We are delighted to announce Dr Bruno Paiva as a touchHEMATOLOGY Future Leader 2026, selected by his peers as a rising star poised to shape the future of precision hematology through innovative diagnostics, translational research and collaborative leadership.
As Director of Flow Cytometry at CIMALAB Diagnostics and a Principal Investigator at the Centre for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Dr Bruno Paiva has dedicated nearly two decades to advancing the diagnosis and management of haematological malignancies through translational research and innovative immunogenomics. His work has helped shape modern approaches to risk stratification and disease monitoring in multiple myeloma and myeloid malignancies, while earning international recognition for its impact on patient care.
In this Future Leaders interview, Dr Bruno Paiva discusses the mentor who shaped his career, the power of teamwork in advancing hematology research, the promise of precision medicine and why investing in the next generation of investigators is essential for improving patient care.
“Some ambitions take decades to achieve, which is why we must train the next generation to carry the torch”
Can you tell us about a mentor who significantly impacted your career, and the most valuable lesson they shared with you?
I had the best possible mentor one could have: Dr Jesús San Miguel. He positively impacted my professional and personal life, probably in equal parts! From him, I’m still trying to learn the lesson of caring and foster the professional growing of all our colleagues at the University of Navarra. Beyond his expertise and clinical impact in multiple myeloma, one of his most incredible virtues is the ability to create successful teams that work together in great harmony.
What aspects of your work do you find most fulfilling?
Fortunately, our group made some contributions that impacted patients’ survival and quality of life. There is nothing more fulfilling than that, except for seeing the young investigators growing and becoming the future leaders of our field.
Looking ahead, what do you anticipate will be the biggest advancements or changes in your field over the next decade?
Precision medicine. Advances in treatment, laboratory diagnostics, technology and computational tools will converge into the possibility of providing the best option for each patient.
What advice would you offer to those just beginning their journey in your specialty?
- Perservere! Big dreams rely on ambitious aims, which cannot be executed in a few years’ time. It probably requires decades, and some objectives may never be accomplished by you during your professional career. Hence the importance of creating a team and train the next generation of investigators, who will carry the torch and bring it to the finish line.
- Do not work alone. Big dreams require big teams. Do not rush for independence; rather, work closely and learn the more you can from your mentor.
- Choose the best possible mentor.
How has working with patients shaped your approach to medicine?
The patient is at the center of everything we do, both from the points of view of clinical flow cytometry and translational research. Before initiating some of our projects, we ask the advice of the Spanish patient community. Another important aspect is that our projects are focusing more and more in patients’ quality of life beyond more conventional aims such as identifying determinants of response and resistance to treatment.
Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchHEMATOLOGY in collaboration with Dr Bruno Paiva. No fees or funding were associated with its publication.
Citation: Dr Bruno Paiva on mentorship, teamwork and transforming myeloma care: touchHEMATOLOGY Future Leaders 2026. touchHEMATOLOGY. 22 July 2026.
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