Juan Cruz Cigudosa García is a Spanish geneticist, researcher, and politician who has held significant roles in both the scientific community and the Spanish government. As of late 2023, he serves as the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Universities within the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of Spain.
Scientific Career Cigudosa earned a degree and later a PhD in Biology from the University of Navarra. His scientific expertise is primarily focused on human genetics, specifically in the fields of cytogenetics and molecular genetics applied to cancer and rare diseases. He conducted postdoctoral research at institutions including the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the University of Lund in Sweden.
Before entering full-time politics, he was a member of the Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), where he led the Molecular Cytogenetics Group. In the private sector, he co-founded Nimgenetics, a Spanish biotechnology company specializing in genomic diagnostics, where he served as Chief Scientific Officer. His work has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications regarding chromosomal abnormalities and genomic medicine.
Political Career Cigudosa's political career is associated with the Socialist Party of Navarre (PSN-PSOE). In 2019, he was appointed Regional Minister of University, Innovation, and Digital Transformation for the Government of Navarre under the presidency of María Chivite. During his tenure, he focused on digital literacy, the development of artificial intelligence frameworks for the region, and the integration of scientific research into regional economic policy.
In December 2023, following the formation of a new central government in Spain, Cigudosa was appointed Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Universities. In this role, he assists the Minister in overseeing the national strategy for scientific research, technological development, and the management of the Spanish university system.
Recognitions and Memberships Throughout his career, Cigudosa has been active in various professional organizations. He served as the president of the Spanish Society of Human Genetics (SEGH) from 2013 to 2017. His dual background in high-level scientific research and public administration has made him a prominent figure in the implementation of science policy in Spain.