On December 19th, IDIVAL’s facilities became the venue for the launch of a Cantabrian network of European project managers, an initiative aimed at enhancing the region’s R&D capabilities at the European level. This event, which brought together 24 institutions, marks the beginning of a collaborative strategy to connect Cantabrian research with Brussels and promote participation in funding programs such as Horizon Europe.

The event began with an official welcome by Marta García, Director General of European Funds; Óscar Fernández, Director General of Planning, Organization, and Digital Health; and Galo Peralta, Managing Director of IDIVAL. Following the opening, participating institutions presented their strategic research lines, showcasing the diversity and potential of Cantabria in fields such as health, energy, digital technologies, and social sciences.

Attendees had the opportunity to delve deeper into available European funding programs, with a particular focus on the specific opportunities offered by Horizon Europe and other European Commission initiatives. These presentations served to identify common areas of interest and stimulate collaboration among the various stakeholders present.

One of the key moments of the event was the presentation by Marcos López Hoyos, IDIVAL’s Scientific Director, who shared the experience of the “Brussels Mission.” This case study demonstrated how a strategic and well-coordinated approach can maximize success in accessing European funding and was widely regarded as a model for future joint initiatives.

To conclude the event, a space for debate and questions allowed attendees to discuss concrete ideas to strengthen the newly created network. Later, a networking session provided a unique opportunity to build closer connections among participants and explore new collaborations.

Looking ahead, plans include organizing a new “Brussels Mission” open to all sectors represented in the network, further strengthening Cantabria’s presence in the European research and innovation landscape. It was also emphasized that the network is open to new members, allowing for the creation of additional synergies and fostering regional benefit.

More information: https://www.idival.org/gestion-de-proyectos/proyectos-europeos/

Raquel Yotti, PERTE’s commissioner for Vanguard Health, visited Cantabria to learn first-hand about advances in healthcare innovation in the region. During her stay, Yotti toured the facilities of the Marqués de Valdecilla Health Research Institute (IDIVAL), where she was briefed on the progress of the VALDATA project, an initiative that seeks to transform the use of health data in Cantabria.

Yotti also held a meeting with the Cantabria Regional Minister of Health, César Pascual, in which they discussed the opportunities and challenges presented by the VALDATA project. Both agreed on the importance of this initiative to position Cantabria as a benchmark in the health data economy and highlighted the importance of collaboration between institutions for the success of the project.

Yotti’s visit underlines the commitment of PERTE for Vanguard Health to projects that promote the digitisation and efficient use of data in the health sector, aligning with the European Data Strategy and strengthening the regional and national health system.

The Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) for Vanguard Health is a Spanish Government initiative aimed at transforming the healthcare sector through science, innovation and digitalisation. It aims to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients, strengthening the National Health System (NHS) and promoting the creation of quality employment. Its strategic objectives are the implementation of Personalised Precision Medicine: Integrating genomic, clinical and environmental data to offer more effective and personalised treatments, developing Advanced Therapies and Innovative Drugs, generating an Innovative Data system and promoting the Digital Transformation of Healthcare.

The VALDATA project: Cantabria towards a Health Data Economy is an ambitious initiative that seeks to integrate the region into the European Health Data Space (EEDS) and position it as a reference in the digitalisation of healthcare in Europe.

VALDATA’s main objective is to promote the secondary use of health data in a secure, reliable and ethical way, enabling advances in biomedical research, technological innovation and healthcare improvement.

The project, which is part of the €1.7M PERTE for Vanguard Health, has been awarded to the Marqués de Valdecilla Health Research Institute (IDIVAL) within the Sectoral Data Spaces 2023 call, funded by the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan – NextGenerationEU, under the management of the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Public Function, through the Secretary of State for Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence. Valdata will implement four strategic pilots that will address challenges such as the monitoring of bacterial multi-resistances, personalisation of treatments and the connection between primary and secondary data to strengthen the quality of healthcare.

The project will count on the collaboration of key actors in the regional ecosystem, including the Cantabrian Health Service, academic institutions, technology companies and business associations. In addition, it will draw on the resources of the Cantabria Cohort, which integrates data from more than 38,000 volunteers, combining information on lifestyle, clinical tests and advanced biomarkers, becoming an essential basis for enriching research.

The expected impact is significant: VALDATA will not only enhance clinical research and promote innovation in healthcare, but will also act as a driver of socio-economic development in the region. It is expected to generate new business opportunities, skilled employment and strengthen the competitiveness of Cantabria and the national industry in the field of the data economy. This initiative reinforces Spain’s commitment to the European Data Strategy and leadership in the health digitalisation sector.

The Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecilla (Idival) will be a key actor in the 1st Conference: Humanising our Health System, organised by the Cantabrian Health Cantabrian Health Service (SCS) on 11 December. This event, conceived as a space for reflection and action, will address the importance of placing people at the centre of the health people at the centre of the health system, promoting a more respectful, close and empathetic care.

The day will feature a programme designed to explore different aspects of humanisation in healthcare. of humanisation in public health. It will begin with the presentation of a strategic plan for humanisation in Cantabria, which will set out the roadmap for integrating this for integrating this approach into everyday healthcare practice. It will also innovative initiatives will also be highlighted, such as ‘The Ambulance of Desire’, a project that has project that has demonstrated how small gestures can transform the experience of patients in vulnerable situations.

Throughout the day, attendees will share experiences and best practices carried out in the region’s healthcare centres, highlighting the progress made in the field of humanisation. In addition, there will be a participatory workshop focused on creativity and innovation, where participants will work on generating practical solutions to the challenges posed by the humanisation of healthcare.

The closing of the event will include a collective reflection on the main conclusions and a final conference in online format, which will underline the relevance of humanising health services as an essential strategy to improve the quality of care and strengthen the link between professionals and patients

For Idival, participation in this conference reinforces its commitment to the integration of research and innovation in the service of a more humane care. This meeting represents an opportunity to connect scientific knowledge with practices that have a direct impact on the experience of users and the quality of the healthcare system.

Cantabria has taken a decisive step towards the future of public healthcare with the Digital Health Plan 2024-2028, presented at the conference ‘Cantabria’s Digital Health Plan: connecting innovation and people’. This meeting, held at the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, brought together healthcare professionals, technology experts and managers to discuss how digitalisation can revolutionise healthcare.

The plan, promoted by the Directorate General for Planning, Organisation, Knowledge Management and Digital Health, articulates its actions in three strategic axes: the transformation of the care model, the improvement of auxiliary processes and the strengthening of ICT governance. It also integrates digital tools that promote equity, research and more personalised care.

Key projects: research and connected health

One of the pillars of the plan is remote patient monitoring, which will enable early detection of health problems through smart connected devices. This approach aims to reduce unnecessary hospitalisations and improve quality of life, especially for people with chronic diseases. In addition, the Command Center, a centralised control centre, will coordinate the flow of patients and resources in real time to optimise hospital management.

Research also occupies a prominent place in the strategy. The COHORTE Cantabria Project, based on the analysis of large volumes of data, promises to advance in personalised medicine, facilitating the identification of patterns in chronic diseases and improving health outcomes. Artificial intelligence will also be used to optimise diagnoses and clinical decisions, positioning Cantabria as a leader in healthcare innovation.

Towards a preventive and equitable model

The Digital Health Plan emphasises the importance of empowering patients by providing them with technological tools to manage their own health. The MiSalud@SCS app will make it possible to consult medical results, receive follow-up alerts and access personalised recommendations. In addition, educational programmes will be developed to reduce the digital divide and encourage the use of these tools in all sectors of the population, with a special focus on rural areas.

The meeting also highlighted the relevance of digitisation in addressing structural challenges, such as inequity in access to healthcare and the ageing of the population. Technological solutions aim not only to improve the patient experience, but also to reduce geographical barriers and facilitate care in remote areas.

A conference to connect people and innovation

The conference, organised by IDIVAL–UC together with the Regional Ministry of Health, focused on how digital technologies can transform healthcare. Under the slogan ‘connecting innovation and people’, it encouraged the exchange of experiences and knowledge among participants, highlighting the role of research and innovative projects as drivers of change.

With an initial investment of 98 million euros and the backing of the Cantabria Digital Agenda 2024-2028, this plan positions the region as a benchmark in digital health. Cantabria is moving towards a more efficient and sustainable healthcare model that focuses on people’s wellbeing, marking a turning point in healthcare.

Next Thursday, 12 December, the Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), in collaboration with the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) and the Ministry of Health, will hold the conference ‘Your Health, Our Priority’ at the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital (Gómez Durán Hall).

This event, which is free of charge and open to the general public with prior registration, will create a space for the exchange of knowledge on health at European level, focusing on the EU4Health European funding programme.

The conference will have two main blocks:

• Strategies and opportunities of the EU4Health programme: Experts in the field will present the keys to developing and funding health research projects through this European programme.
• Impact testimonials: Researchers and beneficiaries will share experiences of projects already implemented or underway, showing their impact on the community.

The event is aimed at both health professionals and the general public interested in research and funding opportunities in health.

Registration is open (Link)

For any queries you can contact the IDIVAL European projects office through the website (link) or by telephone on 942 20 28 57

How to get there?

How to get to Gómez Durán Hall, Tower B, HUMV Santander (link)

The Psychiatry Service of the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital has developed the ‘Centre of Excellence for Difficult-to-treat Depression and Suicide Prevention’ programme, reaffirming its commitment to the comprehensive care of these disorders due to their functional, social and economic impact, as well as the risk they pose to patients’ lives. This programme combines a personalised approach, the incorporation of innovative technologies and continuous evaluation to optimise therapeutic results.

The main objective of the conference, held on 7 November in the Hall 21 of the hospital, was to disseminate the characteristics of the Difficult to Treat Depression (DDT) and High Resolution Suicide Prevention (CARS) programmes. During the session, the clinical intervention strategies and the results obtained were presented, as well as encouraging debate on the implementation of similar models in other hospitals.

The event featured presentations by leading professionals, such as Dr. Jesús Artal, head of the Psychiatry Service, and Dr. Ana de Santiago, head of the CARS programme, who addressed key issues such as the intensive outpatient management of suicidal behaviour and individualised treatment for resistant depression. They also highlighted advances such as the use of mobile solutions for the intensive monitoring of suicidal risk and the Personal Safety Plan.

The day included round table discussions, debates with attendees and presentations on the relevance of a multidisciplinary approach that integrates clinical, psychological and social factors. The event culminated with a working lunch, encouraging the exchange of ideas among participants.

This meeting, is an example of the ongoing commitment of the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital to innovation in mental health, always seeking to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

At the meeting of the Board of Trustees held on 29 October 2024, the Valdecilla Health Research Institute (IDIVAL) approved a new R&D&I Quality Policy, reflecting its commitment to excellence, efficiency and continuous improvement in all its research and innovation processes. This policy not only aims to strengthen support for research professionals and guarantee quality in the eyes of funding bodies, but also constitutes an essential requirement for accreditation as a Health Research Institute by the Carlos III Health Institute.

IDIVAL’s management has established the following guidelines and key commitments:

• Innovation and quality research: Application of good professional practices that respond to the needs of generating knowledge and solutions to health problems, ensuring translation to clinical practice and compliance with current regulations on ethics and confidentiality.
• Social impact of research: Proactive evaluation of the social implications of research and innovation projects to maximise their benefit to society.
• Alignment with IDIVAL’s Mission, Vision and Values: Principles that guide all the institute’s actions and objectives.
• Quality Management System: Implementation of a management system in accordance with the standards required for the accreditation of Health Research Institutes by the Carlos III Health Institute, as well as the international standards UNE EN ISO 9001 and UNE 166.002.
• Transparency and accessibility: Promotion of equality in the recruitment and international projection of research talent.
• Continuous training: Constant improvement of the qualifications of researchers and employees through professional development programmes.
• Open science: Commitment to the dissemination of the knowledge generated to guarantee its accessibility to society in general.
• Continuous improvement: Active participation of the organisation in evaluation and improvement processes, as well as compliance with the annual objectives of the Five-Year Scientific-Cooperative Programme.

This new policy not only reflects the institute’s commitment to quality, transparency and continuous improvement, but also responds to the requirements for accreditation and recognition as a Health Research Institute of excellence. It also underlines the importance of open science as a pillar for making the knowledge generated by researchers accessible to society as a whole.

With this new policy, IDIVAL reinforces its position as a benchmark in health research, ensuring that its activities not only respond to the needs of the health system, but also generate a positive impact on the scientific community and society.

28 November at 13:00: First steps in writing European proposals
In this session, you will learn practical tips on how to write clear and structured proposals effectively. This training is aimed at improving the quality and impact of your documents.
Registration: You can register via the following link.

Both trainings will be held online and are completely free of charge.

For any queries you can contact the IDIVAL European projects office (link) and telephone 942 20 28 57

21 November at 1 p.m.: European Networks: COST
Learn more about COST networks, their opportunities for collaboration and how to participate in these European initiatives. This session is essential for those who want to connect with participants involved in a topic and boost their career at European level.
Registration: You can register via the following link.

For any queries you can contact the IDIVAL European projects office (link) and via telephone 942 20 28 57

The Marqués de Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), in collaboration with EIT Health, held the Innovation Days (i-Days), a competition that challenges students to solve challenges in the field of innovation applied to health. The free and open event brought together more than 50 registered participants from diverse backgrounds with a common interest in technology and innovation to improve the quality of life in the community.

This year’s edition of i-Days has become a key space to foster a new generation of entrepreneurs in the field of health, encouraging them to overcome barriers, challenge convention and put in the hands of society innovative products and services that respond to real needs in the field of health.

Throughout the day, participants were supported by specialised mentors who guided them in their projects. In addition, ‘training pills’ were offered, short sessions designed to inspire and motivate participants, providing them with tools and strategies to improve and strengthen their proposals.

The event was attended by high-level speakers: Patricia Zorrilla, Head of the Office of Transfer of Research Results of Idival, Carmen Martín, Director of the Cantabrian Association Against AIDS (ACCAS), Fernando Quevedo, Head of the 3D prototyping unit of IDIVAL, Ana Ye, CEO founder of Ownmed Innovation, and Ana de Diego, Psychologist, Executive Coach and University Professor of HR Management.

The winning team of Santander i-Days 2024 has qualified for the European final of EIT Health i-Days (Innovations Days), which will take place on 28-29 November in Budapest, at the Health Career Path event. There, they will compete against the best projects from other countries, in an international platform that highlights and rewards innovation in health and wellness.

The team, formed by Carla Ferrer, Laura García, Marina Huaying and Gisselle Contreras, presented the project ‘ISAAC’, a proposal for assistance intelligence applied to the consultation.

This type of initiative strengthens the collaboration between technology and health, promoting solutions that respond to the current challenges of society and betting on the growth of young entrepreneurs committed to the welfare of their community.