Last Friday, November 22nd, IDIBELL hosted an academic and social event in tribute to Dr. Virginia Nunes, University of Barcelona professor and IDIBELL researcher, who has recently passed away. The conference, which brought together leading professionals and researchers in the field of genetics and rare diseases, began with the institutional opening by Dr. Gabriel Capellá, IDIBELL director, and Dr. Francesc Ventura, head of the Department of Physiological Sciences of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the UB Bellvitge Campus.
The event continued with two scientific talks that captivated the large audience. Dr. Paolo Gasparini, medical geneticist at the Burlo Garofolo Maternal and Child IRCCS in Trieste and president of the IDIBELL Scientific Advisory Board, addressed the evolution of genetics in the last 50 years in relation to Dr. Virginia Nunes’ trajectory, a fundamental figure in the field of genetic research. Next, Dr. Manuel Palacín, UB professor of biochemistry and researcher at IRB Barcelona, presented his lecture “Co-leadership in cystinuria: the journey of a geneticist and a biochemist”, where he shared his professional and personal experience with Dr. Nunes in the study of this rare disease.
One of the highlights of the day was the round table, entitled Virginia Nunes, a life dedicated to the research of rare diseases: from genetic origin to the search for therapies. Moderated by Dr. Conxi Lázaro, researcher at IDIBELL and ICO, the table was attended by several experts and Nunes colleagues, such as Dr. Xavier Estivill, Medical doctor and doctor in genetics; Dr. Sara Larriba, researcher at IDIBELL; Dr. Raúl Estévez, professor at the UB and IDIBELL researcher; Dr. Esther Prat, IDIBELL researcher and professor at the UB; and Dr. Benjamín Rodríguez, researcher at the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau Research Institute. They all shared their knowledge and experiences about rare diseases and Dr. Nunes’ legacy in this field.
Finally, the attendees were able to enjoy a drink and a snack while continuing the conversations and exchange ideas in a more relaxed atmosphere. The event was broadcasted live through IDIBELL’s YouTube channel for those who could not attend in person. The organizing committee of the event was formed by Julián Cerón, Sara Larriba, Esther Prat, Clara Mayayo, Raül Estévez, Manuel Palacín and Conxi Lázaro, with the support of the IDIBELL Communication Unit.
The Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) is a biomedical research center created in 2004. It is participated by the Bellvitge University Hospital and the Viladecans Hospital of the Catalan Institute of Health, the Catalan Institute of Oncology, the University of Barcelona and the City Council of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat.
IDIBELL is a member of the Campus of International Excellence of the University of Barcelona HUBc and is part of the CERCA institution of the Generalitat de Catalunya. In 2009 it became one of the first five Spanish research centers accredited as a health research institute by the Carlos III Health Institute. In addition, it is part of the “HR Excellence in Research” program of the European Union and is a member of EATRIS and REGIC. Since 2018, IDIBELL has been an Accredited Center of the AECC Scientific Foundation (FCAECC).