On 13 and 14 November, a new edition of BCNspiracy will take place at the CosmoCaixa Science Museum in Barcelona. This science outreach event brings research closer to the public through short talks, interviews and activities for different audiences.

This year, researchers from the Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR) and the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) will take part in several sessions to share their knowledge on topics such as lupus erythematosus, gender bias in healthcare and cancer prevention.

13 November: INspiracy, a science outreach day for young people

On Friday 13 November, INspiracy will take place, an event aimed at secondary school and high school students, featuring activities designed to bring science and research closer to younger generations.

‘Can cancer be prevented?’, an interview with Dr José A. Seoane

At 10:30 am, Dr José A. Seoane, Head of the Computational Cancer Biology Group at VHIO, will take part in a live interview to discuss the role of risk factors in cancer development and how the incidence of certain tumours can be reduced.

Cancer is often described as a disease that simply happens to us, but to what extent is it random? Although factors such as tobacco use are linked to certain types of tumours, there are other external factors that we can also act upon.

During the interview, he will explain how changes in personal habits and public health policies have helped reduce the incidence of certain types of cancer. The discussion will also explore what we can do, both individually and as a society, to lower the risk of developing this disease.

‘Are men and women treated equally in healthcare?’, with María Larrossa and Lina Camacho

At 12:20 pm, María Larrossa, predoctoral researcher in the VHIR Basic, Translational and Clinical Pharmacy Research Group, and Lina Camacho, research technician in Clinical Pharmacology at VHIR, will take part in a session entitled ‘Are men and women treated equally in healthcare?’. They will discuss how gender stereotypes can influence the way diseases are diagnosed and treated.

The session will explore whether men and women receive the same diagnosis when presenting with the same symptoms and examine differences in our understanding of how medicines affect both sexes. It will also focus on gender bias in scientific research and healthcare, as well as on strategies that can help promote more equitable care.

14 November: Research into lupus and inclusive science communication

On Saturday 14 November, BCNspiracy will host further science outreach sessions, featuring activities that connect biomedical research with current healthcare challenges.

‘From the dark genome to the clinic: miRNAs as biomarkers and gene therapy in lupus erythematosus’, with Cristina Solé Marcé

At 5 pm, Cristina Solé Marcé, Principal Investigator of the VHIR Rheumatology Research Group, will take part in the CATspiració session with a talk on the potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the diagnosis and treatment of lupus erythematosus.

MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules that do not code for proteins but play an important role in regulating gene expression and the immune response. In lupus, both cutaneous and systemic forms of the disease have been associated with alterations in the profiles of these molecules, which could help detect disease activity and assess treatment response.

The talk will also explore the potential of modulating miRNAs through different gene therapy strategies to regulate the immune response more selectively. In addition, it will address the progress made and the challenges that still need to be overcome before these approaches can be translated into clinical practice.

DIVERSspiracy: making diversity visible in science communication

At 5:25 pm, the programme will continue with DIVERSspiracy, an initiative that aims to promote greater visibility of diversity in science communication.

As part of this initiative, Cristina Solé will lead a session entitled ‘Society is diverse. Is our healthcare system too?’, inviting participants to reflect on diversity and equity in healthcare.

Bringing research closer to the public

The participation of VHIR and VHIO professionals in BCNspiracy 2026 is an opportunity to share advances in biomedical research, encourage critical thinking and bring relevant health-related issues closer to audiences of different ages.

Through topics such as lupus, gender bias in medicine and cancer prevention, the sessions will highlight the importance of connecting scientific knowledge with society.