Daniel Orós López: “The secret is not just having ideas, it is making them a reality”

In this interview, the IIS Aragón researcher talks about his work leading the 'Placental Pathophysiology and Fetal Programming' Group (GIIS028) and the profiles that make it up

Daniel Orós López, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Zaragoza, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist in the University Clinical Hospital of Saragossa and present principal investigator Group Placental Pathophysiology and Fetal Programming (GIIS028), has dedicated his career to research since 2006, being part of the Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón) since its inception.

«Working as a doctor, you are aware every day of the lack of knowledge and diagnostic and therapeutic tools that we still have in medicine. Research is the only way to be able to progressively improve health. It is also the best way to be in constant contact with all the innovations»

What lines of research are being worked on in your group?

Our priority objectives are determine the pathophysiology of diseases of placental origin (IUGR, preeclampsia and prematurity) with the aim of developing biomarkers that allow us to personalize both the diagnosis and the treatment. In addition to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical intervention measures that allow us to improve the perinatal and long-term outcome of fetuses with pathologies of placental origin (IUGR, preeclampsia and prematurity). main lines of research of our group are the analysis of the role of Rex-1 in stem cell pluripotency and preimplantation development, as well as the function of YY2 in stem cells and preimplantation development.

What is the main challenge your research group is currently facing?

The main challenge we face is the Development of precise and cost-efficient strategies to improve clinical management of pathologies related to inadequate development of the placenta and which affect both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy, compromising both the perinatal outcome and their health in the medium and long term.

Any ongoing projects that you would like to highlight?

Develop a rapid diagnostic test (POCT) based on the expression of angiogenic markers in urine maternal during the third trimester of pregnancy, to determine in a way non-invasive, Fast, economical, qualitative and easy to interpret, the risk of presenting placental dysfunction (Preeclampsia and/or Intrauterine Growth Restriction).

What profiles make up your research team?

“Placenta” is a multidisciplinary group, formed by a wide range of health science professionals, both healthcare professionals and basic researchers in obstetrics, pediatrics, nursing, biology, epigenetics, veterinary medicine and clinical biochemistry.

The members of our research group work in different services of the Aragonese Health System, the University of Zaragoza and the Aragonese Institute of Health Sciences:

• Obstetrics Service of the Lozano Blesa University Clinical Hospital in Zaragoza (HCULB)
• Clinical Biochemistry Service of the Lozano Blesa University Clinical Hospital in Zaragoza (HCULB)
• Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA).
• Faculty of Medicine. University of Zaragoza
• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. University of Zaragoza

Why should companies bet on research, and specifically, on your group?

Investing in research It is not only an ethical and socially responsible decision, but also a smart strategy. from a business point of view. By supporting research into precision medicine during pregnancy, companies can drive innovation, enhance their reputation, and identify new market opportunities, all of which contribute to the long-term success of the company.

Advice for someone starting out in healthcare research?

One piece of advice I would give to someone who is just starting out is that they should choosing an appropriate research focus. For this, it is necessary that the topic should be: concrete, relevant and pertinent. It is important that you are passionate about this topic, and that you have a good knowledge base from the beginning. In addition to create a motivated research group, in which each member understands that personal growth is only achieved through the growth of the entire group.

It is very important to have clear objectives. You should not set limits, but you must be patient and set time limits. Research is a very competitive field and impatience is not a good strategy. Another key piece is get financingThe secret is not just having ideas, it is getting them to materialize. To do this, it is essential to have money. Without funding, it is not possible to develop research that impacts society. However, getting funding is a means, not an end. As in any company, it is not wise to get involved in projects that are beyond your means.

And the most important, have passion for what you do, a lot of patience and finding a balance between your dreams and ambitions and your real possibilities. Knowing where you want to go and moving forward little by little, always following a strategy, a plan.