groups (click to expand information)

A. Cellular and molecular neurobiology

B. Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience