Better biomedical research capacity
The EU-funded BIOCAPS (Biomedical capacities support program) initiative worked to strengthen research capacity at IBI to improve its contribution to the European Research Area (ERA). The group aimed to identify healthcare needs, grow research capacity and collaborate with leading European research centres to facilitate innovation through technology transfer. During the first 18 months of the project, BIOCAPS built research capacity by upgrading infrastructure and recruiting researchers. Research equipment, including cold storage and various analytical devices, was bought and put into operation. Further, BIOCAPS set up a database of current researchers and relevant companies for partnering on projects or technology transfer. BIOCAPS recruited seven senior researchers, a research technician, a project manager, a community manager, a project management assistant, and an innovation and technology transfer manager. Several seminars, workshops and conferences were held to improve the skills of IBI personnel. In addition, IBI researchers completed 23 research exchanges with global institutions and hosted more than 20 seminars. A major area of focus was developing new biomedical technologies and introducing them to the market. In this regard, BIOCAPS devised an Innovation Strategy for protection and transfer of innovation. For this purpose, they designed a technology transfer model, established a framework for collaboration and created a policy for creating spin-off companies. Twelve patents were applied for through the BIOCAPS programme, and seven were awarded. Besides the project website, BIOCAPS disseminated IBI research activities via social networks, media, scientific publications, conferences and other activities. BIOCAPS efforts have enhanced IBI research quality through strategic and focused research to help the Institute become a key player in the ERA. Driving biomedical innovation will benefit not only patients but the European economy as a whole.
Keywords
Biomedical research, Spain, BIOCAPS, research capacity, technology transfer
