We have inaugurated the new research building!

In 2017, an international architecture competition was launched with a view to constructing the new Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) research building. Seven years on, a building covering 16,792 m2, dedicated to research activity, has been inaugurated. This iconic building, which has its own identity and represents the values of innovation and excellence that underpin our daily work, is one of the first parts of the new Vall d’Hebron.

On December 2^nd, The President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, inaugurated the new building together with the Catalan Minister for Research and Universities, Núria Montserrat; and the Catalan Minister for Health, Olga Pané.

The President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, praised this new space for its “new architecture, patient-oriented applied research and its proximity and connection to the public”. He went on to state that “this inauguration is an opportunity to raise our voice in support of research and against denialism. The fact that we have progressed so far in recent years is thanks to science”.

Dr. Begoña Benito, director of the VHIR, reflected on the growth of the institution over the past decade before discussing its future in the new building. She stated that “this is the space where the main challenges of the future must be met, including the development of advanced therapies and immunomodulation and the promotion of data use and artificial intelligence in research, while never losing sight of the fact that we are a research centre linked to a hospital which covers all medical specialities. Therefore, our priorities will always be cross-cutting, seeking to drive research across all fields at the same time”.

Before its official inauguration, the new VHIR building welcomed nearly 600 professionals from the Vall d’Hebron Campus between September 5 and 13. These exclusive visits provided an opportunity for researchers and healthcare professionals to explore the cutting-edge facilities and gain insight into how scientific advancements will take shape in this innovative space. In October 2024, the building also became a featured site in the 48h Open House Barcelona festival, allowing 544 citizens to discover its architecture and purpose through eight guided tours.

Following the inauguration, VHIR continued to open its doors to the public. On March 15, 2025, an Open House Day was held, where around 500 visitors had the chance to explore the new research facilities and learn about key projects led by VHIR research groups. This event reinforced the institute’s commitment to fostering a closer connection between science and society, making biomedical research more accessible to everyone.

In mid-January 2020, the Government of Catalonia (Generalitat) officially announced the granting of a €17.3 million loan to the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) for the construction of the new Vall d’Hebron research building. This financial contribution, together with funding from European Regional Development Fund of Catalonia 2021-2027 (€12 million), the “la Caixa” Foundation (€3 million), Ferrer (€250,000), VHIR’s own resources and donations from other private donors, will enable the total investment of €40 million required for the construction of the new facility, in addition to €3 million allocated to equip it with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure. Moreover, an additional €19.9 million will be allocated to cover the cost of the cyclotron, which includes PET/CT and PET/MRI imaging equipment, fully financed through REACT-EU and Next Generation EU funds. Additionally, over the next four years, €2 million from the Generalitat’s annual operating transfer will be earmarked for the building, as approved by the VHIR Board of Trustees.