SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 11 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
A collaboration between the Tenerife Island Council and the University of La Laguna (ULL) is set to drive research and knowledge transfer in biomedicine across the island. This initiative is facilitated through an agreement involving the Tenerife Medical Institute (Imetisa) and the Canary Foundation for Biomedicine and Biotechnology Advancement (Bioavance Foundation).
On Thursday, the document was formally signed by Rosa Dávila, President of the Cabildo, and Juan José Martínez, Minister of Innovation, Research and Development, in an event graced by ULL Rector, Francisco García.
The agreement, which sees an injection of 900,000 euros over a two-year period between the Bioavance Foundation and Imetisa, aims to enhance excellence and elevate the scientific standards and research endeavours in biomedicine in Tenerife. This will create a conducive environment for the implementation of various programs and initiatives, along with the provision of essential resources and equipment to facilitate translational research and knowledge transfer.
Rosa Dávila highlighted that this agreement substantiates the dedication to innovation and research in Tenerife that was pledged during the state of the island address.
“This investment is geared towards acquiring scientific equipment for public biomedical and health research organisations in Tenerife. The Biomedicine Technological Institute is a national leader, and investing in scientific research ultimately benefits the community, enhancing the reach to society at large through a facility like the Institute,” the statement read.
She added that the collaboration with the Bioavance Foundation, involving both the Cabildo and the University of La Laguna, “enables the conduct of scientific research related to health, such as investigations into neurodegenerative ailments or diabetes, which are highly prevalent. Hence, the significance of the close partnership between the University of La Laguna, the Canary Islands Health Service, and the Bioavance Foundation.”
“Having the requisite equipment for scientific endeavours is crucial as it drives research forward, which stands as the primary goal of this agreement,” she emphasised.
Juan José Martínez mentioned that public research centres in Tenerife act as “allies” in transforming and diversifying the production model.
“We are progressing along this trajectory in the Council through various initiatives such as the one spearheaded by Imetisa to support research projects at the University of La Laguna,” he underscored.
ULL Rector, Francisco García, stressed the significance of the term ‘investment’ in the realm of science, noting that “when we discuss science, investment serves as a multiplier for the future.”
ECONOMIC RETURNS
In fact, he highlighted that “for every euro invested in science, there’s a return ratio of 1-5 euros, resulting in five euros of societal benefit for each euro invested.”
Moreover, he pointed out the importance of fostering a call for projects in the biomedicine sector in Tenerife, catering to initiatives that may not have access to other forms of assistance. This involves supporting projects so that scientists engaged in daily research can secure funds to undertake high-potential investments, furthering their work in diverse areas.
Beyond the aforementioned objectives, the agreement is designed to encourage joint participation of both entities in coordinated projects and actions overseen by the Bioavance Foundation, as well as to bolster scientific-medical collaboration between the entities for optimal resource utilisation.
Furthermore, it entails a collaborative design of various initiatives and the provision of essential resources for project, programme, and action development.
