03/11/2010

Dr. Joan Montaner, head of Neurovascular Disease group at Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) is one of the researchers participating of the book 'Research in Catalonia in first person', published by the Research General Direction of the Generalitat de Catalunya. The publication aims to bring the world of researchers, and their daily activity, to college students so that they are encouraged to make research their profession and passion. In the book, Dr. Montaner said that "is necessary to understand better the disease to get a better diagnose, care for and prevent that it appears, and that this understanding can only be achieved through research". With regard to health research in Catalonia, VHIR investigator stressed that "now people talk of Coopetition (cooperative competition), which is a whole new world in the joint work of research, since it is common to work with another group to share many things, but at the same time, you're a competitor". In relation to family life, the head of Neurovascular Disease at VHIR explains that "I have two daughters and I feel that research is time consuming. I think I get along well and Mediterranean culture helps us to investigate in a not so absorbent way as other countries. In the United States always told me that they were surprised how much we are able to publish, do good research and also to vacation!".