Two projects coordinated by Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) have obtained funding from the Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation in Health (PERIS) 2016-2020 awarded by the Department of Health of the Generalitat of Catalonia. Both projects belong to the sphere of Targeted research programs and they are led by the Research Group on Cardiovascular Disease and the Infectious Diseases Research Group.In total, the Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus has obtained grants for a total amount of euros 2,140,906 from PERIS.Areas of distribution of the fundingThe 21 grants for research and innovation are divided into three areas: Targeted Research programs (2) Incorporation of scientists and technologists (14) and Nursing Specialty streghtening (5).Moreover, http://bit.ly/2qeJ0aJ Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) and http://bit.ly/2owuzlW Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) participate as partners in 10 projects managed by other hospitals, which have also received grants.The two projects coordinated by VHIR in the Targeted research programs are:- Combined treatment against reperfusion damage in myocardial infarction COMBAT-MI, by the http://bit.ly/2plwdGr Cardiovascular Disease Research Group led by Dr. David Garcia-Dorado This project has been granted euros 247,227. So far it is known that remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) and administration of GLP-1 analogues, exenatide, slightly reduce the infarct size in patients with myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI), according to several randomized clinical trials. Thus, the aim of this project is to determine if co-administration of the RIC and exenatide increases the protective efficacy of both interventions.- PICAT (integrated platform for controlling the Arboviruses in Catalonia) led by Dr. Israel Molina Romero, a researcher at the http://bit.ly/2piI8Tv Infectious Diseases Research Group who has received euros 178,289 from PERIS. The PICAT platform aims to integrate all the relevant information that can determine the apparition of autochthonous cases in our region and create a network with the key players involved. By developing an innovative data management software and advanced analytical tools, it will generate and display geolocated data (including simulations) in an interactive mode that will help predict the risk for epidemics and dynamics infections, helping to optimize epidemiological control interventions.Regarding Incorporation of scientists and technologists, the provision of grants amounts to euros 1,396,670, which will enable the incorporation of 10 researchers in 9 research groups of VHIR and 4 researchers in 1 Research Group of VHIO .In the field of Nursing Enhancement, have been obtained euros 101,250 to be allocated to the incorporation, throughout 9 months, of 5 nurses by the research group in Health Treatments and Reconstructive Surgery of the musculoskeletal system of VHIR.VHIR also participates as a partner in five targeted research programs and three research projects focused on primary care. And VHIO participates as a partner in a targeted research program (rated best) and a research project focused on primary care.In this regard, a project co-led by Dr. Sergi Bellmunt, head of the http://bit.ly/2oMeioY Angiology, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Service of the University Hospital Vall d'Hebron and VHIR researcher, and coordinated by http://bit.ly/2qevXGs the Hospital de Sant Pau has received a grant worth 125,000 euros, that will be spent to conduct a pilot Program for Early Detection of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (PDAAA) to the AIS-Right. This study is a pioneer in the state and its results will be very important to determine the characteristics of this disease in the general population and to analyze the viability of a population screening program for abdominal aortic aneurysm to reduce mortality and complications associated with this disease.Funding award ceremonyIn a ceremony at the Auditorium of Barcelona, the Department of Health met yesterday evening researchers and professionals from 19 different institutions and research centres that have received grants from PERIS of more than 18 M euros. In total, the Department has awarded 183 grants in order to stimulate research in the field of hospitals and primary care centres in CataloniaThe event was chaired by the Minister of Health, Antoni Comín, who said PERIS "is a small but big revolution, because it is the first time that it is a competitive grant awards," adding that "it is a historic leap from the research carried out together with our hospitals and our primary care."Dr. Javier Torres, researcher of the http://bit.ly/2plkMwr Research Group on Neuromuscular Pathology and Mitochondrial of Vall d'Hebron Research Institute delivered the speech of thanks on behalf of all the winners of the VHIR. PERIS 2016-2020The Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation in Health (PERIS) 2016-2020 is a tool for planning and coordination that establishes the general lines of research and innovation in health, promoted by the Government through the Ministry of Health. Therefore, this year has made a public call for research grants worth 20 million euros in which projects that include programs for the promotion of talent and employability have been prioritized, as well as programs of knowledge of excellence.Moreover, PERIS raises the challenge to consolidate and increase international leadership in health research by centres in Catalonia.