AseBio celebrates its 25th Anniversary as a key player in the 'Invisible Revolution' that has shaped the development and growth of biotechnology in Spain

On Tuesday, November 26, the Gran Teatro CaixaBank Príncipe Pío in Madrid hosted the celebration of AseBio's 25th anniversary. Under the theme "The Invisible Revolution," the event took attendees on a journey through the association's history and its key milestones that have positioned it as a pivotal player in biotechnology's evolution in Spain over the past quarter-century.

With the participation of key figures in AseBio's history, more than 200 attendees witnessed how the association has become a crucial agent of change, a driver for the internationalization of Spain's biotechnology sector, and a cornerstone in shaping its regulatory framework.

The event featured significant institutional representation, including prominent names such as Juan Cruz Cigudosa, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Universities; Javier Padilla Bernáldez, Secretary of State for Health; Teresa Riesgo Alcaide, Secretary-General for Innovation; Eva Ortega Paino, Secretary-General for Research; Ana Ramírez de Molina, Deputy Minister for Universities, Research, and Science of the Community of Madrid; Rosario Perona, Deputy Director General for Cellular Therapy and Regenerative Medicine at the Carlos III Health Institute, among others.

A Look Back at AseBio’s Journey

The event, hosted by journalist and presenter Olga Lambea, began with a dialogue between AseBio’s past and present, featuring Jorge Barrero, former Secretary General of AseBio, and Ion Arocena, its current Director General. Barrero reminisced about the association’s early days, when it operated with a much smaller team and limited resources. He emphasized the importance of idea synergy and diversity as foundational elements for understanding the ecosystem. Arocena, on the other hand, highlighted the work carried out since AseBio’s inception, which has established it as a leading voice in Spain's biotechnology sector. He noted that AseBio's growth has mirrored the sector's, fostering a cause-and-effect dynamic that has driven mutual progress.

Marisa Poncela, former Deputy Director General of Innovation and Technological Programs in the Ministries of Industry and Science and Technology (1999–2004), and Fernando Royo, AseBio’s president from 2001 to 2004, recounted the association’s beginnings in 1999. At the time, biotechnology was still an emerging sector in Spain. They credited the Ministry of Industry, under key figures like Poncela, for taking a chance on this promising field.

Royo reflected on two pivotal milestones: the publication of the first AseBio Report in 2000, which has since become a benchmark for Spain's biotechnology sector, and the inaugural BIOSPAIN event in 2002, now the country’s premier biotechnology conference and one of the most significant in Europe.

Between 2005 and 2015, AseBio experienced significant expansion and international projection. Cristina Garmendia, AseBio president from 2005 to 2008, discussed the association's professionalization during this period, laying the groundwork for AseBio as it is known today.

José María Fernández Sousa, president from 2008 to 2011, highlighted efforts to internationalize the sector and improve access to funding. Meanwhile, Regina Revilla, president until 2015, spoke about the creation of two significant milestones: BIOLATAM, a meeting point for Latin American biotechnology, and the first AseBio Communication Awards.

Jordi Martí, president until 2017, underscored the revitalization of the association during his tenure, focusing on three goals: increasing AseBio's professionalism by strengthening its team with key hires, modernizing the organization by relocating its headquarters, and enhancing its capacity for influence.

In 2020, Ana Polanco took over the presidency amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Polanco shared how the health crisis became a unique opportunity to showcase biotechnology's strength and AseBio's critical role. She noted that the pandemic marked a turning point for the sector, which played a central role in combating the coronavirus in collaboration with health authorities.

The final segment of the event featured current AseBio president Rocío Arroyo, who offered a comprehensive overview of the biotechnology sector's transformation in Spain over the last 25 years. Arroyo highlighted AseBio's role as a connector and meeting point for various ecosystem players, positioning the association as a key force in addressing future challenges.

The 25th-anniversary celebration concluded with the screening of a special video titled "The Invisible Revolution," showcasing biotechnology's essential role in everyday life and AseBio's 25-year commitment to making it all possible.