Mallorca cancer research and black holes draw EU visit

Mallorca’s Son Espases Hospital brings hereditary cancer research before a European Commission delegation on 11 November: the visitors meet the researchers working on it. They also visit the Balearic Research Complex at ParcBit to hear about gravitational waves and black holes. The visits form part of a review of the Balearic Islands’ European Social Fund Plus programme for 2021–2027, the regional Economy, Finance and Innovation Department says.

Cancer, heart disease and a family register

At the Balearic Islands Health Research Institute in Son Espases, María Antonia Caro and Joan Siquier discuss their European Social Fund Plus-funded projects with the delegation. Caro uses genetics and artificial intelligence to improve the detection and understanding of hereditary cancer. Her work contributes to the Balearic Islands’ first register of families affected by it.

Siquier looks at how studies measure the effectiveness of treatments for cardiovascular disease. He is testing whether the figures reflect how patients in the islands’ hospitals fare and what they experience, with the aim of improving medical recommendations.

Black holes, then the funding review

At ParcBit, Raúl Rodríguez uses artificial intelligence to detect gravitational waves. Eleanor Hamilton builds mathematical models and supercomputer simulations of black-hole collisions and mergers. Her work helps researchers interpret signals picked up by detectors on Earth and in space.

The delegation’s work then moves to the programme review. At Ca n’Oleo, the monitoring committee examines spending, performance measures and the management of European funds. The programme supports work in employment, social inclusion, education and scientific research across the Balearic Islands.

Topics: Health

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com