The University of Valencia and the Hospital Vall d'Hebron collaborate on research projects in the field of epidemiological research applied to pediatric oncology and pediatric cancer in general. "With this signing we are giving formality to a reality that has lasted years and has contributed to the recovery of children with cancer in Spain," said the principal Esteban Morcillo during the signing of the agreement.

The principal of the University of Valencia, Esteban Morcillo, and Joan X. Comella, from the Fundació Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, have signed this morning a collaboration agreement to enhance the scientific exploitation of the National Registry of Childhood Tumours (RNTI-SEHOP) and develop scientific projects in the field of research childhood cancer. The projects are conducted under the joint direction of Dr. Josep Sánchez de Toledo, head of Translational Research group VHIR Childhood Cancer, and Dr. Rafael Peris Bonet, director of RNTI-SEHOP.

The National Registry of Childhood Tumours located in the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Valencia, aims to carry out epidemiological research that contributes to improving care for infants suffering from cancer in Spain, to know about the situation of childhood cancer and to study the causes of this disease. With this agreement, the two parties agree to use the data provided by this registry to identify areas for improvement in childhood cancer care and survival studies and incidence of cancer in Spain, compared with other countries.

The agreement will also facilitate the implementation of projects and programs on childhood cancer research and the exchange of personnel in joint projects and the organization of activities to promote research in this area.

During the signing ceremony, the principal Esteban Morcillo stressed the "institutional pride" highlighted by the fact that in the National Registry of Childhood Tumours has been in the University of Valencia "for thirty-three years. We understand the importance of medical documentation in the treatment and cure of these diseases," he said. The president stressed that "it is people who carry forward the institutions and projects, but there are cases such as this, in which projects should be above people and have to be carried out by whoever is in front of the university or in front of any other institution"

The agreement includes mutual advice, organisation and implementation of joint activities related to social promotion of research and technological development, or the exchange of personnel, among other issues.

The projects are conducted under the joint direction of Dr. Rafael Peris Bonet, as director of RNTI-SEHOP and Jose Sanchez de Toledo, as Head of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University Hospital Vall d'Hebron. Both were present at the signing of the agreement and have expressed their satisfaction with the cooperation between the two institutions.

Silvia Barona, viceprincipal of Communications and Institutional Relations, and Professor and Professor of History of Science Josep Lluis Barona also accompanied the principal during the signing.