The coordinator of Dipsalut’s Social, Environmental, and Health Observatory explains the project’s goals, how the study will be conducted, and the importance of public participation.
Pau Batlle was interviewed on the radio programme El Magazín de La Veu, on La Veu de Sant Joan de les Abadesses, to talk about Girostudi—the public health research project that will examine the factors influencing the health and well-being of the Girona population over a ten-year period.
“Your postcode is more important than your genetic code”
Framed by this compelling idea, Batlle explains how living conditions and our environment shape our health. During the interview, he addresses topics such as nutrition, youth mental health, housing accessibility, and domestic thermal comfort, highlighting the importance of having our own local data to guide public policies.
How the study works and how to take part
The interview also provides insight into Girostudi’s aims and how participation works in practice: from participant selection and initial contact by letter and phone, to the in-person interview, biological sample collection, and periodic follow-up questionnaires. Batlle places particular emphasis on the ease and flexibility of taking part, alongside robust guarantees of confidentiality, data protection, and the project’s scientific rigour.
He also reminds listeners that participation is voluntary and encourages anyone selected to join, even if they are unsure whether they can complete the full ten-year follow-up: “If they call you, say yes”.
Bringing science closer to the public
Finally, Batlle shares what excites him most about Girostudi: the opportunity to drive a project of this scale from Girona, with the active engagement of local institutions and research teams, and to bring science closer to the community. As he highlights during the conversation, research also happens on the ground—by listening to people and involving them in the knowledge being generated.
Information session in Sant Joan de les Abadesses
The interview coincides with Girostudi’s arrival in Sant Joan de les Abadesses. On Thursday 22 October at 7:00 pm, an open information session for the entire public will take place in the Town Hall’s council chamber. The Girostudi team will explain what the project entails, how it will be rolled out in the town, and what taking part involves. It will also be an ideal opportunity to ask questions and meet the team in person.
Listen to the full interview on La Veu de Sant Joan de les Abadesses
