👩‍🔬 Esther Berrocoso, a member of the C09 group—Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology—at INiBICA, Deputy Director of Translational Science at INiBICA, and professor at the UCA, has used an audience with Queen Letizia to become a strong advocate for mental health. 🔍 During the meeting of the Spanish Brain Council held at La Zarzuela, she highlighted scientific advances in depression, biomarkers, and precision psychiatry. 📊 This meeting also served to present the first Report on the State of Neuroscience in Spain, a pioneering study in which Berrocoso has been deeply involved. In it, our colleague emphasizes that the value of this institutional event lies above all in its ability to bring scientific work to the public’s attention. 📢 “It has been a privilege because being received by the Royal Household puts the spotlight on your work. I think that’s something all researchers want, and I experienced it as a unique and very rewarding experience,” she explained, emphasizing that media coverage helps science reach the public. Another step toward bringing research closer to society and reinforcing the commitment to mental health grounded in scientific evidence 🧠💙 🔗 More information: La Voz del Sur || Instagram

Dr. Manuel Aguilar Diosdado was interviewed a few days ago by Onda Cádiz on the occasion of receiving the 💚 Andalusian Flag Award for Research, Science, and Health 💚, an acknowledgment of a lifetime dedicated to advancing knowledge and improving health. 🗣️ As Scientific Director of INiBICA since 2020, Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Cádiz , and Chief of the Endocrinology and Nutrition Service at Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, he shares his vision on research, innovation, and the future of healthcare in El Mirador. 🎧 Listen to the full interview starting at the 7-minute mark via the following link 💙 Thank you to Onda Cádiz TV for providing this platform and allowing us to continue advancing science in a way that’s accessible to everyone. 🔗 More information: Instagram

The UCA researcher is part of the delegation from the Spanish Brain Council that presented its recent advances and the first “Report on the State of Neuroscience in Spain” at La Zarzuela Esther Berrocoso, a professor at the University of Cádiz , was part of the delegation from the Spanish Brain Council received in audience by Her Majesty the Queen at La Zarzuela Palace, during a meeting in which the latest advances promoted by this organization in the field of brain health were presented. 👑 Esther Berrocoso attended this audience as part of the Spanish Brain Council delegation alongside its president, Mara Dierssen; the deputy secretary of the Spanish Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Carmen Moreno Ruiz; and the coordinators of the Council’s Youth Division, Clara Manso and Martina Lauriola. Esther Berrocoso’s participation in this meeting highlights the contribution of the University of Cádiz in a strategic field for science and public health: neuroscience. Berrocoso is a professor at the UCA, affiliated with the Department of Neurosciences and the Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedical Sciences at Cádiz (INiBICA), and conducts her research in the fields of neuropsychopharmacology and psychobiology. 🧬 Her scientific career has focused on Lines of research related to pain, depression, and other neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as on the study of neurobiological mechanisms with potential clinical applications. Throughout his career, he has maintained sustained research activity, with an extensive scientific output, participation in competitive Projects , and knowledge transfer activities, contributing to the advancement of biomedical research at the University of Cádiz. 📚 As part of this hearing, Berrocoso participated in the presentation of the first Report on the State of Neuroscience in Spain, one of the Spanish Brain Council’s major recent milestones. This document offers a comprehensive analysis of the brain sciences research ecosystem in Spain, providing a structured and comparative overview of the 2014–2024 period, and includes data on scientific output, impact, international collaboration, funding, and areas of specialization. 📊 Esther Berrocoso’s participation in the Spanish Brain Council is on behalf of CIBERSAM (Biomedical Research Network Center for Mental Health), thereby reinforcing the presence of the University of Cádiz within Networks and leading scientific institutions linked to research in neuroscience and mental health. 🤝 During the meeting, the launch of the Spanish Brain Council’s Youth Division was also announced—an initiative aimed at strengthening training, participation, and social awareness regarding brain research and brain health, with a special focus on younger generations. 🎓 The Spanish Brain Council brings together scientific societies, patient associations, and other stakeholders in this field with the goal of advancing research on the brain and its disorders, as well as promoting greater public awareness of the importance of brain health. 🧠 🔗 More information: UCA || Instagram

“Con una ecografía detectamos daños respiratorios graves en bebés prematuros mucho antes de lo que era habitual”   Almudena Alonso-Ojembarrena, Neonatóloga del Hospital Puerta del Mar, pertenece al INiBICA desde su fundación, formando parte del grupo de investigación CO20. Especializada en problemas respiratorios de bebés prematuros, colidera un estudio internacional, publicado en la prestigiosa revista The Lancet Regional Health-Europe sobre una investigación internacional que marca un avance en el abordaje de la displasia broncopulmonar, que reconoce y anticipa problemas respiratorios severos en bebés muy prematuros a los 10 días de nacer mediante una ecografía. Más información: Diario de Cádiz || Instagram

 Dr. Manuel Aguilar Diosdado Director Científico del INiBICA desde 2020, Catedrático del Departamento de Medicina de la Universidad de Cádiz y Jefe del Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición del Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar de Cádiz, ha sido galardonado con la Bandera De Andalucía a la Investigación, la Ciencia y la Salud.  El Museo de la Atalaya en Jerez acogió ayer el acto de entrega de las Banderas de Andalucía de la provincia de Cádiz 2026. Arropados por instituciones, colectivos, familias y amigos, los diez galardonados de este año son el rostro de la fuerza, el compromiso y el amor hacia la tierra. Son el espejo de una comunidad unida, que avanza con paso firme hacia la excelencia.  En el acto estuvieron presentes e hicieron la entrega de premios, el Consejero de Sanidad, Presidencia y Emergencias de la Junta de Andalucía, Antonio Sanz, la delegada de Gobierno de la Junta en Cádiz, Mercedes Colombo, y Eva Pajares, Delegada Territorial Salud y Consumo Provincia Cádiz.  Estos premios, concebidos para destacar méritos, acciones y servicios excepcionales en todos los ámbitos de la vida social, cultural, científica y económica, conforman un mapa humano que refleja la mejor versión de “nuestra tierra”, donde Cádiz volvió a dar ejemplo de excelencia, ampliamente refrendada en la trayectoria de quienes reciben este merecidísimo reconocimiento.   Más información: Diario de Cádiz || Instagram

Would you like to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals underlying cell characterization in biomedical research? 🎯 This training session aims to present the theoretical and practical foundations that define the techniques of cytogenetics and flow cytometry as applied to the characterization of hMSCs, hESCs, and iPSCs. 🏥 Organized by: Biobank of the Andalusian Public Health System – Progreso y Salud Foundation. Department of Health and Consumer Affairs. 📚 Methodology: Theoretical–Practical. 🎓 Target audience: Master’s students, graduates with degrees in Health Sciences, students interested in working in the field of iPSCs, hMSCs, and hESCs, and professionals in the biomedicine sector. 📅 Dates: March 11, 12, and 13, 2026. 📝 Pre-registration open until March 1, 2026. ⏳ Duration: 20 instructional hours. 📍 Location: Coordinating Node of the Andalusian Public Health System Biobank, Biomedical Research Center, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n, 18016 Granada (Spain). 🎖️ Accreditation: Accreditation for this activity has been requested in accordance with the criteria of the National Commission for Continuing Education of the National Health System. 💳 Price: €150 (VAT included). More information and pre-registration: 🔗 SSPA Biobank / 📞 958 894 664 📧 formacion.biobancosspa.fps@juntadeandalucia.es 🔗 More information: Instagram

Cádiz University has succeeded in having one of its healthcare innovation Projects s named a finalist in the 10th SaluDigital Awards, a national competition that recognizes initiatives capable of improving health, well-being, and quality of life through the use of technology. 🌐 The mICardiAPP, developed by an interdisciplinary Team with significant participation from female researchers at the UCA, will compete in the Health App category, according to an announcement by the Mediforum Group, the organizer of these awards. Sponsored by the Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation at the University of Cádiz n (INiBICA), the project was led by Pilar Bas Sarmiento, Martina Fernández Gutiérrez, and Eduardo Sánchez Sánchez, professors in the School of Nursing, and serves as an example of the strategic role of nursing in healthcare innovation. 🩺 mICardiAPP was developed in response to the real needs of patients with heart failure and offers a digital tool designed to facilitate self-management of the condition via a smartphone, integrating clinical knowledge and advanced technology. 📲 This recognition as a finalist comes amid fierce competition. In this tenth edition, which closed on January 31 with a record number of entries, the jury evaluated a total of 118 initiatives before announcing the “ Projects ” selected in each category. 📅 Awards Ceremony: March 26 📍 Location: CaixaForum (Madrid) 🏅 Category: Health App The app allows users to monitor various aspects related to the condition and includes specific modules for managing medication, diet, and physical activity, as well as identifying warning signs and symptoms. ❤️ It also includes health literacy strategies that facilitate access to and understanding of relevant information about the disease. In addition, it features gamified activities and personalized challenges designed to boost motivation and encourage continued use of the tool, as well as emotional support aimed at improving the patient’s overall experience. 🎯 The goal is to evaluate whether the use of mICardiAPP helps reduce the rate of hospital readmissions and mortality associated with heart failure, while improving the quality of life for those affected and reducing the burden on the healthcare system. 📊 mICardiAPP is part of a health research project funded by the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), within the framework of the Strategic Health Action (AES) 2025, one of the most rigorous calls for proposals in the national healthcare R&D&I system. 🔬 The initiative is led by the Campo de Gibraltar Oeste Healthcare Management Area of the Andalusian Health Service and the “ Bahía de ” CampusAlgeciras of the UCA. Participants include professionals from the Cardiology Clinical Management Unit at Punta Europa University Hospital, faculty and researchers from the School of Nursing at Algeciras ( PAIDI Group CTS1019), and other research groups at the University of Cádiz (CTS158, TIC195, and FQM243). 🤝 Project leaders emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of the project, which brings together psychologists, physicians, nurses, computer scientists, pharmacists, and physical therapists affiliated with both the Andalusian Health Service and various groups at the University of Cádiz and the Spanish Health Literacy Network. The project had already received prior funding from the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) in Andalusia and the University of Cádiz ’s own funding plan. With funding from the Carlos III Health Institute, it is now established as an initiative of excellence at the national level. Being named a finalist in the 10th SaluDigital Awards now bolsters mICardiAPP’s public profile and highlights the UCA’s ability to lead Projects in technology transfer and innovation with a direct impact on society. 🚀 Heart failure is currently the leading cause of hospitalization among people over 65 in Spain, posing a significant challenge to the healthcare system. In light of this reality, the research- Team t is committed to a shift in approach based on patient empowerment, promoting a model of active care grounded in participation and informed self-management. 💙 🔗 More information: UCA || Instagram

LAST CALL, FELLOW WOMEN! Did you know that less than 20% of Wikipedia biographies are about women? We want to change history, but… we need you! Here at the UCA, we’re calling on all women on the faculty and staff. Your academic rigor and knowledge are the perfect tools for highlighting female role models and closing the gender gap online. 💜 Don’t have any prior experience? Even better! In the “Visibiliza-T” workshop, we’ll start from scratch, step by step, and at Team. ⏳ ATTENTION! The registration deadline is this MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23. Don’t miss out. We’re going to create an incredible working group, and we want you to be part of it. 🗓️ When is it?: 💻 Training (Hybrid): March 9 and 11 (mornings). 📍 Big Edit-a-thon (In-person): Friday, March 13 ( Puerto Real Campus). 👉 Are you up for the challenge? Here’s the direct registration link—it takes just 1 minute to fill out! 🔗 More information: Instagram

“Being born in one body or another isn’t a limitation to pursuing what you truly want. What matters is that you pursue your dreams. You try the impossible—and sometimes you even succeed.” 🧬 Although they’re still in the minority. At the University of Cádiz (UCA), there are 2,202 researchers, 994 of whom are women—equivalent to 45.1%. Esther Berrocoso and Marta Ferreiro are two of them, and through their work, they have become role models for new generations. 💜 Esther Berrocoso, a native of Jerez with an islander’s spirit, is part of the Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology group in the Department of Neurosciences, which focuses on the nervous system, and she is also the Deputy Director of Translational Science at INiBICA. Berrocoso focuses her efforts on the mental health of the general population and, specifically, on that of patients with chronic illnesses. 💜 Marta Ferreiro, for her part, combines teaching and research as part of the AGR291 group—“Analytical Tools in Viticulture, Agri-Food, and Forensic Chemistry”—within the Department of Analytical Chemistry. This group collaborates with the Forensic Science Department of the Scientific Police and the Chemistry Department of the Civil Guard. 🚀 Both strive to pass on their enthusiasm to future generations by participating in activities organized by the UCA and INiBICA for 11F, as well as in other forums. 🔗 More information: La Voz del Sur || Instagram

🔬 A study conducted jointly by researchers from INiBICA’s Laboratory of Diabetes and Associated Complications-CO17, the Laboratory of Marine Natural Products, and the Ecology Department at UCA has demonstrated the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of extracts from a collection of algae from the area of bahía de Cádiz . 🌿 The study analyzes extracts from a collection of seaweeds from the vicinity of the bahía de Cádiz , demonstrating their biomedical potential in experimental models. 📚 This study was conducted as part of the PCM_00013 CAMACLA project (Research on the Cultivation and Applications of a Native Macroalga: Cladosiphon sp.). 🤝 The research is part of the Complementary Plan for Marine Sciences and the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, funded by Next Generation EU and co-funded by the Department of Universities, Research, and Innovation of the Regional Government of Andalusia.