The IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute is an international landmark and leading centre for research into the eradication of HIV/AIDS and related diseases. IrsiCaixa researchers also tackle other biomedical challenges, such as those associated with the microbiome and emerging infectious diseases.

The IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute was created as a private non-profit foundation in 1995 with the support of “la Caixa” and the Ministry of Health of the Government of Catalonia. Its director is Dr. Bonaventura Clotet, who is also president of the Fight Infections Foundation and clinical director of infectious diseases of the territorial management of the North Metropolitan Area of the Institut Català de la Salut. IrsiCaixa is located in this hospital, next to the Fight AIDS Foundation, which makes for a unique model of collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals, patients and community representatives. This transfer of knowledge between key stakeholders makes for novel solutions that facilitate progress towards eradication of HIV infection.

IrsiCaixa research is based on a combined strategy to eradicate AIDS, based on five strategic lines that include the development of vaccines and antibodies against HIV. Twelve research groups and more than 100 researchers based at IrsiCaixa carry out translational research in collaboration with research and healthcare centres worldwide. The resulting publications are amongst those with the highest impact factors in this field. IrsiCaixa also participates in clinical trials to evaluate novel therapeutic strategies and cooperates with low-income countries in the global fight against the pandemic.

IrsiCaixa places special emphasis on the formal training of young scientists, on innovation and on transfers of knowledge generated in its laboratories.

IrsiCaixa also coordinates educational and participatory programmes aimed at promoting health and wellness and at aligning research with the needs and expectations of citizens.

In fact, advances at IrsiCaixa are achieved in constant dialogue with a community advisory committee (CAC), an external body that facilitates communication between the scientific community, health professionals, civil society organizations and patients.