IIS La Fe leads a federated data space to drive biomedical research with artificial intelligence while preserving patient privacy

OmicSpace allows the publication of interoperable data catalogues, aligned with European standards, that can be used in translational research studies. The connection between nodes is made through Utile, a Privacy-Enhancing Technology (PET) successfully validated in the framework of the national Tartaglia project, completed in December 2023.

At the launch of the IV HealthTech Observer (HTO) Conference, where the project was presented, María José Carrión Martínez, Managing Director of IIS La Fe, stressed that OmicSpace is "an institutional project born with the vocation to transform biomedical research and improve the lives of patients and professionals".

Meanwhile, José Luis Poveda, General Manager of the Valencia South Interdepartmental Health Group and La Fe Hospital, noted that "this programme positions La Fe at the forefront of innovation and makes our hospital a beacon for Europe, as it paves the way to move beyond an era of fragmented and isolated data towards one where knowledge is shared responsibly, rigorously, and ethically".

The event brought together institutional leaders and digital health experts at IIS La Fe to discuss the strategic role of health data in the digital transformation of the healthcare system. The keynote address was delivered by María José Tarazón, Deputy Director General of Health ICT at the Regional Ministry of Health, who outlined the Digital Health Strategy of the Valencian Community, which foresees the supervised use of artificial intelligence for diagnosis and decision-making support, as well as the standardisation of healthcare processes.

"This is a cultural transformation, not just a technological one", Tarazón remarked, explaining that the strategy has a budget of €235 million for 2024-2027, structured into seven areas of action and 17 initiatives, ranging from digital services and the single electronic health record to infrastructure improvement, technology governance, and the creation of a Cybersecurity Office.

Breaking down information silos

María Eugenia Gas, researcher and OmicSpace coordinator at IIS La Fe, emphasised that this is "a strategic initiative to position Spain as a benchmark in advanced health data management, under the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable)". Supported by the Regional Ministry of Health, the project connects eight strategic nodes in seven autonomous communities and one European node.

OmicSpace is funded by the European Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, and was one of the key topics of the conference, which also addressed the drivers and barriers to advancing digital health, the use of clinical and omics data to boost personalised medicine, as well as the challenges of sustainability and collaboration in data networks.

The event featured the participation of representatives from regional health services, biomedical research institutes, and the Ministry for Digital Transformation.