Bella Mora Romero, a researcher in the Neuronal Maintenance Mechanisms group at the Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), has been recognised with the Premio Nacional de Juventud in the Science and Technology category, granted by the Instituto de la Juventud (INJUVE). The distinction was promoted by the Fundación para la Gestión de la Investigación en Salud de Sevilla (FISEVI), which nominated the young researcher from Huelva.

Photograph provided by the INJUVE Communications Service

The INJUVE Awards jury highlighted her contribution to advancing knowledge of the biological mechanisms involved in these conditions. Among her main scientific achievements is her role as lead author of a study published in the journal Nature Metabolism in 2024, which demonstrates that the mitochondrial activity of microglia — the brain’s immune cells — is key to brain development after birth.

This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders and rare mitochondrial diseases, such as Leigh syndrome, and could in the future contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Photograph provided by the INJUVE Communications Service

Premios Nacionales de Juventud were created by INJUVE with the aim of encouraging and recognising the achievements and efforts of young people who demonstrate their commitment in different areas of society.