The Valdecilla Health Research Institute (IDIVAL) has organized the conference “Discover research and what IDIVAL offers you” at the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, an initiative aimed at first‑year residents (R1) with the goal of introducing them to the hospital’s research ecosystem and encouraging the integration of scientific activity into their training from the very beginning of their careers.
The event, held in the Gómez Durán Hall, brought together dozens of medical residents interested in learning first‑hand about the opportunities, resources, and lines of work that IDIVAL makes available to healthcare professionals.
Research as a strategic pillar of the hospital
The conference began with an institutional welcome in which the hospital’s managing director, Félix Rubial, encouraged residents to cultivate curiosity as the foundation of clinical practice and research. “The questions that arise in clinical activity are the starting point of scientific knowledge,” he noted, emphasizing that “Valdecilla is an environment where care, teaching, and research are part of the same model.”
Rubial also stressed that research should be understood as an essential competency during specialized medical training and encouraged residents to take advantage of this stage to develop skills that will allow them to improve patient care.
IDIVAL, a driver of innovation and excellence
For his part, IDIVAL’s scientific director, Marcos López‑Hoyos, highlighted the institute’s role as a driver of innovation, knowledge transfer, and the hospital’s positioning at national and international levels.
“Research is not an option; it is an obligation in an institution like Valdecilla,” he stated, insisting that not all professionals must conduct research in the same way, but they should all be part of a shared research culture. In this regard, he pointed out that the hospitals best ranked internationally are those that combine clinical excellence with strong scientific activity.
López‑Hoyos explained that IDIVAL has nearly 900 professionals, 29 research groups, and a wide range of resources that enable the development of competitive, high‑impact projects. He also emphasized the importance of translational research and the role of the clinician‑researcher as a bridge between the laboratory and clinical practice.
During his address, he also stressed the need to dismantle myths about research and to highlight its real impact—from improving health outcomes to contributing to economic development and institutional prestige. “Research means asking good questions and transforming that knowledge into direct benefit for patients,” he summarized.
How to start doing research during residency
Throughout the conference, IDIVAL presented its structure, strategic areas, and support services—such as clinical trials, the biobank, and innovation—designed to facilitate research activity.
One of the key moments was the panel “A practical roadmap for an R1: How do I start tomorrow?”, in which several professionals shared experiences and guidance on how to begin research during residency, addressing topics such as joining research groups, project feasibility, and pursuing a doctoral thesis.
The program also included participation from the Doctoral and Education School of the University of Cantabria and the presentation of real research experiences developed within the Valdecilla environment, ranging from clinical studies to technological innovation projects.
Resources, training, and opportunities
The conference showcased IDIVAL’s main resources for promoting research, including the Research Support Service, the Clinical Trials Unit, the European Projects Office, and the Cantabria Cohort, as well as specific funding and mentoring programs for residents.
It also addressed the impact of research on professional development, highlighting its role in academic advancement, international mobility, and the creation of opportunities both within and beyond the healthcare system.
The event concluded with a message encouraging new residents to take advantage of IDIVAL’s potential as a platform for scientific development, along with the announcement of new initiatives to facilitate their involvement in research projects.
