The IIS Aragón presents the book "24 stories to raise awareness" at a gala that highlights the voice of patients.

The publication features real-life accounts from people who have experienced the disease, research, and healthcare firsthand. This "Patient in Science" gala included conversations, a panel discussion, and the public reading of several stories.

The Aragon Health Research Institute held the gala yesterday Patient in Science, a book presentation event “24 stories to raise awareness”, which brings together real testimonies from people who have experienced disease, research, and healthcare firsthand. A collection of moving and transformative stories that give voice to those at the heart of research: the patients.

The gala began with a conversation entitled “Investigate to win”, starring the volunteer of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) Fernando Jiménez and the researcher from the IIS Aragón Alberto J. Schuhmacher, who reflected on the value of science, the patient experience, and the need to move forward together.

This was followed by a roundtable discussion under the title “Patients are not just recipients of innovation, they are essential to change.”. Moderated by Eva Lopez, coordinator of the Clinical Research Unit of the IIS Aragón, had the participation of Patxi Garcia (AECC), Felix Arrizabalaga (ATADES), Carlos Larroy (ASPANOA) and Ana López (ASAPME), who shared different perspectives from their organizations and emphasized the active role of patients and families in healthcare and social innovation processes.

One of the most emotional moments of the afternoon was the reading of micro-stories by the journalist Juanjo Hernandez, who gave voice to a selection of the texts collected in the publication. The stories, full of sensitivity and truth, offered a space for reflection and recognition of personal experiences.

The event concluded with a recognition of authors, who received a physical copy of the book as a token of appreciation for their generosity in sharing stories that inspire, move, and raise awareness.

What is Patient in Science?

The project "Patient in Science” is an initiative of the IAragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón) in collaboration with patient associations AECC, ASAPME, ASPANOA and ATADES and with the involvement of Aragonese Patient Forum. The project has the financing and collaboration of the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT).

The program searches enhance the interaction between citizens, patients and the research group with the objectives of increasing knowledge and understanding of science and technology in the field of health, and facilitating the participation of patients in research and innovation projects.

“Patient in Science” consists of training actions and activities in which patients and citizens in general, together with researchers, will generate solutions and content of diverse nature that combine creativity and scientific rigor. The project, open to all citizens, is closely linked to the IIS Aragón's strategic initiative to incorporate citizens and patients into the Institute's research and innovation. Through activities in person and online In Aragón we want to bring basic and applied clinical research in health services closer to citizens to increase knowledge and understanding of science and technology.