IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND held a citizen participation day on October 8, 2026, focused on the design, joint work, and execution of biomedical research projects. The event, held in a hybrid format from the Boardroom of the 061 Andalusian Health Emergency Centre at Málaga TechPark, aimed to foster the active involvement of patients and associations in the research process.
Inmaculada Alés, coordinator of IBIMA's CIMO Oncohematology Unit, highlighted the importance of incorporating patient voices from the project design stage. "Incorporating patient perspectives from the design of our projects allows us to move more firmly towards research that truly addresses their needs. Joint work means listening, gaining knowledge, and building together," she stated.
The event underscored the value of citizen participation in all phases of research. Examples discussed included the EPIPREDICT project, presented by researcher Isabel Barragán, which delved into the collaborative design of a clinical trial. Subsequently, researcher Jorge Contreras presented new research lines in Radiotherapy Oncology.
Co-investigator Manuel Macías introduced the COMFORT project, focusing on nutrition and exercise, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive health approach. Another initiative presented was the Health Club, led by Antonio Cuesta, a researcher from IBIMA's Clinical Biomechanics in Physiotherapy group.
Regina García, from the Hematology and Immunotherapy group, shared research lines in Hematology, while Laura García addressed research in Pediatric Oncology. Each presentation included a dedicated conversation segment for exchanging perspectives.
IBIMA's Scientific Director, Francisco J. Tinahones, emphasized that collaborative design enhances research quality and applicability. The establishment of IBIMA's Unit for Social Impact in 2026 aims to boost the connection between research and society, considering citizen involvement crucial for transforming scientific knowledge into tangible improvements for patients.
