Reus City Council and IISPV sign a protocol to establish collaboration mechanisms in the field of health

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Reus City Council and IISPV sign a protocol to establish collaboration mechanisms in the field of health

The agreement foresees the cooperation of the two institutions in the celebration of acts and events that promote healthy habits among citizens.

Director of the IISPV, Joan Vendrell, the mayor of Reus, Sandra Guaita, and the second deputy mayor, Josep Baiges, at the Reus City Hall.

The Mayor of Reus, Sandra Guaita, and the Director of the Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Joan Vendrell, have signed a framework protocol to foster collaboration in the fields of healthcare, public health, and health promotion. The agreement emphasises early disease detection and the capacity for a swift and effective response to health emergencies. This is the first formal agreement between the two institutions and includes provisions for joint initiatives and projects to be developed across various departments of the Reus City Council and the IISPV. It also outlines cooperation in organising events aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among citizens.

In terms of knowledge transfer, the protocol supports the dissemination of scientific output generated by IISPV researchers, including clinical trials, patents, partnership agreements, and the creation of start-ups. It also promotes the organisation of specialised workshops and seminars focused on talent development and employment in the health sector, with the aim of equipping professionals with skills and knowledge aligned with the evolving demands of the labour market. Another key aspect of the agreement is the promotion of research addressing specific societal and industrial challenges, as well as the establishment of strategic alliances to lead transformative sectoral and regional projects, particularly through citizen science initiatives.

The framework protocol establishes a four-year collaboration period, with the possibility of annual extensions for up to an additional four years. It also allows for amendments or termination. A monitoring committee has been created to oversee the implementation of the agreement, ensure compliance, and facilitate the development of specific actions.

The signing of this protocol reaffirms the Reus City Council’s commitment to innovation, science, and technology—a commitment that was recognised last May when Reus was awarded the title of City of Science by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. In this regard, Mayor Guaita stated: “Science, research, and innovation must be at the heart of public policy as drivers of regional development. This is a key priority in our 2023–2027 Municipal Action Plan. Public administration must foster knowledge generation and management, professional training, and talent attraction, strategically rooted in the local context. This commitment can only be realised through active collaboration with the business community, scientific and academic institutions, and public authorities.

The signing of this protocol also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the IISPV, celebrated throughout 2025. According to the institute’s director, “It is vital to know that local institutions support us. Building strong ties with the region enables us to translate scientific knowledge into real solutions for patients and society. This is the core mission of our institute and the researchers who work through the IISPV”.