ISGlobal, Awarded for its Institutional Culture in Data Protection

With the aim of recognising and publicising actions that promote the dissemination and knowledge of the right to data protection and its practical application, the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD, by its acronym in Spanish) has this week awarded the 'Data Protection Awards 2023'. The Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a centre supported by the "la Caixa" Foundation, was one of the 15 winners in the category of Proactivity and Good Practice in Compliance with the European Data Protection Regulation and the Organic Law on the Protection of Personal Data and Guarantee of Digital Rights.

Under the theme ‘Institutional culture in the field of personal data protection. An Integrative Approach', ISGlobal was highlighted for its exemplary exercise in good practice in biomedical research and for its global approach, which translates into the development of dissemination tools, complemented by training, thus contributing to the knowledge and effective application of data protection regulations.

Mar España, the director of the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD), awards the 2023 Data Protection Prize to Joana Porcel and Ramon Cifuentes, who receive it on behalf of ISGlobal (Photo: Spanish Data Protection Agency).

Recognising the Work, Commitment and Responsibility of All Staff

ISGlobal has created an institutional culture towards data protection over the last few years through an integrated approach involving both research staff and other departments. The strategy is based on four pillars. Firstly, a global approach to personal data protection that goes beyond the regulations, closely linked to the ethical aspects of research. Secondly, an understanding that data protection is the responsibility of all members of the institution. Thirdly, data protection as an element of institutional governance. Finally, continuous training and the design of communication tools.

"At ISGlobal, we see the protection of personal data and related activities as a central element, linked to reputation and compliance, but which transcends both aspects and has as main priority the respect for the rights and freedoms of those who generously share their most sensitive data, their health data, for the advancement of science," said Joana Porcel, Research Manager, Project Unit Manager and Data Protection Officer at ISGlobal, during the award ceremony, which took place at the headquarters of the National Commission for Markets and Competition in Madrid last Monday. “It is a recognition of the collective work that we have been doing for some time. It also encourages us to continue in this direction".

Training and Innovation: Defining a Data Protection Culture

ISGlobal's ultimate goal is to create an institutional culture towards the protection of personal data. Every member of the institution, regardless of their position and function, incorporates data protection as an essential element in their daily activities.

"It is a question of raising awareness, generating commitment and shared responsibility in everything related to the protection of the personal data we process in this institution," adds Porcel. Continuous training, tailored to project needs and different groups within the institution, has been key. This goes beyond the mere transmission of concepts, definitions and regulations.