The CNIO is a public research center that operates under the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. In addition to its in-house Clinical Research Units, the Clinical Research Programme has greatly expanded in the last three years through agreements with both private and public hospitals in the Madrid area. This expansion allows the CNIO to allocate resources to both basic and applied research in an integrated manner. The CNIO conducts excellent research and brings the very latest technology in the field of cancer. It is recognized today as one of the leading cancer research institutes in the world.

The Core Units (Proteomics, Genomics, Confocal Microscopy, Molecular Imaging, Mouse Genome Editing, Monoclonal Antibodies, Histopathology, and Flow Cytometry) provide the most advanced scientific and technological support services. These units meet the high-tech requirements of high-end biomedical research, ranging from genome sequencing and proteome analysis to the latest breakthroughs in molecular imaging and microscopy, among other areas. Highly qualified personnel are also available to advise and assist CNIO researchers. Therefore, through close collaboration with these experts, the full range of expertise needed for developing our projects will be assured with minimal delay.

The Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Animal Facility covers 3,000 m². All mouse strains housed in the facility are either generated within the barrier or introduced by rederivation, as no live mice are introduced into the barrier regardless of their health status. There is also an area to house a small colony of Xenopus laevis. All records concerning breeding protocols and animal inventory are computerized and stored in a web-based application accessible via intranet.

To maintain clean air in the premises, mice are housed in ventilated racks with the integration of Individually Ventilated Caging (IVC) systems into the building’s ventilation systems. Mice are manipulated in a Type II Biosecurity Cabinet. The primary responsibility of the SPF Animal Facility is to strictly comply with National, European Union, and International Recommendations regarding the use and care of animals in research, which is of paramount importance to the CNIO.

Microbiological and environmental parameters in animal areas are constantly monitored. Bedding, water, and cages are sterilized by autoclaving, and the diet is irradiated. An air shower and sterile clothes are required for anyone entering the barrier area. Daily operations and husbandry procedures are highly automated; robotic devices perform potentially hazardous tasks such as processing dirty bedding, and washing/filling cages and bottles. These automated systems also ensure the highest productivity and quality standards in our washing and sterilizing areas.