Molecular Epidemiology and Data Science Research Group
The Molecular Epidemiology and Data Science research group at the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC) studies the biological and environmental mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative diseases, ageing, brain health and the connection between systemic health and the brain. The group integrates multi-omics data from the exposome, neuroimaging and clinical information in order to improve understanding of the processes related to the risk of dementia and other complex diseases.
Using advanced data analysis from large population cohorts, with special emphasis on the characterization of participants from BBRC’s ALFA (Alzheimer and Families) Study cohort, the team aims to decipher the interaction between genetic and environmental factors from the earliest stages of the disease.
Molecular Epidemiology and Data Science for the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease
Through biostatistical methodologies, molecular epidemiology and data science, the group develops tools to identify early biomarkers, stratify risk, and advance towards effective prevention strategies and precision medicine.
The team is composed of a multidisciplinary group of researchers with extensive experience in epidemiology, statistics, computational biology and population health.
Multi-omics Integration and Biological Mechanisms
This line of research integrates genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic and neuroimaging data to identify the biological mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative diseases, ageing, brain health and the connection between systemic health and the brain. The goal is to advance from statistical associations to the identification of molecular pathways, biological mediators, biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets with potential applications in prevention and precision medicine. This line works in close synergy with BBRC's Genomic Research Group and the Clinical and Risk Factors for Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group.
Exposome and Body-Brain Connection
This line of research investigates how environmental, social and systemic factors interact with biological processes related to brain health. The group integrates data from the exposome (non-genetic factors that influence health throughout life, from physical and chemical agents to social and behavioural environments) with molecular and clinical biomarkers. Its goal is to identify modifiable factors associated with the risk of dementia and other complex diseases, as well as to understand the connection between systemic and brain health and advance towards preventive and public health strategies. This line is closely coordinated with BBRC’s Population Neuroscience Research Group for the analysis of large cohorts.
Biostatistics and Data Science
This research line develops statistical and computational methodologies to analyse high-dimensional biomedical data. The group focuses on integrating multi-modal data, causal inference, predictive models and risk stratification applied to clinical studies and to population cohorts, such as the ALFA Study cohort. Particular emphasis is placed on reproducibility, algorithm interpretability and the translation of models into precision medicine applications. This line is conducted in direct collaboration with BBRC’s Health AI and Data Research Group.
Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Perspective
This cross-sectional research area promotes more inclusive and representative biomedical research through the integration of biological, social and population diversity into brain health and dementia studies. The group works on the study of social and genetic health determinants, traditionally under-represented populations, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategies applied to diverse cohorts. It also incorporates a gender perspective, equity and inclusion into biomedicine to advance towards fairer, more global and translational research.
In this area of research, the group works in collaboration with the Clinical Research Group and Risk Factors for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Social Area of the Pasqual Maragall Foundation.
