The Cantabria Cohort Establishes a Citizen Participation Committee to Incorporate Participants’ Perspectives into the Project
At the Cantabria Cohort, we continue to grow and take new steps towards building a project that is increasingly connected, transparent, and responsive to society. We are therefore launching the Cantabria Cohort Citizen Participation Committee, a new forum through which participants will be able to share their experiences, ideas, and perspectives to help shape and improve the future development of the study.
Since the project began, the participation and commitment of the more than 51,000 people who form part of the study have been fundamental. Your contribution has enabled us to establish one of the largest population-based cohorts in Southern Europe and generate scientific knowledge through collaborative research that will help us better understand how the health of our population evolves over time.
We now want to take the next step by incorporating your voice into the future of the project. The Citizen Participation Committee will act as an advisory body, ensuring that participants’ perspectives are considered in areas such as communication, participant experience, public engagement, and other strategic aspects of the Cantabria Cohort.
The aim is to create a space for dialogue where we can better understand your needs, listen to your proposals, and gather your suggestions to continue improving the project. Public participation is a key element in ensuring that research responds to society’s real needs and is conducted in a more transparent, inclusive, and participatory way.
You can consult the terms of reference for the Citizen Participation Committee here:
Who can join the Citizen Participation Committee?
The Committee will consist of 12 members: 8 participants from the Cantabria Cohort and 4 representatives from partner social organisations collaborating with the project
When selecting participants, we will aim to ensure that the Committee reflects the diversity of our cohort, taking into account factors such as age, sex, and geographical origin, including participants from urban, semi-urban, and rural settings.
We are looking for people who are willing to share their experiences as participants and contribute ideas and suggestions that can help improve the Cantabria Cohort. No prior scientific knowledge is required. What matters most is your experience as a participant and your motivation to contribute to the future of the project.
To be eligible, applicants must be participants in the Cantabria Cohort and be available to attend at least two in-person meetings per year at IDIVAL in Santander. Selected members will serve on the Committee for a period of three years.
How can you apply?
You can submit your application using the form available on this page (see below). The application period will remain open for four weeks from the publication of this call, until 26 July 2026.
Following the application period, the Cantabria Cohort Steering Committee will make the final selection, taking into account the representativeness of the group, the motivation expressed in each application, and availability to participate in Committee meetings.
If you would like to become part of this new participation forum, we would be delighted to hear from you.
As always, thank you for being part of the Cantabria Cohort and helping us continue to build a project that is open, participatory, and committed to serving society.
Fecha de publicación de la convocatoria: 26/06/2026
Fecha de cierre para presentar candidaturas: 27/07/2026