The wide range of state-of-the-art facilities and multiple models available, along with on-site partner companies and ongoing technical research means that the CMCiB assessors can work with you to design unique research methodologies. We are available to discuss your projects, from basic biology to experimental surgery.
Research
Your project at the CMCiB
The CMCiB is a complex multidisciplinary facility designed to meet the needs of comparative medical research and users of the latest bioimaging technology. The staff of the CMCiB are available for research or training enquiries and proposals from anywhere in the world.
Studies being carried out in the centre include an extensive range of research projects, from pre-clinical to clinical using fly, fish, small and large animal models. The number of research centres on the campus means that active projects cover a wide spectrum of biomedical research. All projects aim to further the advance of translating the latest results into improved clinical practice.
Technical research on site provides exciting opportunities to collaborate with developing technologies. Our extensive bioimaging services include techniques under development and in the process of validation. Research groups developing new computational analysis methods and mathematical modelling can refine and revolutionize experimental procedures.
The purpose-built installation has state-of-the-art biocontainment (conventional, barrier and biosecurity level 3) areas with integrated laboratory and surgical facilities. The fully equipped operating theatres can be configured according to needs and are ideal for refining advanced surgical techniques, testing and validating medical devices or training healthcare professionals.
The in-house CMCiB staff include experts in the areas of husbandry, surgery and bioimaging who will be happy to answer your enquires about all aspects of your research. Specialist personnel from our partner companies are also on hand to discuss how the technology available can best serve your research project.
What we offer
Biocontainment
The infrastructure is equipped for biocontainment of animal models and includes conventional, immunosuppressed, and biosecurity level 3 housing. Service areas have been designed with built-in sterilization equipment at entry points so that maintenance can be carried out without entering working areas. This integrated organizational design means that the system is geared to carrying out research and service activities simultaneously and independently, with domotic systems in place to control conditions and processes.
Operating theatres
Ample operating space is available for small and large animals and can be configured according to needs. Four modular experimental theatres can provide up to 8 work stations. They are provided with integrated minimal invasive surgical and imaging technologies.
Laboratories
The laboratories are integrated with the different areas for biocontainment. Each one is designed to provide maximum security and to optimize the work flow.
Bioimaging
A distinguishing feature of the CMCiB is the level of technology available in general and in the field of diagnostic imaging in particular. In order to comply with the 3R policies and meet the objectives of reducing the number of subjects used in each process an array of imaging techniques are essential to the work of the centre. Equipment currently available includes:
3 Tesla MRI, a vasular interventional radiology laboratory, surgical C arm, ultrasound, 3D laparoscopy and endoscopy for large animal models and MicroCT, luminescence and fluorescence in vivo imaging systems for small animal models or tissues.
The Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee CEEA
All work at the CMCiB must comply with current Spanish and European legislation regulating ethical research and animal welfare. To ensure this, in July 2018 the Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee (CEEA) of the Comparative Medicine and Bioimage Centre of Catalonia (CEEA-CMCiB) of the IGTP was set up to ensure a rapid, transparent approval of proposed experiments according to international standards and an effective monitoring body.
Functions:
- Checking and approval of all research project proposals ensuring that the appropriateness of the procedure in relation to the objectives of the study, the relevant conclusions can be reached with the smallest number of animals and that the effect on the animals is not disproportional in relation to the potential benefits of the research
- Acting as an intermediate between the Government of the Catalonia and the researchers who will carry out the research
- Quantifying and reporting on the functioning of the centre regarding animal welfare, veterinary reports, periodic checks carried out by the committee and acting on comments received from users of the centre
- Reporting on the state of the centre's facilities for animal housing and research and revision of reports for the Management of the institute (IGTP)
Legal Framework
Work at the CMCiB complies with the following Spanish and European laws:
- Law 5/1995, 21 June, Protection of Animals used in Scientific Experiments
- Decree 214/1997, 30 July, Regulation of use of animals for Scientific Experiments
- Royal Decree 1201/2005, 10 de octuber, for the protection of animals used in experiments and for other scientific purposes.
- European Parliament Directive 2010/63/EU and Council of 22 September 2010 regarding protection of animals used for scientific purposes
- Royal Decree 53/2013 1 February establishing basic rules applicable to the protection of animals used in experiments and for other scientific purposes including teaching
- Law 6/2013, 11 June modifying Law 32/2007, 7 November for the care, use, transport, experimentation and euthanasia of animals
Transparency
The IGTP has set up the CMCiB to carry out essential biomedical research to improve healthcare and quality of life of citizens while fully following a 3R policy to: reduce the number of animals used, refine techniques to maximize welfare and where possible to replace animal subjects.
In line with this objective the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP) has joined the agreement on Openness on Animal Research, promoted from the Federation of Scientific Societies in Spain (COSCE), with the collaboration of the European Association of Research Animals (EARA) launched on 20 September 2016.
