The advisory body met to assess scientific progress, human resources and strategic planning
The IDIVAL’s External Scientific Advisory Board reviews 2025 activity and the Institute’s main strategic priorities of the Marqués de Valdecilla Health Research Institute (IDIVAL) met at the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital to review the activity carried out by the Institute throughout 2025 and to monitor its main strategic priorities.
During the meeting, IDIVAL’s Scientific Director, Marcos López Hoyos, delivered a general introduction and an overview of the Institute’s key activities in 2025. The session also included the official presentation of a new member of the External Scientific Advisory Board, researcher María del Mar Dierssen Sotos, expert in neurobiology at the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona (CRG), further strengthening the multidisciplinary nature and high scientific standards of this advisory body.
One of the main items on the agenda was the presentation of applications to the Miguel Servet Programme by Lorena García Hevia and Daniel Álvarez Sierra, who outlined their career paths and research projects to the members of the Board.
In addition, the External Scientific Advisory Board reviewed IDIVAL’s Strategic Plan and its major lines of action, with particular attention to key initiatives such as the Cohorte Cantabria, the human resources policy and the HRS4R strategy, aimed at promoting research excellence and attracting and retaining talent.
The meeting was attended in person by Ana Fernández-Sesma, Ana María Zubiaga Elordieta, Ángel Carracedo Álvarez, Rafael Cantón Moreno, María Buti Ferret, Xosé R. Bustelo, Jordi Vila Estapé and María del Mar Dierssen Sotos.
A key body for IDIVAL’s scientific quality
The External Scientific Advisory Board is a consultative body responsible for advising on IDIVAL’s scientific activities and ensuring their scientific quality, as established in the Institute’s Statutes and Regulations on Organisation and Operation. It is composed of highly recognised experts in the field of health sciences and is appointed by the Board of Trustees upon proposal by the Scientific Directorate.
Chaired by Ángel Carracedo Álvarez, the Board plays a fundamental role in the ongoing evaluation of IDIVAL’s research activity and in the strategic guidance of the Institute, contributing to consolidating its position as a national and international benchmark in biomedical research.
