Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas-CSIC

The Margarita Salas Centre for Biological Research (CIB Margarita Salas) is one of the most prestigious and scientifically relevant institutes within the CSIC. The CIB is an interdisciplinary centre dedicated to understanding the structure and functioning of living matter, the basis of human diseases, and the development of biotechnological processes with an impact on sustainability and society. The Centre is organised into three departments:

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning life, covering the structure and assembly of macromolecular complexes, genome integrity, gene expression, epigenetics, cell signalling, adhesion, cytoskeleton dynamics, intracellular trafficking, energy metabolism, cell division, infection, immunity, and antibiotic resistance. It also develops advanced approaches in structural, computational, and chemical biology, alongside applied research in drug discovery, immunotherapy, vaccine and antibody development, cell‑based therapies, biomaterials, and synthetic biology.

The Department of Biomedicine studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms that give rise to human diseases, developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Its research includes organelle dynamics, cell signalling involved in chemoresistance and metastasis, the identification of therapeutic targets in haematological and solid tumours, and the modulation of immune and inflammatory responses in acute and chronic diseases. It also investigates the genetic and molecular basis of neurodegenerative, mitochondrial, and rare disorders, promoting approaches such as drug repurposing. These studies rely on cellular and animal models, patient‑derived cells and tissues, and state‑of‑the‑art technologies including omics, gene editing, multidimensional flow cytometry, advanced microscopy, computational analysis, and microfluidic platforms.

The Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology conducts leading research in computational bioprospecting, biocatalyst design, synthetic biology, protein engineering, and systems biology to generate microbial cell factories and optimised consortia. It also advances the bioproduction of high‑value metabolites, the biodegradation and biodetection of pollutants, and the conversion of biomass and waste into materials, energy, and valuable chemical compounds. In addition, it investigates plant–microorganism interactions and the mechanisms determining responses to abiotic and biotic factors, fostering applications in plant health and agro‑environmental sustainability. The department includes research lines on microorganisms and arthropods affecting human health, with implications for biosurveillance, pathogenesis, and the identification of new biotechnological targets.

The technological and thematic complementarity of the departments positions the CIB as an exceptional partner for European consortia, offering a critical mass of translational expertise capable of accelerating health‑related innovation and delivering clinical and societal impact, providing innovative solutions with direct relevance to public health, biosecurity, and sustainability.

KEYWORDS
Rare diseases; pandemic preparedness; viral infections and their control; antimicrobial resistance; cardiovascular, development and ageing research; cancer; NAMs (organoids) for cancer research; neurodegenerative research (Alexander disease, Alzheimer’s, ALS, Parkinson’s, …); metabolic disabilities and mitochondrial research; immunological disorders and complement research; AI methodologies for drug discovery and inflammatory disorders; personalised medicine; biotechnology and health; non‑communicable diseases.