Andorra's SAAS and UdA Sign 10-Year Deal to Share Covid-Era Molecular Biology Lab

The Servei Andorrà d’Atenció Sanitària (SAAS) and Universitat d’Andorra (UdA) have signed a 10-year collaboration agreement, renewable in five-year periods, to share a molecular biology laboratory at Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell. Built during the Covid-19 pandemic in the hospital’s former procurement area, the facility—previously linked to the extinct Laboratori Nacional d’Epidemiologia—will now be led by the UdA’s Institut Universitari de Recerca en Salut (IURS), which absorbed the university’s health research group on Monday.

SAAS director Meritxell Cosan emphasised the shared access model, noting that the SAAS will retain its diagnostic capabilities and full use during health emergencies. “If another pandemic arrives and we need to analyse samples again, it will be done without issues,” she said. The agreement optimises equipment bought for €300,000 during the crisis, plus €200,000 to €250,000 for adaptations like air pressure, ventilation and biological safety upgrades, at virtually no cost to the UdA, which will cover consumables as needed.

The IURS will drive research in epidemiology, ageing and health promotion. Rector Juli Minoves highlighted studies into Andorra’s high life expectancy, potential animal biology work with Andorra Recerca i Innovació, and existing ties with the University of Barcelona and Hospital Clínic de Barcelona on cancer. “It’s very important to work together, because the hospital also conducts research and will be incorporated into the IURS,” he said. Starting with two members, the institute aims to expand and open the lab to public and private entities.

The SAAS currently manages about 14 projects, including the MITO study on microbiota’s effects in oncology side effects, Mediterranean diet impacts on gut bacteria, breast cancer research, three POCTEFA initiatives and one Horizon 2020 effort. Research head Mireia Royo (also named Cristina Royo in some reports) described growing activity with international partners. Cosan said the SAAS will pursue joint IURS projects and host external proposals through the institute’s calls.