Dr. Laura Batlle-Masó, from the Infection and Immunity in Paediatric Patients research group at VHIR, has been appointed as the Junior Country Representative for Spain in the European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID). This recognition allows her to represent the country within this prestigious organization, leading communication and coordination among young immunology professionals in Spain.

The ESID is a European entity established over thirty years ago that unites clinicians and researchers specializing in immunodeficiencies. Every two years, it organizes an international congress to foster collaboration in this field. In addition, the ESID includes ESID Juniors, a network for young professionals offering training, discussion groups, and networking activities. "It is an opportunity to interact with other European researchers in similar situations, who seek to build connections and advance in this highly specialized field," explains Batlle-Masó, who had previously been involved in organizing activities for ESID Juniors.

Building Networks in Immunodeficiency Research

Batlle-Masó’s role will be to facilitate communication with ESID members in Spain, promoting participation in the society’s activities and serving as a key representative in her territory. "It is essential to have a robust network of professionals to address rare immunodeficiencies," states Dr. Batlle-Masó. These conditions are not only little known, but also require specialized technical resources and international experts for their diagnosis and treatment. Collaboration between centres, both nationally and across Europe, ensures that patients benefit from the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment, with access to advanced techniques available in other countries and professionals experienced in complex cases.

Batlle-Masó, with a specialized background in clinical genetics and bioinformatics, has worked since 2021 at VHIR within the Infection and Immunity in Paediatric Patients research group, led by Dr. Pere Soler, and collaborates closely with the Translational Immunology research group, led by Dr. Roger Colobran. "This role represents not only a personal opportunity but also recognition for the work we are doing at VHIR, enhancing our visibility and putting Vall d'Hebron on the European map for immunodeficiency research in paediatric patients," adds the researcher.

With this appointment, VHIR continues to strengthen its commitment to translational research in rare diseases and the creation of international networks that open new pathways for the diagnosis and treatment of immunodeficiencies.