The Institute for Integrative Systems Biology celebrates its tenth anniversary with a commemorative event at the Parc Científic of the University of Valencia

 

The Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), a joint centre of the University of Valencia and CSIC, celebrated its tenth anniversary on 6 March at the Marie Curie Auditorium in the Parc Científic of the University of Valencia. This event is part of a programme of celebrations taking place throughout the year to commemorate the anniversary, which will include, among other activities, the international congress ‘Integrative Synthetic and Systems Biology for a Resilient Future’, to be held from 9–11 September.

The event commemorated the signing of the agreement to create I2SysBio on 8 March 2016 by Rector Esteban Morcillo and the CSIC President, Emilio Lora. The celebration brought together the institute's research and administrative staff, students and collaborators, as well as institutional representatives, to celebrate a decade of scientific advances in systems biology.

The day began with speeches from the institute's director, Gustavo Gómez, the institutional delegate of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in the Valencian Community, Juan Fuster, and the Vice-Rector for Research of the University of Valencia, Carlos Hermenegildo. Gustavo Gómez highlighted the centre's growth over these ten years and its consolidation as an international benchmark in interdisciplinary research. He also stressed the key role of I2SysBio in generating knowledge and in training new generations of scientists.

This was followed by a scientific session featuring prominent female researchers from the institute and the Valencian scientific community: Emilia Matallana, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UV and former director of I2SysBio; Susana Rodríguez Navarro, director of the Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (IBV, CSIC); and Isabel Fariñas, Professor of Cell Biology at the UV and director of the BIOTECMED University Institute. During the session, recent advances in biomedical and biotechnological research were addressed, as well as the role of I2SysBio within the Valencian research ecosystem. The role of women in science and scientific management was also reflected upon, an aspect particularly significant given that the centre's official “birthday” coincides with International Women's Day.

The programme also included an informal meeting during the coffee break, accompanied by a commemorative photographic exhibition showcasing some of the institute's most significant milestones since its creation, as well as a selection of images from the winners of I2SysBio's first photography competition. The day concluded with a public outreach activity and a group photograph taken by drone in front of the I2SysBio building.

With this celebration, I2SysBio reaffirms its commitment to excellence in research, scientific innovation and international collaboration, the fundamental pillars that have marked its trajectory during this first decade.