Professor Joan Rodés Dies at Age 78; a Driving Force in Spanish Medical Research

Professor Joan Rodés, former director of the Hospital Clínic and the August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS) and emeritus professor at the University of Barcelona, died today aged 78. He was a renowned hepatologist with over 40 years experience in the world of research.

Professor Rodés was one of the founders of the Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), the precursor of ISGlobal, and CRESIB’s third vice president from its inception until 2008. “We deeply regret the loss of Joan Rodés, a man who played a crucial role in the world of science with a great vision for the future; he understood very early on that it was essential to combine medical care and research to make the Hospital Clínic a centre of excellence” explains Antoni Plasència, Director of ISGlobal and medical consultant at the Hospital Clínic. “Biomedical research in our country would not be what it is today without people like Professor Rodés; he believed in the potential of our researchers and supported the creation of research centres that are working at the cutting edge of worldwide biomedical research today” adds Núria Casamitjana, Director of Training at ISGlobal and lecturer at the University of Barcelona.

The professional career of Professor Rodés, one of the world’s most renowned liver specialists, was closely linked to the Hospital Clínic in Barcelona, where he worked for many decades and served as Director from 2003 to 2008. In 1968, he set up the hospital’s first dedicated Liver Clinic and later, in 1973, became head of the unit. He was also one of the founding trustees of the Clínic Foundation for Biomedical research and a founder and director of IDIBAPS. As a prominent hepatologist, he advised the Spanish government on several occasions, the most recent being his appointment by the Ministry of Health as coordinator of the National Strategic Plan for the Management of Hepatitis C.

He received numerous awards throughout his extensive career, most recently in March 2015, when he received the Gold Medal of the Generalitat of Catalonia, the highest honour awarded by the Catalan government. In 2007, he received the Great Cross of the Civil Order of Health; in 2006, the National Research Award given by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science; and, in 2001, the Saint George’s Cross from the Generalitat de Catalunya.

The team at ISGlobal joins the international scientific community in its recognition of Professor Rodés’ work and achievements and extends heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.