The Jérôme Lejeune Foundation
«I see that there is only one way left to save them, that is, to cure them. The task is immense, but so is the hope»
Prof. Jérôme Lejeune
About us
Our goal is to provide comprehensive medico-scientifically based care for people with intellectual disabilities of genetic origin.
We are a secular, non-political, no-profit organization and we are recognized as a public interest entity.
We offer specialized
medical care.
We promote basic
and clinical research.
We defend the dignity of the person.
Know more about Prof. Jérôme Lejeune, father of the modern genetics
Our history
The Jérôme Lejeune Foundation began its work in France in 1995, following the death of Prof. Jérôme Lejeune, regarded as the father of modern genetics for discovering the genetic cause of Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) in 1958. Each year, the Foundation devotes between 4 and 5 million euros to research. It manages a biobank in Paris with more than 20,000 samples and operates 4 medical centers: Paris (which has treated more than 13,000 patients), Nantes (France), Córdoba (Argentina), and Madrid (Spain).
In 2009, the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation established the International Chair of Bioethics Jérôme Lejeune, presided over by Dr. Mónica López Barahona, which promotes training programs, scientific publications, and initiatives in the field of Bioethics.
In 2015, the Foundation set up a permanent delegation in Spain. In February 2023, it inaugurated the first Jérôme Lejeune Medical Institute in Spain, thanks to the collaboration of the Álvaro Entrecanales Foundation, among other organizations.
In 2025, the permanent delegation became the Fundación Jérôme Lejeune España, in recognition of the extraordinary growth of the mission in Spain and with the aim of consolidating what has been achieved while opening new avenues for action, research, and support.
At the same time, Prof. Elena Postigo Solana assumed the presidency of the International Chair of Bioethics Jérôme Lejeune (ICBJL), succeeding Prof. Mónica López Barahona.
Data
4.1 million euros per year allocated to research
2 million euros have been invested in basic and clinical research in Spain
For the benefit of 12,000 patients attended annually
Master’s Degree in Bioethics, Expert Diploma in Bioethics, Training in Schools, and Specialist Courses in Bioethics
Blog
Find all the latest news about the Chair on our blog.
A Law That Opened a Breach: 41 Years Since the Law That Put Unborn Babies with Down Syndrome in Spain in the Crosshairs
Successful conclusion of the 3rd Edition of the International MR.REP Training Course in “Reparative Medicine for Male Reproductive Health”
Address of Pope Leo XIV to the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation, on the Occasion of Jérôme Lejeune’s Centennial
Want to learn more?