Asturias and the University of Oviedo create a chair for intelligent health data analysis

The Department of Health of the Principality of Asturias and the University of Oviedo have signed an agreement to create the “Intelligent Analysis of Health-Related Data” Chair, with the aim of promoting applied research and technological innovation within the Asturian healthcare sector. The agreement, signed on August 12, 2026, was published in the Official Gazette of the Principality of Asturias (BOPA) No. 176, dated September 11, 2026, by means of the Resolution of September 4, 2026, from the Department of the Presidency, Demographic Challenge, Equality, and Tourism (official reference Code 2026-07442).

The agreement is framed within the regulations for Institutional, Corporate, and Cultural University Classrooms and Chairs of the University of Oviedo, approved by its Governing Council on February 5, 2024. It is signed, on behalf of the Administration, by the Minister of Health, María Concepción Saavedra Rielo, authorized by the Agreement of the Governing Council of August 10, 2026, and, on behalf of the University, by the Rector Magnificus, Ignacio Villaverde Menéndez. The publication responds to the obligation provided for in Article 11.8 of the Law of the Principality of Asturias 2/1995, as amended by Law 4/2025, of November 19.

Purpose and Areas of Action

The Chair will promote research, training, evaluation, and the technological transfer of Data Intelligence (DI), a discipline that combines the management of data and metadata with advanced tools such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Its purpose is to improve the understanding and value of public health data for evidence-based decision-making and to address social and territorial health inequalities.

The actions are organized into three priority areas:

• Research, development, and innovation: sponsorship of research lines, national and international R&D+i projects, funding for doctoral theses, and specific equipment.
• Dissemination and knowledge transfer: conferences, publications, talent acquisition, and the promotion of entrepreneurship.
• Training: collaboration in university training programs, grants and awards for undergraduate and master’s final projects, external internships, and continuing education.

Organization and Funding

The Chair will have a Monitoring Committee, composed of three representatives from the Department of Health and three from the University (including the Director of the Chair), chaired by the head of the General Directorate of Public Health and Mental Health Care. The Director of the Chair will be appointed by the Rectorate from among the permanent faculty of recognized prestige.

The Administration will allocate a total budget endowment of 130,000 euros, distributed over four annual installments:

• Fiscal year 2026: 25,000 euros.
• Fiscal year 2027: 35,000 euros.
• Fiscal year 2028: 35,000 euros.
• Fiscal year 2029: 35,000 euros.

The contribution will be paid as a direct grant charged to budget allocation 15.02.412P.454.034, and the University will apply a retention of 21% for management expenses.

Validity and legal regime

The agreement shall be valid from its publication in the BOPA until December 31, 2029, with the possibility of extension for full years subject to a prior report from the Monitoring Committee. It is subject to Law 40/2015 on the Legal Regime of the Public Sector, is non-contractual in nature, and disputes shall be resolved in the Contentious-Administrative Jurisdiction. The University must justify the grant before March 31 of each subsequent year through an activity report and a financial report.

The creation of this chair reinforces the collaboration between the Asturian health system and the public university, and places Asturias at the forefront of the use of data intelligence to improve public health. For citizens, it represents a commitment to applied research, specialized training, and evidence-based health decision-making, with a direct impact on the quality and equity of care.

Source: Official Gazette of the Principality of Asturias, no. 176 of September 11, 2026, I. Principality of Asturias, Other Provisions, p. 1-15 (official reference: Code 2026-07442).