The Center for Aging is one of Alicante’s flagship initiatives under the Ministry of Innovation and Universities as it advances its practical application. At present, the center will begin its operations with a temporary physical base at the Elche Technology Campus. This venue will host the initial administrative tasks and will be formalized through a lease. A meeting is planned for next Tuesday to approve the first action plan and sign the lease agreement.
Location
The temporary site at the Elche Technology Campus will speed up research aimed at improving living conditions linked to longevity. One objective of the Alicante based Ministry is to strengthen the center’s brand identity. Within the Elche facilities, the administration unit will be defined to support the forthcoming action plan to be approved next Tuesday.
Puig announces Elche will host the Aging Research Center
Former Generalitat president Ximo Puig announced during last year’s general policy debate that the Center for Aging would be established in Elche rather than in the city of Alicante, after the Consell had initially indicated otherwise. The organization promoted by the Generalitat enjoys the support of the Ministry of Science and Innovation and positions itself as a hub for interdisciplinary work focused on improving living conditions as life expectancy rises in Spain.
The Minister of Innovation and Universities, Josephine Good, led the formation of the new Board of Trustees for the Center for Aging last week, replacing the previous board after a year in office. Puig serves as honorary chairman, with chairman duties held by Minister Bueno. The three designated committees are led by Aitana Mas, the Consell’s vice president; Health Minister Miguel Mínguez; and María Auxiliadora Jordá, the new regional secretary for Universities.
More notable figures
The center will benefit from continued input by other members. The Universities of Alicante and Miguel Hernández (UMH) are founding partners, and the scientific committee includes researchers such as María Blasco and Ángela Nieto, among others, plus Tonia Salinas, the general manager of the UMH Science Park. The establishment of the Board of Trustees also speeds up the recruitment of a scientific director and supports the preparation of a roadmap and strategic plan that will steer the Center for Aging’s activities in the years ahead.
“We want the province of Alicante to be a benchmark in this crucial area. Our country has an aging population, and it is essential to conduct research that boosts quality of life as longevity increases,” stated the minister. “The regional government will transform Alicante and Elche into a powerful center of innovation.”