Government and health delegates meet at the Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation with Isabel Benavente and Simón Lubián, professionals awarded by the Alicia Koplowitz Foundation for a project in neuropediatrics.

The representative of the Regional Government in Cádiz, Mercedes Colombo, and the regional representative for Health and Consumer Affairs, Eva Pajares, visited the headquarters of Cádiz Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation Cádiz INiBICA) to show their support and recognition for its professionals, specifically those who have recently been awarded a prize by the Alicia Koplowitz Foundation for a research project in neuropediatrics. The delegates were accompanied by the manager of INiBICA, Julio Ríos, and the director of Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Sebastián Quintero.

This work has been carried out by staff from the Neonatology Department at Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar Cádiz, under the leadership of its professionals, Isabel Benavente Fernández Simón Lubián López, principal investigators of the INiBICA CO20 'Perinatal Brain Damage' group, with the participation of Manuel Lubián Gutiérrez, pediatrician at Puerta del Mar.

The Alicia Koplowitz Foundation annually awards grants for Projects child and adolescent psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience, and neuropediatrics. Created and chaired by Alicia Koplowitz, this foundation is a non-profit organization that was established as an expression of her commitment to promoting training and research in child and adolescent psychiatry, as well as social assistance for minors.

The study "Predictive model, based on multimodal neonatal neuroimaging, of behavioral development at school age in very low birth weight premature infants" has been awarded the 2023 "Neuropediatrics Research Project" grant from the aforementioned entity, worth €50,000, This has enabled the hiring of an additional researcher for the INiBICA CO20 'Perinatal Brain Damage' group, which is made up of a Team of around twenty professionals.

The main objective of this research project is to evaluate the ability of multimodal neuroimaging (by quantifying the volume of different brain structures and their growth assessed using 3D ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging) and the analysis of white matter microstructure assessed using DTI to predict, together with various perinatal and socio-familial factors, the behavioral development of preterm infants with very low birth weight.

Colombo pointed out that this was the only proposal awarded at the Andalusian level and stated that the development of this research carried out in Cádiz open the door to the design of strategies focused on children and their families that could promote proper neurodevelopment and reduce frequent behavioral problems in this population."

He also stated that this research, "which has received national recognition, is made possible thanks to ITI funds, which in the province have enabled the Cádiz Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation Cádiz INiBICA) to hire 68 researchers, boosting activity and attracting resources, resulting in a staff of 103 people this year, including researchers, technical staff, and managers.".

The investment of €13,271,992—from the ITI's Regional Development Fund (ERDF)—made by the regional government in INiBICA has led to "improvements in health and healthcare through scientific research," according to the government representative. There are currently seven Projects thanks to the commitment of the regional government and the more than 80 research groups that have been attached to six different programs at the Institute during this period.

ITI funds have also made it possible to strengthen the capabilities of clinical groups to secure Projects , positioning this entity within the European Union as a center of excellence in research. In this regard, 2025 is the year in which INiBICA plans to apply for accreditation from the Carlos III Institute, which will mean its incorporation into the circuit of the most important biomedical research institutes in Spain.

Biologists, biomedical scientists, chemists, mathematicians, engineers, doctors, and others work together in a network integrated into public hospitals, the University of Cádiz UCA), and SAS centers. This optimizes the capacity to develop Projects , improve scientific output, and transfer results to society.

INiBICA also contributes to diversifying the economy of Cadiz. It applies its R&D&I policy in collaboration with industry and companies in the province. Several research groups are currently working on Projects Cadiz-based companies to innovate in the treatment and diagnosis of prevalent diseases. To date, more than 40 agreements have been signed for Projects , innovation development, and knowledge transfer.

Attracting talent is another pillar of INiBICA's work, an entity that reflects how public investment in research and healthcare can drive change and social progress.

🔗 Más información: Junta de Andalucía