We study how tissues and organs develop and function in health and disease
Molecular biology underpins our understanding of life, but the human body is more than just a collection of incredible molecules and fascinating cell types. The correct functioning of our bodies also depends on a higher level of organisation: how millions of different cells interact with each other – chemically, physically and dynamically – to form healthy tissues and organs.
At EMBL Barcelona, we go beyond the molecular and cellular scale to ask questions such as:
To tackle these grand challenges, we combine an interdisciplinary mix of approaches. We integrate molecular and cellular data with tissue engineering, multicellular omics, 3D mesoscopic imaging, computer modelling and gene circuits. Currently our research topics cover embryonic organoids, organ development, in vitro vascular models and disease modelling.
In this highly collaborative and international environment, EMBL researchers benefit from partnerships and collaborations with the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), and other pioneering research institutes, both on campus and in the region. Perched on the Barcelona seafront, and within walking distance of the city’s iconic architecture, the site is bathed in the energy of this bustling, creative metropolis.
The Head of EMBL Barcelona is Dr. James Sharpe.
In vitro 3D blood-brain barrier model and cerebral malaria
Organoid models of neuroendocrine development and cancer
Engineering vascularised tissue-specific disease models
Multicellular systems biology
Self-organisation in the central nervous system
Computational modelling of multicellular systems
Self-organization in multi-cellular systems
A pioneering tool that enables 3D imaging of biological tissues, combining the ability to capture fine details with the capacity to study relatively large samples for extended periods of time.
A community space at Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), that enables micro- and macro-fabrication of parts through rapid prototyping. The project is promoted by by EMBL Barcelona, the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), the University Pompeu Fabra (UPF) and PRBB.
A hub for research which aims to bring together experts from different disciplines to work on modelling and predictive biology. This is a joint project between EMBL Barcelona and CRG.
EMBL Barcelona has built strong ties within the PRBB community and the rest of the Spanish scientific landscape.
Fostering EMBL’s missions to perform fundamental research as well as to integrate European life science research, EMBL Barcelona has established key collaborations in the following areas.
Analysing data to unravel biological complexity
Understanding how cells work and how they are organised
How single cells give rise to complex organisms
Understanding the causes of disease to find new treatments
How assemblies of cells develop, work, and heal
Barcelona is a highly visited destination for tourists and hosts many events and conferences all year around.
EMBL Barcelona is located at the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), on the seafront, in the Olympic Village of Barcelona.
General Enquiries
Email: info@embl.es
Phone: +34 936 282 700
Press
Carla Manzanas
Email: media@embl.org
Phone: +34 691 12 32 53
EMBL Barcelona
C/ Dr. Aiguader, 88
PRBB Building
08003 Barcelona
Spain
With support from more than 30 countries, laboratories at six sites across Europe and thousands of scientists and engineers working together, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is a powerhouse of biological expertise. EMBL is an intergovernmental organisation, headquartered in Heidelberg, and was founded in 1974 with the mission of promoting molecular biology research in Europe, training young scientists, and developing new technologies.
EMBL currently employs more than 1800 people in Barcelona, Grenoble, Hamburg, Heidelberg, EMBL-EBI Hinxton (near Cambridge), and Rome.
Publishing hundreds of research articles and hosting dozens of conferences every year, EMBL is driving visionary fundamental research and training Europe’s future scientific talent.
