The Valdecilla Health Research Institute (IDIVAL) has recognized seven young researchers through the NEXT-Val program (NEXT generation VALdecilla), created to promote translational research and support the careers of emerging scientists in Cantabria’s biomedical field.
The call, with nearly €150,000 in funding, offers up to €25,000 per project for a maximum duration of two years. It is aimed at professionals linked to the Public Health System of Cantabria or the University of Cantabria who have not yet received competitive grants as principal investigators.
NEXT-Val complements previous initiatives such as the Mentoring program or Post-MIR contracts, acting as a bridge toward scientific independence and international competitiveness at a crucial stage in a research career.
Seven projects, one shared purpose: Improving patients’ lives
The awarded projects cover diverse fields —oncology, hematology, neurology, psychiatry, surgery, immunology, and neuroradiology— yet all share a common goal: ensuring that science translates into well-being, quality of life, and opportunities for patients.
• Carmen Cagigas, surgeon, studies how to reduce complications in minimally invasive surgery so patients can recover sooner at home. “Medicine doesn’t advance without research. It’s the only way to avoid repeating mistakes,” she says.
• Daniel Álvarez, immunologist, researches autoimmune diseases: “My work is very basic, but if one day we can improve even slightly the quality of life of affected people, it will have been worth it”.
• Juan Marta, neurologist, focuses his project on thromboinflammation in stroke: “One in six people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime. Anything that helps reduce its frequency and severity will have an enormous impact on our society.”.
• María Lado, psychiatrist, studies pharmacogenetics in children and adolescents with autism to design more personalized treatments: *“We want medicines to fit each person like a tailor-made suit”.
• Miriam Sánchez, hematologist, works on transplants and cell therapies: “Our goal is to anticipate complications and personalize treatments. First, ensure the patient survives; second, prevent the disease from returning.”.
• Nerea Muñoz, oncologist, investigates biomarkers to better identify which patients respond to which treatments: “Not all cancer patients react the same way. We want to avoid unnecessary toxicities and gain more time of life.”.
• Verónica Vidal, biologist, explores new protection methods in neuroradiology procedures to reduce complications and sequelae: “Research is a tough race, but when results are applied and benefit patients, it’s deeply rewarding”.
Shared challenges and hope for the future
The paths of these award-winning researchers highlight a series of challenges and aspirations that illustrate the reality of research in Spain:
• The role of mentors and role models: Almost all point to department heads, thesis directors, or professors as key guides in their careers.
• The difficulty of combining research with clinical work: The lack of time and resources is a constant challenge.
• The need to go abroad and bring back experience: Many discovered research in international hospitals and emphasize the importance of “learning from the best to try to become better.”
• Passion as the driving force: Despite the difficulties, they all agree that research is captivating because it connects with a higher purpose—improving lives.
The young researchers also share their vision for the future. They hope to look back on this stage as the beginning of a journey marked by enthusiasm and dedication. They dream that their discoveries will make it possible to personalize treatments, anticipate complications, prevent diseases, and perhaps even cure them.
An investment in talent that benefits society
Programs like NEXT-Val represent a strategic commitment not only to science but also to the future of the healthcare system and citizens’ quality of life.
“Without research, there is no progress in medicine,” the awardees agree. The funding they received has allowed them to launch projects that otherwise could not have been initiated, laying the groundwork for applying to more ambitious national and international calls.
Through this initiative, IDIVAL strengthens its commitment to retaining and promoting talent in Cantabria, demonstrating that investing in young researchers means investing in hope, innovation, and health for everyone.
