The Animal Health Research Center (CReSA), which is part of the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), held its 25th anniversary celebration on Wednesday at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
More than 180 attendees participated in the event, which, under the slogan “From Animal Health to Global Health,” marked a quarter of a century of intensive research and innovation in the field of animal health.
Located in Bellaterra, the center was founded in 1999, at a time when research in animal health was almost non-existent. Over the years, and through numerous projects, CReSA has become a leading institution in this area within the region. “I am proud that we now have an animal health hub that can support future researchers in advancing their scientific careers,” said Dr. Natàlia Majó, head of the Animal Health Program and director of the IRTA-CReSA center.
Over its 25 years, the center has participated in more than 50 European projects, becoming a pioneer in high biocontainment research. It has made significant contributions to the understanding of diseases such as avian influenza, African swine fever, and animal tuberculosis. One of the center’s key milestones came in 2014, when the Ministry of Science recognized it as a Singular Scientific-Technical Infrastructure (ICTS), which opened up new collaboration opportunities, both nationally and internationally, and provided access to competitive funding for continued research expansion.
Majó took the opportunity to express her gratitude for the work of everyone at CReSA: “None of this would be possible without the human team. Each person makes this center a leader and contributes with dedication and talent.”
Following her speech, Cristina Massot, General Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food (DARPA), and Dr. Assumpció Malgosa, Vice-Rector for Research at the UAB, highlighted the importance of animal health research and IRTA-CReSA’s pivotal role in this field. “Catalonia owes its standing in animal health to you,” said Massot.
The program also featured a talk by Dr. Ralph Rosenbaum, head of the IRTA Biosystems Sustainability Program, on the role of animal health in the sustainable transition of the agri-food system.
According to Rosenbaum, three key factors are essential for achieving a sustainable food system within the planet's limits: reducing food losses and waste, promoting eco-innovation in agricultural systems across the entire value chain, and shifting towards healthier and more sustainable diets. “Productivity is crucial for sustainability, and minimizing losses in the value chain is essential,” Rosenbaum explained, emphasizing that the more animals lost during the process, the greater the resources—energy, money, and emissions—needed to produce the same amount of food.
A round table discussion was also held, moderated by Dr. Enric Vidal, researcher at IRTA-CReSA, with the participation of renowned experts: Dr. M. Angeles Risalde, Tenured Professor of Veterinary Pathological Anatomy and Director of the ENZOEM Competitive Research Unit at the University of Córdoba; Dr. Denise Naniche, Scientific Director and Research Professor at ISGlobal, and Associate Professor at the University of Barcelona; and Dr. Mariona Serra, Co-founder and Director of GoodGut and President of CataloniaHealth.
The debate focused on the challenges and opportunities in animal health and its crucial role in global health. “When faced with a new challenge, we must first try to anticipate it — this is the most important thing. Afterward, we decide whether to act, whether it’s through biosafety measures or vaccination,” said Risalde, emphasizing the importance of research efforts in addressing global issues.
Naniche spoke about the importance of separating economic benefits from health outcomes in research projects. "There are many excellent frugal innovation projects that do not progress far because they are not accompanied by a future economic benefit," the doctor criticized.
“In terms of technology transfer, it's crucial that research centers and companies collaborate instead of positioning themselves in opposition. We need to work together to find solutions to future challenges,” concluded Serra.
The event ended with a heartfelt tribute to the directors who have led IRTA-CReSA since its inception: Dr. Mariano Domingo (1999-2012), Dr. Joaquim Segalés (2012-2017), and Dr. Fernando Rodríguez (2017-2019). This recognition celebrated their vision and effort in positioning the center as an international leader in animal health research.
Over the past three years, IRTA-CReSA has welcomed six Ramon y Cajal researchers, doubled the number of predoctoral students, and incorporated highly specialized support staff. Thanks to competitive funding calls, the center has acquired advanced technological equipment, including a bioimaging platform and a future spectral cytometer, positioning it as one of the only NBS3 laboratories in Europe with this technology.
Additionally, the construction of a new building will expand the capacity to study vector-borne diseases and emerging and zoonotic pathogens, placing the center in an excellent position to tackle future challenges in public health and animal health.
IRTA-CReSA thus reaffirms its commitment to research, innovation, and service to society as it looks ahead to the next 25 years.
