On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) reaffirms its commitment to equal opportunities and to the effective integration of the gender perspective in the scientific, institutional and innovation fields.

The current picture of its research community reflects a majority presence of women, while also highlighting the need to continue advancing their progression towards leadership positions and knowledge transfer. VHIR currently has 2,588 professionals, 66% of whom are women, demonstrating the structural importance of female talent in the Institute’s scientific activity.

An analysis by professional categories shows a strong female presence in the early stages of the research career. Women account for 67% of predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers, with an average age of 37. In the category of principal investigators (PI), women represent 54%, with an average age of 49.

In group (co)leader positions, women represent 33%, with an average age of 56. This progression highlights one of the main challenges identified in the scientific field: ensuring that the female talent that predominates in the early stages can consolidate.

Female talent and international visibility in innovation

The presence of women linked to VHIR has also recently become visible in the field of biomedical innovation and entrepreneurship. At 4 Years From Now (4YFN), held as part of Mobile World Congress Barcelona (MWC), three spin-offs emerging from VHIR were recognized in the Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs in Catalonia 2026, promoted by EAE Barcelona.

Specifically, the spin-offs D-Sight, MIMARK and Heecap are included among the distinguished projects. Among the professionals recognized is Eva Colás, founder and scientific director at MIMARK and co-head of the VHIR Biomedical Research Group in Gynecology.

This recognition, at one of the world’s leading technology and innovation events, highlights VHIR’s capacity not only to generate scientific knowledge but also to promote business initiatives led by women that transform research into applicable solutions.

A new strategic framework for the coming years

In parallel with this reality, VHIR has launched its fourth Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan (2025–2029).

This new strategic framework strengthens the transversal integration of the gender perspective in institutional governance, establishes monitoring mechanisms with specific indicators, and consolidates measures aimed at ensuring fair selection and promotion processes. The Plan places particular emphasis on career progression and on increasing the representation of women in scientific leadership spaces, as well as promoting female role models.

It also includes initiatives related to work-life balance and shared responsibility, measures to prevent any form of harassment or discrimination, and training actions aimed at identifying and reducing unconscious bias within the organization. In the scientific field, the Plan also promotes the systematic incorporation of the sex and gender perspective in the design and development of research projects.

With this new strategic cycle, VHIR consolidates a line of work sustained over time and reaffirms its commitment to advancing towards a model of scientific excellence based on effective equal opportunities.

This year, March 8 also coincides with the presentation of the seventh edition of Mocador Solidari, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds to advance the diagnosis and treatment of women’s cancer.