The Ethics Committee for Research in Regenerative Medicine of Catalonia is constituted with the participation of the Health DPO's Office

The TIC Salut Social Foundation has been appointed, through the Office of the Health Data Protection Officer, as a member of the new Ethics Committee for Research in Regenerative Medicine of Catalonia (CERMR).

The committee’s constitutive session took place on Tuesday, October 22, at the Salvany Building of the Department of Health of the Government of Catalonia, with the participation of representatives from institutions and research centers across the region. Míriam Méndez was the designated representative of the foundation, serving as the head of research and innovation at the Office of the Health Data Protection Officer.

The CERMR was created with the aim of evaluating and issuing binding and mandatory reports on research projects related to regenerative medicine carried out in Catalonia. It replaces the functions of the former Center for Regenerative Medicine of Barcelona (CMRB), which was later integrated into IDIBELL.

Among its responsibilities, the committee will review research projects involving human embryonic stem cells, pluripotent cell lines, and tissues of embryonic or fetal origin generated or used in Catalan institutions. In specific cases, projects will be submitted to the Commission on Guarantees for the Donation and Use of Human Cells and Tissues for review.

A new body to ensure ethics in biomedical research

The Office of the Health Data Protection Officer contributes its expertise in data protection. Its deep understanding of the healthcare system and specialization in the management and security of biomedical research data are key to ensuring compliance and the ethical use of information.

Míriam Méndez emphasized that the inclusion of the DPO Office in the committee “reinforces the health system’s commitment to responsible, ethical research that respects individuals’ privacy.”

The CERMR will meet at least every three months to assess the submitted research projects and ensure they comply with the legal, scientific, and ethical standards set by Catalan and national regulations.