The IpIBA researchers: “We are growing more and more, being more multidisciplinary and getting to know each other in the different centers”

The researchers from the ipIBA group at IIS Aragón speak in this interview about the origin of this multidisciplinary group and the III ipIBA Day, which will be held on May 17

The group Predoctoral Researchers in Biomedicine, known as IpIBA, is an initiative promoted by researchers from different groups of the IIS Aragon. Five of them lead the next IpIBA Day to be held on May 17, an event created with the purpose of exchange knowledge and consolidate the predoctoral scientific community.

Currently, these researchers are immersed in the development of their theses, each focused on their field of specialization, at the Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón). Pilar Espiau Belongs to the group Metabolism and Tumor Stem Cells and with his training in Biotechnology and Molecular Biomedicine, he researches pancreatic cancer. Isabel Villaoslada, of the group Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), also focuses on this pathology using patient samples on microchips. Besides, Cristina Remirez y Natalia Izquierdo, of the group AMIB, contribute their training in molecular biology and chemistry to the development of nanoparticles for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Finally, Ana Redrado, from the group of Advanced Therapies, with training in Biomedical Sciences, is immersed in oncological research, exploring new therapeutic avenues through the study of extracellular vesicles. 

How did the idea of ​​creating this Meeting of Predoctoral Researchers in Biomedicine come about? 

The idea arose as a result of the poor communication between doctoral students in Aragon. Currently, there are no seminars or events to learn about the work in other groups in our community. When we thought about the idea, it seemed to us that it would be interesting to have a series of talks where researchers could present their projects and also have it be in English. This would allow us to improve our communication skills for debates, conferences and courses. We also seek to promote networking to establish collaborations and receive help in technical areas that we do not fully master. 

What has motivated you to be part of the organization and coordination of IpIBA and IpIBA Day?

As our group knew each other before, the idea of ​​seminars arose and since there was no similar activity, we decided to jump into the pool. After the success of the first cycle and the high level of participation, we set out to organize an intensive day so that doctoral students could get to know each other, following the example of other research institutes. 

This event was created for young scientists to exchange knowledge, experiences and projects. What other objectives have been met with this meeting?  

The initial idea was to bring the people of CIBA closer, focusing mainly on those whose research was related to biomedicine. However, during the last year, we have seen that many predoctoral students from other centers and fields, such as engineering or veterinary medicine, have participated. 

The III ipIBA Day is approaching, what's new for this edition?

This year we have modified some of the activities a little, such as speed dating and the dissemination workshop, focusing them more on getting to know each other better as predoctoral students from the different areas of Zaragoza. We have also tried to make the dissemination of this event more general and not only focused on the CIBA. Finally, we wanted to take into account the comments collected in satisfaction surveys from previous years regarding other contests and their evaluation. 

Regarding the first edition and its beginnings, how has this third meeting evolved? 

Regarding the first edition, the change to highlight is that we are growing more and more, being more multidisciplinary and getting to know each other in the different centers.

What future goals do you have set and would you like to achieve? 

Continue to broaden horizons and increase participation. 

How could one encourage a professional dedication to research?

Firstly, promoting real and accessible scientific dissemination to the general population, using understandable language. Secondly, increasing subsidies for scientific projects and personnel. And finally, giving greater visibility to local and international scientific references. 

Now that you know research from the inside, what elements are necessary to continue making research attractive or what things would you like to see change to improve this profession?

It would be necessary to add to the previous answer the improvement of the stability of researchers in Spain.