Luz Couce Honored as Exemplary Figure in Galician Neonatology
Awarded for her outstanding contributions to the field of Galician neonatology, Luz Couce, the scientific director of the Santiago Health Research Institute (IDIS), was honored with the XXIII Nóvoa Santos Prize by the Association of Galician Doctors. Recognized as the “greatest exponent of Galician neonatology with a great projection both at the national and international level,” Couce received the prestigious award at a ceremony held at the Pazo de Fonseca.
During the ceremony, Couce expressed her gratitude and shared the spotlight with young researcher Rosaura Picáns, who is working on a project to characterize extracellular vesicles in breast milk, as well as the Andrea Foundation. The award, which is endowed with twelve thousand euros, was divided between Couce and two initiatives aimed at promoting teaching research for young people and projects to humanize healthcare.
The event, attended by prominent figures such as the head of the Xunta, Alfonso Rueda, and the president of the Galician Parliament, Miguel Ángel Santalices, highlighted Couce’s three decades of dedication to neonatology. Angel Carracedo, the director of the Galician Public Foundation for Genomic Medicine, delivered a moving eulogy, praising Couce’s perseverance, vocation, humility, and commitment to her profession.
In her acceptance speech, Couce praised the quality of Galician healthcare and its advancements in neonatal screening, which she described as one of the most advanced in Spain. She also expressed her gratitude to patient associations and medical students for their support and collaboration.
The ceremony also featured speeches from Goretti Sanmartín, the mayor of Santiago, who hailed Couce’s achievements and contributions to the field, and Alfonso Rueda, who commended Galician healthcare for its comprehensive vaccination schedule and support for research personnel.
Overall, the event celebrated Couce’s dedication to neonatology and her impact on healthcare in Galicia, emphasizing the importance of research, patient care, and teaching in her distinguished career.