IRBLleida mourns the passing of Joan Viñas, a leading figure in medicine, research and bioethics in Lleida

The Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida) expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Joan Viñas Salas, former Rector of the University of Lleida, surgeon and Professor of Medicine, a key figure in the development of teaching, biomedical research and healthcare ethics in the region.

Joan Viñas devoted a large part of his professional career to the University of Lleida, where he served as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and as Rector from 2003 to 2011. Throughout his career, he combined teaching and clinical practice with an intense research activity, particularly in the fields of colorectal carcinogenesis and bioethics. He supervised numerous doctoral theses and made significant contributions to the generation and transfer of biomedical knowledge.

He served as a member of the IRBLleida Board of Trustees during his term as Rector and was currently acting as the institute's Ombudsperson, an independent, confidential and impartial figure within scientific institutions responsible for promoting good research practices, addressing professional conflicts and investigating potential cases of scientific misconduct.

His vision of the university as a driver of scientific and social progress was instrumental in strengthening the region's research structures. Among his most important legacies is the promotion of strategic initiatives that helped reinforce Lleida's knowledge ecosystem and foster stronger links between academia, the healthcare system and society.

Over the years, Joan Viñas maintained close ties with professionals and researchers within Lleida's biomedical community. In 2021, he sponsored the induction of IRBLleida researcher and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Lleida, Anna Casanovas Llorens, into the Royal Academy of Medicine of Catalonia. On that occasion, he highlighted the importance of conducting excellent research from medium-sized universities and research centres such as those in Lleida.

He received several prestigious distinctions, including the Creu de Sant Jordi, the Josep Trueta Medal and the Medal of Honour of the Vives University Network.

IRBLleida joins the university, healthcare and scientific communities in mourning his loss and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all those who shared with him a commitment to research and medicine at the service of society.