Spanish researcher Manel Esteller is leaving the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute in Badalona to lead cancer genomics research at The James Comprehensive Cancer Center of Ohio State University. The move comes amid audits revealing irregularities in fund usage. Esteller expresses enthusiasm for his new chapter in the United States.
Manel Esteller, one of Spain's most prominent oncology figures, has announced his departure from the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) in Badalona, Barcelona, where he served as head of the Cancer Epigenetics group. Starting in December, he will take over the direction of cancer genomics research at The James Comprehensive Cancer Center of Ohio State University in the United States. To do so, he will take a leave of absence from ICREA, the Catalan institution where he is a research professor.
Esteller, appointed IJC director in 2018, resigned from that role in August 2024 and was removed in June of that year by the institute's delegated commission, chaired by Evarist Feliu. In April 2024, Ari Melnick was named the new scientific director. This week, the scientist informed of his decision to move to the US, where he will continue his cancer research.
The departure occurs amid controversy. Outlets like Ara and La Vanguardia reported a dismissal due to poor management, based on an audit initiated by Feliu that uncovered alleged accounting irregularities. The Josep Carreras Foundation commissioned an independent audit that documented instances where contributed funds were allocated to research lines different from those intended. Additionally, an international scientific audit by experts verified adherence to the institute's foundational mission.
Esteller dismisses any dark motives for his exit: "I am enthusiastic about this new research adventure that I will start soon." He adds: "I perfectly understand that losing a great asset can always annoy someone, and that is how some of the malicious news that has been spread should be understood." The IJC wishes him "much success in the new stage."
With a distinguished career, Esteller previously led programs at Idibell and CNIO, and is an associate professor at the University of Barcelona. Last year, he ranked seventh in global oncology according to Stanford University's Ranking of the World Scientists.