News and outreach

'Connect with Mitochondrial Diseases. The energy of young researchers creating the future', an initiative of scientific dissemination and social commitment

Biotechnology students from the Universidad Pablo de Olavide and families affected by mitochondrial diseases have shared this morning a day of dissemination and dialogue around scientific research and its social impact.

The activity was organized by the research group ‘Regulation of coenzyme Q synthesis and its implications in mitochondrial health’, led by Professor of Cell Biology at the UPO Carlos Santos Ocaña, in collaboration with the Association of Mitochondrial Pathology Patients (AEPMI).



During the conference, six students presented their final degree projects related to mitochondrial diseases, a group of rare diseases of genetic origin that affect energy production in cells and that usually manifest themselves in childhood with serious health consequences. The initiative has had a twofold objective: to bring science closer to families and to motivate future scientists by showing how their work can have a real impact on the lives of people affected by these pathologies.
"We want our students to understand that research into rare diseases is not only a scientific challenge, but a human task with an enormous social dimension. This conference has allowed them to hear firsthand the testimony of patients and connect with the purpose of their research," said Carlos Santos Ocaña, coordinator of the organizing group.

The importance of research into rare diseases

Mitochondrial diseases, although rare, represent a major challenge for sufferers and their families, due to the lack of treatments and the complexity of their diagnosis. Therefore, initiatives such as this one are key to raise awareness of the need to support research in rare diseases, a field that often has few resources but is crucial to improve the quality of life of thousands of people.




The research group of the Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD), a joint center of the Spanish National Research Council, Pablo de Olavide University and the Andalusian Regional Government, works on projects focused on mitochondrial health, with special emphasis on coenzyme Q, an essential molecule for the correct energetic functioning of cells. In addition to its scientific work, the group actively collaborates with AEPMI, promoting outreach and support activities for patients and their families.

A committed training model

The final projects (TFG) presented by the students are part of their academic training, but on this occasion they have acquired an added value as they have become vehicles for direct connection with society. This type of experience not only enriches the students' learning, but also reinforces the role of the university as an engine of social transformation.

Students, members of the research group, family members and affected patients actively participated in the event, both in person and through online broadcasting.