María Blasco and Juan Arroyo Removed from CNIO: A New Era for the National Oncological Research Center

In a significant development, the Board of Trustees of the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO) has unanimously decided to dismiss María Blasco, the scientific director, and Juan Arroyo, the manager, marking the end of an era for the prestigious research institution.

The Decision

The extraordinary meeting, held on January 29, 2025, was the culmination of a series of events and criticisms that had been building up over the past few months. The board, composed of 15 representatives from various ministries and scientific associations, made the decision after analyzing reports presented by Blasco, Arroyo, and group leaders who had requested Blasco's dismissal in December 2024[2][4].

Background and Controversies

María Blasco, who had been at the helm of the CNIO for 15 years, faced intense scrutiny and criticism from several scientists within the institution. The grievances included issues related to salaries, financing, equipment, and allegations of labor harassment and abuse of power. Blasco had vehemently defended her tenure, attributing the criticisms to a campaign of misinformation and rumors. She even went so far as to compare the situation to the "dehumanization" suffered by Jews in Nazi Germany, highlighting the severity of the personal attacks she claimed to have endured[2][4].

The Meeting and Its Implications

The meeting, which took place from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, was chaired by Eva Ortega-Paíno, Secretary General of the Ministry of Science and Innovation and former director of the CNIO biobank. Other key members present included Marina Pollán, director of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Javier Padilla, Secretary of State for Health, and María Eloísa del Pino, president of the Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas[2][4].

The decision to dismiss Blasco and Arroyo follows a previous meeting on December 17, 2024, where the board suspended the controversial CNIO-Arte program and did not approve the Action Plan for 2025. Although these topics were not on the agenda for the January 29 meeting, the board's decision reflects a broader reevaluation of the institution's leadership and direction[2][4].

Future of CNIO

With the departure of Blasco and Arroyo, the CNIO is set to embark on a new era. The board's unanimous decision indicates a strong consensus on the need for change. As the institution moves forward, it will be crucial to address the underlying issues that led to this point, including improving working conditions, securing stable financing, and enhancing the overall research environment.

For the scientific community and expats in Spain, this development marks a significant shift in the leadership of one of the country's most important research centers. The CNIO, known for its groundbreaking work in oncological research, will now have the opportunity to redefine its strategies and goals under new leadership, aiming to maintain its reputation as a leading research institution.