Español
Health research is once again a key priority on the Spanish public agenda. The Government has approved the Strategic Action in Health 2026with a budget of over €152 million, 36% more than in 2018. It is the main source of funding for health R&D&I in Spain and is channelled through the Carlos III Health Institute.
Beyond the figures, there is an important lesson to be learnt from this news. Biomedical research requires continuity. It cannot be built on isolated initiatives or projects that come and go. It requires teams, contracts, infrastructure, competitive funding schemes and an ever-closer link between science, hospitals and the healthcare system.
The Strategic Health Action programme funds research projects, research staff contracts, mobility schemes, international collaboration, independent clinical research and knowledge transfer. In its presentation of the AES 2026, the ISCIII highlights priorities such as childhood cancer, infectious diseases, neurodegenerative disorders and preparedness for future pandemics and health crises.
These are particularly sensitive areas. Childhood cancer requires specific research because it cannot always be addressed using the same models as adult cancer. Infectious diseases have returned to the forefront of the debate in the wake of the pandemic and in light of the rise in certain outbreaks. Neurodegenerative diseases represent one of the major challenges facing an increasingly ageing society. And preparing for future health crises can no longer be considered an exceptional measure.
Spain has a highly valuable healthcare research ecosystem: teaching hospitals, healthcare research institutes, public research centres, universities, clinical networks, biobanks, technology platforms and groups with expertise in clinical trials. However, this potential requires stable funding in order to grow and, above all, to translate results into practice.
That is one of the key points. Health research is not just about publishing more papers. It is about generating knowledge that can ultimately improve diagnoses, treatments, prevention, healthcare organisation or quality of life. The path from a scientific discovery to its practical application can be long, complex and costly. That is why programmes that link basic, clinical and translational research with knowledge transfer are so important.
There is also a message for talented individuals. Science needs people. It needs to attract, train and retain them. Many of the AES’s calls for applications are specifically aimed at consolidating research careers and facilitating the integration of professionals into the health R&D&I system.
Every new public investment in health research speaks volumes about the future of the system. It speaks to its ability to tackle complex diseases, to incorporate innovation judiciously, and to bridge the gap between what is discovered in the laboratory and what reaches patients.
Public health, personalised medicine, advanced therapies, artificial intelligence, genomics and clinical research do not progress on their own. They require strategy, funding and coordination.
For this reason, AES 2026 should not be viewed merely as just another call for proposals. It is part of a broader initiative: to strengthen science as a fundamental component of the healthcare system.
Because investing in health research is not about funding an abstract promise. It is about preparing the system to diagnose conditions earlier, treat them more effectively and respond to future challenges with greater insight.
Sources
Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities — The Government approves the Strategic Action Plan for Health for 2026:
https://www.ciencia.gob.es/Noticias/2025/diciembre/consejo-ministros-accion-estrategica-en-salud-2026-152-millones.html
Carlos III Health Institute — The 2026 Strategic Health Plan has been approved:
https://www.isciii.es/w/aprobada-la-acci%C3%B3n-estrat%C3%A9gica-en-salud-2026-principal-herramienta-para-financiar-en-espa%C3%B1a-i-d-i-en-salud
Carlos III Health Institute — Presentation of the AES 2026:
https://www.isciii.es/w/presentaci%C3%B3n-de-la-acci%C3%B3n-estrat%C3%A9gica-en-salud-aes-2026-del-isciii
Carlos III Health Institute — Presentation: León AES 2026:
https://www.isciii.es/w/presentaci%C3%B3n-le%C3%B3n-aes-2026