IdISBa receives four awards at the 2026 Health Gala
The Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) has received four awards at the 2026 Balearic Islands Health Gala, an event that highlights outstanding initiatives in the fields of healthcare and research. These awards recognise scientific excellence, innovation and the direct impact on citizens' health generated by the Institute.
Recognition for independent clinical research with patient impact
One of the awarded projects is led by the SCReN-IdISBa unit, part of the Spanish Clinical Research Network (SCReN), a nationwide network providing methodological, regulatory and operational support for independent clinical research.
Since joining the network in 2020, the unit has actively contributed to multicentre clinical studies, carrying out tasks such as monitoring, project management and regulatory support.
In total, IdISBa has supported 17 studies, involving 771 patients across both hospital and primary care settings, demonstrating strong recruitment capacity and a clear focus on improving clinical practice and health outcomes.
Excellence in cancer research and personalised medicine
The Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory (BIOCANCER) has also been recognised for its contribution to understanding key mechanisms in cancer development.
Among its main achievements is the identification of mutations in poorly studied regions of DNA, known as "dark DNA", which play a critical role in aggressive tumours such as glioblastoma.
In addition, researchers have identified epigenetic mechanisms that allow certain breast tumours to evade the immune system, affecting their response to immunotherapy.
These findings open new avenues for diagnosis and the development of more personalised treatments, directly improving cancer care.
A strategic infrastructure for biomedical research
The new Molecular Imaging and Mass Spectrometry Platform (PT-IMEM) has been awarded for its innovative contribution to health research.
This infrastructure, inaugurated in November 2025, integrates an ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometer, unique in Spain, positioning the Balearic Islands as a national benchmark in advanced biomedical technology.
The platform enables high-resolution molecular and spatial analysis of biological tissues, facilitating biomarker identification and the understanding of complex disease mechanisms.
These capabilities have direct applications in fields such as oncology, pharmacology and precision medicine, contributing to earlier diagnoses and more effective, personalised treatments.
Recognition of a career dedicated to health research
Finally, the Gala also recognised the career of Dr Antònia Barceló Bennàssar, Scientific Director of IdISBa from 2023 to 2026.
During her tenure, she played a key role in consolidating the Institute as a core structure within the Balearic Islands' health research system, strengthening its institutional prestige and social impact.
Her leadership was characterised by the promotion of scientific excellence, translational research and knowledge transfer, facilitating the application of research findings to clinical practice.
She also fostered collaboration between healthcare professionals, researchers and institutions, generating synergies that have strengthened the health research and innovation ecosystem.
Overall, these four awards highlight IdISBa's commitment to excellence in research, aimed at addressing society's health challenges and generating a real impact on patients' lives.
