Pilar Martín Duque: “Research is not an easy career, but as someone once told me, there is no career more difficult than the one you do unwillingly”

The IIS Aragón researcher speaks in this interview about her work directing the Advanced Therapies Group and what her day-to-day life is like.

Pilar Martin Duque He began his professional career in the field of research and immediately knew that he was in the right place and that this was his vocation. Since that moment, 28 years have passed andIn these last 15 years he has developed his profession at the IIS Aragón. In fact, Pilar proudly remembers the founding process of the Institute. She was part of the accreditation process and was even invited to be the first secretary. At the moment, leads the Advanced Therapies group, focused on the treatment of diseases related to aging, such as cancer and other inflammatory diseases.

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

Our group is multidisciplinary and we have researchers who study everything from the production of new biological therapies to the synthesis of new materials applied to medicine. 

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

Like everyone, to the scarcity of means and resources. With more investment and more aid we could advance at a different pace as has been seen in the pandemic. With greater investment, the objectives are achieved sooner. 

Any ongoing projects that you would like to highlight? 

It's difficult to choose just one. We are dedicated to finding new vectors that specifically target tumors and transfer a radioactivity-accumulating gene. We have several very interesting elements that could come to fruition.

What profiles make up your research team?

The IIS Aragón group is very multidisciplinary. We have biologists, biotechnologists, pharmacists, chemists, etc.

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

Because we have a very translational approach. Our approaches are designed for translation to the clinic, so with little investment we could reach the patient. 

Advice for someone starting out in health research

If it is your vocation you should move forward. It is not an easy path, but, as someone once told me, there is no race more difficult than the one you do unwillingly. 

Image: AECC Zaragoza