Prof. Joan Lluis Vives Corrons | Anemias Raras | Breakthrough Research Award

Prof. Joan-Lluis Vives-Corrons is a globally recognized expert in haematology with over five decades of experience in red cell pathology and rare anaemias. He has served as Head of the Haematology Laboratory and the Red Cell Pathology Unit at Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona. As a pioneer in haematology standardization, he was instrumental in implementing quality control measures and advancing diagnostic techniques. A prolific researcher and educator, Prof. Vives-Corrons has authored over 500 scientific publications and coordinated major national and European projects focused on haemoglobinopathies and red blood cell enzymopathies. He founded and led the European Network for Rare and Congenital Anaemias (ENERCA), contributing significantly to policy, epidemiology, and clinical care for rare diseases. His visionary leadership has also been key in establishing newborn screening programs in Catalonia. Today, he continues his academic and research involvement as Emeritus Professor at the University of Barcelona and leader of collaborative European initiatives.

Profile

• Scopus

Education 🎓

Prof. Vives-Corrons completed his Medicine degree with honors from the University of Barcelona in 1969 and earned his MD in 1975, followed by specialization in Haematology in 1982. His early training included fellowships at prestigious institutions, including Hôpital Beaujon in Paris (1972) and The Scripps Research Institute, USA (1988). His academic tenure began in 1973 as a medical assistant at the University of Barcelona’s School of Haematology, and he was appointed Professor of Medicine in 1984. His education laid the foundation for a career focused on haematological diagnostics, molecular mechanisms of red blood cell disorders, and clinical laboratory standardization. With a strong international orientation, he integrated research, clinical care, and teaching, gaining expertise in both theoretical and practical haematology. His diverse educational background and training experiences have enabled him to foster innovation in both clinical and academic settings, influencing generations of haematologists across Spain and Europe.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Prof. Vives-Corrons held key positions over a distinguished 50-year career. From 1976 to 1996, he was Head of the Haematology Laboratory at Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, advancing diagnostic procedures and quality assessment in haematology. He later led the Red Cell Pathology Unit (1997–2016), recognized nationally as a reference center for rare anaemias. From 2017 to 2023, he led the Red Cell Pathology and Haematopoietic Disorders Group at the Josep Carreras Institute. He currently heads the Haematology Department at the Clinical Centre for Ambulatory Medicine. He has coordinated over 35 research projects, 90% as Principal Investigator, focusing on hereditary anaemias, molecular diagnostics, and epidemiology. His leadership in creating external quality assessment programs and coordinating the Catalan newborn screening program for Sickle Cell Disease marks his impactful public health contributions. Additionally, he has extensively contributed to academic training and was instrumental in establishing ENERCA for rare anaemia networking across Europe.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Prof. Vives-Corrons is the recipient of numerous national and international honors. He served as Secretary General of the International Society of Hematology (1988–1998) and was appointed member of the EU Committee of Experts on Rare Diseases (EUCERD). He contributed to the development of ISO/EN 15189, a global standard for clinical laboratory quality. As principal investigator, he led European Commission-funded ENERCA projects and co-developed Catalonia’s sickle cell screening program. His leadership in launching the Catalan Network for major haemoglobinopathies earned recognition for improving patient care and public health policy. He is an active member of top scientific societies including ASH, ISH, ISLH, and the Spanish Society of Hematology. His editorial roles span key journals like Haematologica and Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. With over 500 peer-reviewed publications and pioneering work in rare anaemias, his contributions have been instrumental in transforming haematology research, diagnosis, and clinical protocols across Europe.

Research Interests 🔬

Prof. Vives-Corrons’s research centers on red blood cell pathology, particularly congenital and acquired haemolytic anaemias. He has extensively investigated the physiopathology, genetic basis, and molecular mechanisms of rare anaemias, including G6PD and pyruvate kinase deficiencies, haemoglobinopathies like thalassaemia and sickle cell disease, and membrane disorders such as hereditary spherocytosis. His work has led to the discovery of novel genetic mutations in alpha globin and enzyme-deficiency genes. He also pioneered automation and standardization in haematology laboratories and was instrumental in creating Spain’s first EQAS system. His broader focus includes developing European collaborative networks (e.g., ENERCA) to improve diagnosis, treatment access, and epidemiological tracking of rare anaemias. He is a strong advocate of translational research, integrating laboratory discoveries into clinical applications. His efforts have helped establish molecular diagnostics and newborn screening as public health priorities in rare disease management, contributing significantly to patient care, education, and healthcare policy across Europe.