Aminah Abolore Sulayman, PhD in Chemical Engineering, has developed her work as a postdoctoral fellow at the Valdecilla Health Research Institute (IDIVAL), within the Science by Women programme of the Women for Africa Foundation. During her stay, the researcher has worked on an innovative project on the application of machine learning models for the real-time prediction of intradialytic hypotension in patients undergoing haemodialysis.
Under the guidance of Dr Emilio Rodrigo Calabia, nephrologist at the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital and associate professor at the University of Cantabria, Sulayman has explored advanced neural network architectures, such as recurrent neural networks and deep learning models. Using simulation tools such as MATLAB and Python, his research focused on capturing the temporal dynamics of haemodialysis data to develop a robust, real-time predictive model.
The ultimate goal of this work is to provide clinicians with advanced tools to anticipate hypotension episodes during treatment, improving patient safety and procedural efficiency. Managing the noise and variability inherent in real-world clinical data was a major challenge of the study, which required close collaboration between nephrology and data science experts.
Beyond the technological advances, Dr Sulayman’s time at IDIVAL has been a transformative experience in her career. ‘The exposure to cutting-edge medical research and the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare has reinforced my passion for data-driven innovations in medicine,’ she says.
This project reaffirms IDIVAL’s commitment to translational research and the incorporation of new technologies to improve healthcare, consolidating its position as a benchmark in the application of artificial intelligence in medicine.
Aminah Abolore Sulayman, PhD in Chemical Engineering, has developed her work as a postdoctoral fellow at the Valdecilla Health Research Institute (IDIVAL), within the Science by Women programme of the Women for Africa Foundation. During her stay, the researcher has worked on an innovative project on the application of machine learning models for the real-time […]Predicting intra-dialysis hypotension with artificial intelligence, with the Women for Africa programme
Celia Gutiérrez Villegas, a nurse from the IDIVAL nursing research group and the Primary Care Management of the Cantabrian Health Service, has been awarded second prize in the Community and Social Sphere category of the 4th Research Awards of the General Nursing Council (CGE). Her project, entitled Analysis of the costs of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Cantabria, will receive 8,000 euros for its development.
These awards, which in their fourth edition have received 156 candidatures, seek to encourage and motivate nursing professionals in the preparation and development of research projects, as well as to make visible the impact of the profession on health outcomes.
The study led by Celia Gutiérrez Villegas aims to estimate the magnitude of the impact of COPD in Cantabria from a health and social perspective. It proposes to calculate the direct health cost of the disease and its exacerbations, analysing its evolution before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the socio-demographic profile of patients and their informal carers will be studied, assessing their quality of life.
This research project is part of Celia Gutiérrez Villegas’ doctoral thesis in the Doctoral Programme in Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Cantabria (EDUC). Her work is supervised by professors Manuel Herrero Montes and María Paz Zulueta, both from the Department of Nursing at the University of Cantabria.In addition, the study has the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team that includes Carlos Amado Diago, a pulmonologist at the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, and Andrea Marcela Aceros Lora, a nurse and epidemiologist at the University Hospital of Santander (Colombia).
Clinical, health care and social impact
Studies on the cost of diseases make it possible to quantify their economic and social impact, facilitating decision-making in healthcare management. In the case of chronic pathologies such as COPD, knowing their economic burden is essential for designing strategies for prevention, health promotion and care protocols that optimise patient care.
From the nursing point of view, research in this field contributes to improving the quality of life of patients and their families, facilitating the work of healthcare professionals and strengthening coordination between primary and specialised care.
The work carried out by the IDIVAL nursing research group, with projects such as that of Gutiérrez Villegas, provides key information for the sustainability of the health system, promoting an efficient use of resources and guaranteeing equitable and quality care for people affected by COPD.
Celia Gutiérrez Villegas, a nurse from the IDIVAL nursing research group and the Primary Care Management of the Cantabrian Health Service, has been awarded second prize in the Community and Social Sphere category of the 4th Research Awards of the General Nursing Council (CGE). Her project, entitled Analysis of the costs of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary […]
The Marqués de Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL) has launched a new technological support platform, the Metabolomics Unit, an innovative technological service designed to strengthen biomedical research through the advanced analysis of metabolites. With this initiative, IDIVAL reaffirms its commitment to scientific excellence through the application of cutting-edge tools in the field of health.
Thanks to the funding obtained through the State Sub-programme for Infrastructures and Scientific-Technical Equipment of the Strategic Action in Health 2021-2023 of the Carlos III Health Institute (Expte Nº: IFEQ22/00114), the Metabolomics Unit has two advanced chromatography equipment:
These infrastructures will allow researchers to analyse metabolic profiles with high precision, facilitating advanced studies in biomedicine, pharmacology and nutrition. In addition, the unit offers a wide range of specialised services that will contribute to the development of cutting-edge scientific projects.
This new platform is located in Tower B, floor -1 of the Marqués de Valdecilla Hospital and is coordinated by Dr. Armando Guerra and Dr. Bernardo Lavín, Clinical Analysis Service physicians, both with a solid background in the field of metabolomics and biomarker analysis.
Researchers interested in using the services of the Metabolomics Unit can obtain more information and make requests through the IDIVAL website or by contacting the team in charge directly.
With this new technological venture, IDIVAL consolidates its position as a benchmark in biomedical research, offering cutting-edge tools for the advancement of knowledge and the improvement of the health of the population.
For more information, visit: https://www.idival.org/servicios-tecnologicos/unidad-de-metabolomica/
The Marqués de Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL) has launched a new technological support platform, the Metabolomics Unit, an innovative technological service designed to strengthen biomedical research through the advanced analysis of metabolites. With this initiative, IDIVAL reaffirms its commitment to scientific excellence through the application of cutting-edge tools in the field of health. Thanks to […]
Once again this year, IDIVAL is commemorating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11F) by participating in various initiatives that will take place during the week of 10-15 February. Through these activities, IDIVAL seeks to raise awareness of the role of women in science and encourage scientific vocations among young people.
Publication of videos of female researchers
During this week, IDIVAL’s social networks will publish a series of videos in which female researchers briefly explain the projects they are currently working on. The videos will be available on our social networks.
Talk ‘Economists and Doctors, allies or enemies in health economics?
As part of the celebration on 11 February, Marina Barreda and Paloma Lanza, from the IDIVAL-UC economics group, will be giving a talk entitled Economists and Women Doctors, allies or enemies in health economics? The talk will take place on 10 February at 13:00 in the Faculty of Economics and Business Studies at the University of Cantabria. In this session, the speakers will address the intersection between economics and health, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in this field of study.
Presentation ‘From the medicine behind Popeye and Dr. House, to predictive medicine’.
Also, Alberto Piney and Judith Cobo, researchers of the IMPaCT Cohort project, will present the talk From the medicine behind Popeye and Dr. House, to predictive medicine, at the Ateneo de Santander on 12 February at 19:30h in which they will explore how medicine has evolved from traditional approaches to the prediction of diseases from large volumes of data.
IDIVAL invites the entire community to participate in these initiatives and to join in the celebration of 11 February, contributing to the promotion of the role of women in science.
Once again this year, IDIVAL is commemorating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11F) by participating in various initiatives that will take place during the week of 10-15 February. Through these activities, IDIVAL seeks to raise awareness of the role of women in science and encourage scientific vocations among young people. Publication […]IDIVAL celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11F) with several activities
The Haematology Service of the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, in collaboration with IDIVAL, has participated in an international clinical trial that opens up new possibilities in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma, a type of blood cancer that is difficult to treat. The results have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, one of the most prestigious medical journals in the world (Q1), which reflects the high impact and relevance of this research.
The clinical trial is a phase I/II trial, which means that it evaluates the safety, side effects and optimal dose of a new treatment, as well as its efficacy in a specific disease, allowing results to be obtained faster or with fewer patients.
Immunotherapy has changed the way certain types of cancer are fought, allowing the immune system to identify and attack malignant cells. In this study, the combination of two bispecific antibodies, teclistamab and talquetamab, which activate T-cells to attack myeloma on two different fronts, improving the efficacy of treatment, was tested for the first time.
The trial included 94 patients with advanced disease resistant to other treatments. The results have been very positive: 80% of patients treated at the recommended dose responded to therapy, and in 86% of cases the improvement was sustained for 18 months. In patients with more aggressive forms of the disease, the response rate was 61%, with 82% stable over time. Although the treatment can cause side effects, mainly infections, these were well managed.
This study has been possible thanks to the efforts of the IDIVAL and Valdecilla research team, which works closely with international groups to develop innovative therapies.
The results obtained support the evaluation of this drug combination as a possible new standard for treating advanced Multiple Myeloma, especially in the most aggressive cases. This publication reinforces IDIVAL’s role as a reference centre in the search for new therapeutic solutions for oncohematological diseases.
The Haematology Service of the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, in collaboration with IDIVAL, has participated in an international clinical trial that opens up new possibilities in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma, a type of blood cancer that is difficult to treat. The results have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, one […]A hopeful breakthrough in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma
The Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), in collaboration with Clarivate, has announced a new Web of Science Online Workshop, aimed exclusively at managers, librarians and administrators who already use this database in their institutions.
Registration for this workshop is now available and, as noted, is restricted to only those managers, librarians and administrators from the same institution interested in participating. To do so, they must register with their institutional email address.
The workshop will consist of a single one-hour online session, which will be held in the morning hours, from 12:00 to 13:00.
Workshop details:
Title: Discover resources for libraries and Web of Science administrators.
Date: 13 February 2025
Time: 12:00 – 13:00 h
Content: The latest developments in Web of Science in recent months will be discussed, with emphasis on customising access, correcting the name of the institution and the use of APIs for exporting data.
Registration: Workshop registration
The day after the workshop, participants will receive a satisfaction survey, and at the end of the I Training Cycle in June, a certificate of attendance will be awarded to those who have participated in the workshop.
The Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), in collaboration with Clarivate, has announced a new Web of Science Online Workshop, aimed exclusively at managers, librarians and administrators who already use this database in their institutions. Registration for this workshop is now available and, as noted, is restricted to only those managers, librarians and administrators […]
Submission of applications from January 20 to February 1, 2025
Within the framework of the call for the revitalization of IDIVAL’s biosanitary research for 2025 (PLADIBIO), the “Support IDIVAL” program is consolidated as a key tool for the support and sustainability of the research groups of the Marqués de Valdecilla Research Institute Foundation (IDIVAL). This year, the program has an unprecedented budget allocation of 465,400 euros, a figure significantly higher than that of previous calls.
The aim of the program is to recognize and promote the scientific activity of the groups attached to IDIVAL, offering funding based on their research output. The funds are designed to cover operating expenses and strengthen innovative initiatives. The allocation will be made based on several criteria, such as:
– Indexed scientific publications.
– Attraction of external funding managed through IDIVAL.
– Development of patents.
– Doctoral thesis direction.
Deadlines and submission requirements
IDIVAL research groups can submit their reports and applications from January 20 to February 1, 2025, inclusive. It is essential to comply with the requirements established in the call to ensure the evaluation and allocation of funds.
For more information and access to the complete call, please visit the following link:
Call for proposals Support IDIVAL 2025
Submission of applications from January 20 to February 1, 2025 Within the framework of the call for the revitalization of IDIVAL’s biosanitary research for 2025 (PLADIBIO), the “Support IDIVAL” program is consolidated as a key tool for the support and sustainability of the research groups of the Marqués de Valdecilla Research Institute Foundation (IDIVAL). This […]
Aimed at promoting the attraction of talent, innovation, internationalization and boosting patient studies
IDIVAL launches 8 programs to boost biosanitary research called through the PLADIBIO program published in the BOC of January 13, 2025 that seek to promote the promotion and recruitment of talent, facilitate innovation, internationalization, the promotion of studies on patients as is the case of those developed in the Cantabria Cohort promoted by IDIVAL and the development of non-commercial clinical trials.
A program that seeks to incorporate new generations of clinical researchers, specifically including Primary Care and Nursing, and with a vision of the necessary synergy with other knowledge-generating agents in our Autonomous Community and companies.
The call programs for this year 2025 are the following:
– Program nº 1: “Support IDIVAL” Program. Its objective is to support the development of IDIVAL’s research groups.
– Program No. 2: “Next-Val” Support Program for Emerging Researchers. It aims to support research projects led by emerging researchers.
– Program No. 3: “Inn-Val” Innovation Support Program. Aims to support innovation projects in Health.
– Program No. 4: “Int-Val” Researcher Intensification Program. Its purpose is to intensify research activity by partially substituting healthcare activity.
– Program No. 5: “Prim-Val” Primary Care Support Program. Its purpose is to promote research activities in the field of primary care.
– Program No. 6: “Dtec-Val” Technological Development Support Program. Its purpose is to promote technological development projects.
– Program No. 7: “Inplant” program for the implantation of new clinical researchers. Aims to attract new clinical researchers to the Valdecilla environment.
– Program nº 8: “Mentoring” program for the implantation of new residents. Its aim is to attract residents with an excellent profile to the Valdecilla environment.
In addition to the programs called by this Resolution, IDIVAL’s research budget for 2025 will support the following expenses:
a) Annuities of predoctoral contracts called in past fiscal years.
b) Co-financed calls.
c) Contribution for the operation of “Cohorte Cantabria” in the amount of 500,000 €.
d) Training contracts for support personnel in the areas of management and technological services.
As a whole, the overall budget foreseen for all these actions, including the ones herein called for, will be 2,081,651 €.
DEADLINES FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS
The deadlines for submitting applications for the different programs will be as follows:
Aimed at promoting the attraction of talent, innovation, internationalization and boosting patient studies IDIVAL launches 8 programs to boost biosanitary research called through the PLADIBIO program published in the BOC of January 13, 2025 that seek to promote the promotion and recruitment of talent, facilitate innovation, internationalization, the promotion of studies on patients as is […]
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/network-of-rd-managers-in-cantabria-for-europe/
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 […]
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.
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 […]
