The Alicante Institute of Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL) hosted an institutional visit from the Mayor of Alicante, Luis Barcala. During his visit, the mayor toured the center's facilities to learn about the scientific, research, and innovation work carried out by the foundation, recognized as the only Health Research Institute accredited by the Carlos III Health Institute in the province.
ISABIAL's Managing Director, Elena Bertomeu, highlighted the importance of collaboration with the Alicante City Council to channel medical innovation towards the social fabric and address current health challenges. Bertomeu thanked the council for its institutional involvement, emphasizing that this collaboration directly benefits the daily lives of citizens.
The tour included the Joint Research Unit in Biomedical Design and Manufacturing (BioFab), the Research Laboratory (LAI), and the Alicante Simulation and Innovation Laboratory (SimIA). At SimIA, Barcala witnessed a childbirth simulation under the direction of Dr. José Navarro, Clinical Simulation Coordinator. A project using virtual reality for diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's was also presented.
During the meeting, future collaborations were discussed in scientific outreach, promotion of healthy habits, and support for research projects aimed at making health innovation an engine for economic and social development in Alicante. The ISABIAL delegation included Elena Bertomeu, Paloma Vela, Cristina Alenda, and Enrique de Madaria, along with representatives from the Alicante – General Hospital Health Department.
