In Central Catalonia, two doctors from the Catalan Health Institute (ICS) have been recognised for their work in primary care research. Mercedes de la Cruz and Berta Bertrans were among 25 researchers honoured at the IDIAPJGol 2026 Research Conference, held at CosmoCaixa in Barcelona.
De la Cruz, from the Súria Primary Care Team (EAP), was awarded a 50% reduction in her clinical hours for two years. The support is intended to help her focus on research and is part of a wider effort to create stable senior researcher posts.
Bertrans, from the Navàs-Balsareny EAP, received the third Barbara Starfield project grant, worth €10,000. The grant supports research groups accredited for international collaboration. Her project is titled, “Implementing a digital CBT-I programme and deprescribing hypnotics, sedatives, and anxiolytics in patients with chronic insomnia in the Central Catalonia population.”
The conference also featured presentations from lead investigators on primary care research projects. Two of those projects came from ICS Central Catalonia, including Bertrans Vilaró’s work on “Insomnia and associated pharmacological prescription in the adult population of Primary Care in Central Catalonia (2018, 2024).”
Another project, “We are the Lemon Pears: we make health by playing,” was presented by Jessica López Regal from the Sant Hipòlit de Voltregà EAP. Nearly 300 people attended the biennial event, which this year carried the theme, “The strength of research, the future of primary care.”
The conference also marked the official launch of the institute’s four core areas, Research in Primary Care Services, Mental Health, Healthy Lifestyles, Ageing and Other Life Stages, and Prevention and Health Management in Chronicity. It ended with the presentation of the IDIAPJGol / ICS 2025 primary care research grants, which recognised 25 researchers.
For more Catalonia health and public service updates, see our news coverage.
