PODiaCar Scientific Event: Advancing Child Health Through Research and Prevention

PODiaCar Scientific Event: 5 Key Highlights from Granada

On May 29, 2026, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Granada, Spain, hosted a special PODiaCar scientific event bringing together participating families, researchers and healthcare professionals to celebrate years of collaboration and scientific progress.

The event was an opportunity to thank the families who have contributed to the long-term follow-up of PODiaCar research projects and to share how their commitment continues to support advances in child health, disease prevention and cardiometabolic research.

A PODiaCar Scientific Event Connecting Research and Families

Held from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM, the event combined scientific dissemination, health education and activities designed for both children and parents.

The afternoon began with activities for children and a welcome snack, creating an informal setting for families and researchers to meet and reconnect. This was followed by a scientific programme focused on the importance of prevention and healthy lifestyles from childhood.

The PODiaCar scientific event highlighted the essential role of families in long-term clinical research. Their continued participation provides researchers with valuable information that can help improve understanding of childhood health and identify strategies to reduce future cardiometabolic risk.

Sharing Scientific Progress from the PODiaCar EU Project

One of the central presentations was delivered by Prof. Cristina Campoy, from the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Granada.

Her presentation, “Experiences and successes of the PODiaCar EU Project,” provided an overview of the project’s research activities, achievements and experience accumulated through years of collaboration.

The presentation also offered families an opportunity to better understand how their participation contributes to scientific knowledge and supports research aimed at improving health outcomes for children.

Prevention of Chronic Diseases Starts in Childhood

The scientific programme also addressed the importance of preventing chronic diseases from an early age.

Dr. Inmaculada Guerrero, from the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at San Cecilio University Hospital, together with Mónica Surriabre and Ana Morillo from the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Granada, presented “Recommendations for the prevention of chronic diseases.”

The session focused on practical recommendations and the importance of adopting healthy habits early in life. Prevention strategies can play an important role in addressing risk factors associated with chronic diseases and promoting healthier lifestyles among children and families.

Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health

Physical activity was another key topic of the PODiaCar scientific event.

The Physical Activity & Health Area of Vélez-Málaga, led by Miguel Ángel Jiménez and Juanjo Diego Moyano, presented “Physical activity and prevention of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.”

The presentation highlighted the relationship between regular physical activity and long-term health. Encouraging children and families to adopt active lifestyles is an important component of strategies aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

The session also reinforced the value of translating scientific evidence into practical recommendations that families can incorporate into everyday life.

From Scientific Research to Real-World Impact

The Granada meeting demonstrated how long-term research can create opportunities for meaningful dialogue between scientists, healthcare professionals and families.

Beyond presenting research findings, the PODiaCar scientific event focused on making scientific knowledge accessible and relevant to the people who contribute to research and benefit from its outcomes.

This family-centred approach reflects the ongoing commitment of the University of Granada and its research teams to translating clinical and scientific evidence into practical strategies for childhood health, disease prevention and the reduction of cardiometabolic risk.

The event also celebrated the relationship built over many years between researchers and participating families. Their loyalty, commitment and contribution remain an essential part of the research process.

Looking Ahead: Science, Prevention and Healthier Futures

The PODiaCar scientific event in Granada was both a celebration of past achievements and an opportunity to look towards the future.

By bringing together scientific research, health education, physical activity and family engagement, the event illustrated the importance of collaboration in addressing childhood obesity and cardiometabolic risk.

The University of Granada continues to support research and initiatives aimed at improving health from an early age, while the participation of families remains central to the success of long-term research projects.

The May 29 event therefore represented more than a scientific meeting: it was an opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration and promote a common vision for healthier futures for children and families.