CNIC was founded in 1999. Its mission is to improve cardiovascular health in the general population by producing a theoretical knowledge base, transferring it to clinical practice and giving new researchers comprehensive training. For the leading international position in the field of cardiovascular research, CNIC received the “Severo Ochoa” distinction from the Spanish government. The CNIC building can accommodate more than 500 scientists and is fitted with latest generation technological equipment. Its international reach is an outstanding achievement with successful strategic alliances and strong links with academia, i.e.: Mount Sinai School of Medicine (New York, USA), Tufts University (Massachusetts, USA), Ferrer International, Philips Healthcare, etc. The CNIC Technical Units provide key scientific services; its core support facilities include proteomics, genomics, cellomics, dynamic and quantitative microscopy, bioinformatics, gene targeting, viral vectors, transgenesis and cell culture suites. CNIC has one of the most advanced animal facilities in Europe for research involving animals. Since 2004, it has received more than 25 M€ from international competitive sources and ca. 50 M€ from national funds. Although CNIC has only 33 research groups, it participated in 29 projects funded under FP7 and 9 H2020 projects. 21 Marie Curie projects have been awarded to CNIC, including 2 coordinated ITNs and 2 COFUND projects. 5 ERC projects were awarded to CNIC under FP, and 2 under H2020 (ANGIOGenesHD & YOUNGatHEART). CNIC coordinates 3 HEALTH projects: FOCUS (FP7), CARE-MI (FP7), SECURE (H2020), and participates in 4 others as a partner (2 in H2020). CNIC has the experience of participation in COST actions, and obtaining important private international funding from i.e. Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Bayer, and Progeria. Training is among the CNIC’s principal areas of activity. The Centre’s training activities are coordinated under the CNIC-JOVEN Training Plan, which includes programmes at all levels, from secondary education to the training of postdoctoral researchers, such as the training programmes for young Medical Professionals (Res@cnic; CARDIO-IMAGE, CardioJoven; INVESMIR); for bachelor students (International PhD Programme CNIC-La Caixa; Predoctoral Programme, Master Programme; Cardiovascular Postgraduate Programme); undergraduate programmes (CICERONE and ACERCATE). In 2014, around 500 people were enrolled in diverse training programmes and workshops. Ongoing international training projects: COFUND CNIC-IPP for the recruitment of postdoctoral researchers; COFUND CNIC-IIF for the recruitment of group leaders; ITNs coordinated projects (ITN-IDT-2013. CardioNext. ITN-2011. CardioNet), and 3 ITNs as a Partner.
