Consell stresses the need to support the International Center for Aging Research (ICAR). At the plenary session of the Autonomous Government on Tuesday, a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Education, Universities and Employment was approved. The Generalitat will contribute 2.1 million euros to ICAR, a hub focused on aging research and related programs. The Elche Technological Campus will host initiatives designed to improve quality of life as life expectancy rises worldwide. The effort marks a renewed public-private partnership, with capital commitments intended to sustain the center beyond 2017 levels and to support the goals of the project, which Botànic opened near the end of last March. As regional and municipal elections approach, this project has stood out as a flagship initiative for the Valencian Administration in Alicante province.
Center for Aging temporarily opens at Elche Technology Campus
With the government change after elections, responsibility for the project shifted from the Innovation Department to the Department of Education and Universities. This autonomous department is leading a collaboration aimed at multidisciplinary research. The subsidy will fund activities outlined in the institution’s charter to achieve its objectives. Specifically, it will support studies and research in molecular and cellular biology and aging genetics, alongside work in computational and systems biology and artificial intelligence to advance understanding of aging biology.
The plan includes developing innovative therapies and treatments, targeted actions for aging-associated diseases, seminars, and training programs for researchers. Doctoral supervision and any other training activities that contribute to education will be initiated. One objective is to help shape general principles and guidelines that promote aging research across Europe.
Partnership
Carlos Mazón, president of the Generalitat, has repeatedly underscored the commitment to public-private cooperation as a driver for regional advancement. At the Energy and Energy Conversion Fair recently, he highlighted the need to reduce financial pressure and to move beyond ideological biases. He also noted that the Valencian Community hosts a large network of startups and research centers capable of strengthening public-private collaboration with companies.
Sources within Consell indicate that Joaquín Pérez, president of CEV Alicante, is a strong advocate for inviting private capital to accelerate the Center for Aging project. Pérez described the initiative as a unique opportunity for the region, stating that no similar project exists elsewhere in Spain. He added that it could enable local scientists to remain in the area, contributing to research without the need to go abroad. Pérez also mentioned that the proposal could involve UA and the GNA of Elche, integrating researchers locally.
Opening
On March 31, the Aging Center facilities opened at the Elche Technology Campus. The building included a 300-square-meter office area intended for the management and administrative unit, with seven staff positions planned. There were considerations to establish laboratories within the same facility and even to add an animal facility in the basement as part of the long-term plan.
The Consell aims to accelerate momentum by attracting private investment. A remaining step is appointing a manager who will serve as scientific director to oversee planning. Although Botànic announced last September that the appointment would occur within weeks, the legislature concluded without naming the manager.
Additionally, an artificial intelligence training center related to the Alicante port area is foreseen. The Elche Technology Campus Center for Aging is the second major project launched by Consell in short succession. During the general assembly of the 14th, Carlos Mazón confirmed plans to transform the Port of Alicante into a world-class technology hub. An education and research center focused on artificial intelligence will be integrated into the Digital Zone headquarters, to be housed in the former warehouses of the Pescados Amaro González company and opened under Botànic’s administration.