The Consell this Friday will push forward the opening push for the International Center for Aging Studies, known by its English acronym ICAR, and will approve the first budget item. The Valencia government meeting is set to authorize a cooperation agreement between the Innovation Department and the chief scientist directing the project, enabling an initial funding of 2.5 million euros to launch activities.
Among other steps, a new position will be created to hire a project manager who will oversee the next phases to advance the initiative aimed at unifying the province and the Valencian Community as a global reference in addressing the challenges posed by population aging in many developed nations.
Additionally, the contract outlines eligible expenses for establishing the center’s future headquarters, a building intended to symbolize the project and to occupy land within the IFA area that the Generalitat is actively renovating as part of a broader effort to reinvigorate the community’s fairgrounds. This site will become a hub to attract innovative companies and align with the center’s mission.
Consell will inject 7 million to complete the urbanization of the new IFA innovation pillar
From the department led by Josefina Bueno, the core aim of the deal is to secure an international call for researchers, enabling the venture to generate substantive content and momentum. In practical terms, this framework will simplify the process for researchers to begin work on the envisaged programs.
One of ICAR’s objectives is to promote study and research in the areas of molecular biology and genetics, along with the use of computation, systems biology, and artificial intelligence to deepen understanding of aging biology.
Research under ICAR will also explore new therapies and treatments for aging and related diseases, aiming to identify biomarkers that facilitate early detection and monitoring. The center aspires to be a reference point and a nodal hub for interaction with other specialized research institutes.
ICAR’s missions include training programs from seminars to internships under doctoral supervision, as well as information sharing and collaboration with scientific congresses and organizations.
in universities
Although a significant share of ICAR’s activities will take place in the new headquarters within the IFA environment, there is no need to wait for the building to be ready to begin. Approved research programs can start on site with collaborators from the University of Alicante and Miguel Hernández University of Elche, who will contribute to the project.
Aging Center will be opened at universities to recover building lock
The foundation’s board plans to launch a public tender to recruit the center manager, with input from a scientific committee. The committee includes renowned figures in aging research and molecular biology who will guide ICAR’s direction and selection process.
Key members include leaders from national and international research institutions who bring extensive expertise in aging biology and related fields. Their participation helps ensure the center’s work remains at the forefront of biomedical research and innovation.
Patents and initiatives
The agreement between the Ministry of Innovation and ICAR will cover most operating costs in the initial phase, focusing on researcher salaries and incentive programs for predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers. It will also support regulatory and administrative aspects related to patents and utility models tied to the research outcomes. Competitive aging research projects will receive subsidies.
The oldest province of the community
Alicante was selected as the center’s headquarters not by coincidence, given its demographic profile. The latest data from the INE shows an aging index that places residents aged 65 and above ahead of those under 16 by a substantial margin. This index is among the highest in the region and reflects a growing population of retirees choosing the area for residence and study of aging-related topics.