In the growing research network, the main life science players are:

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  University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU http://www.ehu.es/ : Biggest University with inter-disciplinary research in some 20 Departments related to biosciences, and particular strengths in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Genetics, Physics and Chemistry. Competences in life sciences are further complemented by engineering and business studies.

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  University of Deusto http://www.deusto.es/ : Long-established University, renowned for social and business studies, and for commercial awareness. Together with the UPV/EHU, it runs a pioneering Chair of Law and Human Genome and carries out leading research in bioethical aspects.

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  CIC bioGUNE (Cooperative Research Centre) http://www.cicbiogune.com/ : Centre of excellence focused on biomedicine and red biotechnology, for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of human diseases. It includes top-notch core facilities (genotyping, gene silencing, proteomics and metabolomics, cytogenomics, etc.), and a powerful Structural Biology Platform.

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  CIC biomaGUNE http://www.cicbiomagune.com/ : Centre of excellence focused on biomaterials and nanobiotechnology for novel medical and biotechnological applications, studying biosurfaces, biosensors, molecular imaging and drug delivery. At the interface of biology, chemistry and physics, it counts on a singular Molecular Imaging Platform (fully operational in 2008).

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• CIC microGUNE and CIC nanoGUNE http://www.cicmicrogune.es/ http://www.nanogune.eu Cooperative Research Centres devoted to micro- and nanotechnologies, respectively, with applications in life sciences.

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• Technological Corporations Tecnalia and IK4 http://www.tecnalia.info http://www.ik4.es : they contribute industrial expertise and complement biology-related research with converging technologies such as manufacturing, engineering, materials, electronics, electrochemistry and automation, of relevance for the integration and design of final products.

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  BIOEF http://www.bioef.org: it represents the research and innovation activities at the Healthcare system, particularly in the 7 main hospitals, of which 4 are university hospitals. The health system is increasingly oriented to research, and works along the academic and business worlds complementing basic and clinical research, and promoting clinical trials.