The session focused on alignment with European standards in science, management, and research talent
The Valdecilla Health Research Institute (IDIVAL) held an institutional session within the framework of the Santander Biomedical Lectures entitled “HRS4R at IDIVAL: Science, Management and Talent for the European Future”, during which it presented to the research community the update of its Human Resources Action Plan 2025–2028, in line with the European Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R).
The session was delivered by IDIVAL’s Director of Management, Galo Peralta, and its Scientific Director, Marcos López Hoyos, who highlighted the strategic nature of this initiative and its importance for continuing to consolidate IDIVAL and the Cantabrian healthcare environment within European standards of excellence in research.
During their presentations, both directors emphasized the relevance of IDIVAL being fully integrated into the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital and aligned with the requirements set by the European Commission and the Carlos III Health Institute. In this regard, they recalled that the HRS4R Strategy is based on the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct, a framework that establishes rights, duties, and good practices to ensure high-quality research environments.
As they explained, since 2018 IDIVAL has been part of the group of European institutions accredited with the HRS4R seal, a recognition already held by nearly 800 centers across Europe and increasingly relevant for accessing competitive funding and attracting research talent. The Institute is awaiting approval this year of the renewal process for this accreditation, following an on-site evaluation visit held on September 29, which will allow the seal to be maintained for the next three years. In addition, the questions raised by the European auditors have been answered in due time and form.
Key activity figures
The session also reviewed the main figures of the Institute’s research activity. IDIVAL currently manages an overall budget close to €16 million and has nearly 1,000 people linked to research groups, of whom 244 are directly employed by the Institute. The sustained growth in economic activity, the attraction of competitive funding, and the key role of research support units, clinical trials, and in-house funding programs were also highlighted.
The new Action Plan 2025–2028, available on the IDIVAL website at https://www.idival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PlanAccionHRS4R_IDIVAL_2025_2028.pdf, streamlines and reorganizes actions into five major areas: organizational framework; safe and professional environment; transparency and communication; working conditions; and professional and talent development. Among the highlighted challenges are the promotion of gender equality, the advancement of open science, the improvement of working conditions, staff participation in governance, and the strengthening of research careers and mentoring for young talent.
According to the Institute’s leadership, this plan is not a closed document but part of a continuous improvement process that requires the active involvement of the entire IDIVAL community. During the session, the expansion of the working group for the seal strategy was also presented.
The session was therefore conceived as a space for information and dialogue to share progress, changes, and future objectives, and to reinforce the collective commitment to high-quality, ethical research aligned with Europe.
