Address: Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Biomedical Research, Public Health, Epidemiology
The Instituto de Salud Carlos III, known as ISCIII, is Spain’s public research body for biomedicine and health, based in Madrid. It was created in 1986 under the General Health Law, Ley 14/1986, and its statute today rests on Real Decreto 375/2001 of 6 April.
ISCIII is a public research organisation attached to the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, with functional links also to the Ministry of Health. Its work covers biomedical research, the funding of scientific projects, technical health services and advice to public administrations, and it supports the national health system with surveillance and reference laboratory work.
The institute has roughly 1,300 staff of its own, and its wider network brings in more than 31,000 professionals at about 380 health centres, universities and research centres. It played a part in the scientific response to COVID-19, and it marked its 40th anniversary in April 2026.
Domains taught:
Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Data Analytics, Microbiology and Genetics, Statistics
Diplomas*:
Diploma, Doctor, Master
Status:
Public
Partnerships:
Collaborates with hospitals, universities, and international health organizations (WHO, ECDC). Offers Master’s programs (e.g., in Public Health) and doctoral training.
Research:
Research in infectious diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, rare diseases, environmental health, public health, and health technologies.
Famous Alumnis:
N/A
International recognition**:
Number of staff***:
1000
Current students***:
300
Foreign students***:
10%
Cumulative former students***:
2000
Pros
Leading national institution for biomedical and public health research and training. Strong impact on health policy.
Cons
Focus is on health and biomedical sciences, some technical aspects in bioinformatics or health tech.
Best For
Postgraduate students and researchers in biomedical sciences, public health, epidemiology, or related health technologies.
*our own picks (our criteria: a mix between domains, diploma delivered, reputation and size), but obviously too many criteria for an apple-to-apple ranking.
FAQ
What kind of institution is the Instituto de Salud Carlos III?
It is a public research organisation for biomedicine and health, not a conventional university. It is attached to Spain's Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
When was it created?
It was created in 1986 by the General Health Law, Ley 14/1986. Its 40th anniversary was marked in 2026.
Where is the institute located?
It is based in Madrid, in the Community of Madrid.
What does the institute do?
It carries out and funds biomedical and health research, provides scientific and technical services to the national health system, and advises public administrations. It also takes part in public health surveillance.
How large is the institute?
It has roughly 1,300 staff of its own. Its wider network includes more than 31,000 professionals at about 380 centres.
How did it contribute during the COVID-19 pandemic?
It provided a scientific and technical response and took part in surveillance. Details are published in its reports on the official website.
Biomedical Sensors, Environmental Impact Assessment, Health Sciences, Medical Devices, Research and Development, Sustainability
*: without any judgment of the quality, readers are strongly encouraged to check the official status of the exact diploma envisioned as many universities have a mix of recognized diplomas, not recognized, “co-delivered,” “equivalent to”, “some pathways” (…), can change over time, and can be named differently from one country to another.
**: international reputation: is based on some criteria that do not mean much in some domains or specialties (number of researchers, of scientific publications, on budget ….). Our approximate 1-4 scale:
known locally
known locally and internationally
is listed in some of the world university’s classifications
is listed among the 20 firsts in some of world university’s classifications
***: estimated numbers, based on online sources and/or feedbacks. The numbers can vary greatly depending on school organisation (ex.: school is part of a group, it employs internal staff or external consultants or has public staff without employing them …). Refer to all the links provided to have accurate and updated numbers.
Innovation.world is not affiliated with this school/university. We recommend to contact them directly on their website for any special request.
To complete or correct any information here or share your opinion, please comment below or > send us a direct message <.
