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Sobre aportar a la investigación médica a través de INDACEA

¿Qué hace INDACEA?

INDACEA - Financia la Investigación MédicaINDACEA es una asociación sin ánimo de lucro para la financiación de la Investigación Médica. El máximo objetivo es acelerar el descubrimiento de tratamientos de cualquier enfermedad o lesión.

La asociación es tan sólo el canal para que tus aportaciones se dirijan a la investigación médica. En INDACEA nos hemos dado cuenta de la existencia de multitud de personas con la voluntad y esperanza de financiar la investigación médica, pero que no tienen un canal para hacerlo. Hoy en día, sería casi imposible para cualquier ciudadano encontrar proyectos a financiar y discernir si son adecuados si no es a través de una plataforma como la de INDACEA.

Por otro lado, en la actualidad, el investigador debe dedicar bastante tiempo a la búsqueda de financiación (quitándole tiempo para investigar).
INDACEA es el punto de conexión entre ambos.
¿Hay un mínimo a aportar?

Sí. El mínimo son 5€/mes (más o menos lo que te puede costar un aperitivo en cualquier lugar).

Y, ¿mi aportación va a una sola enfermedad?

INDACEA se ha concebido para fomentar la investigación de todas las enfermedades.

No obstante, hemos creado unos grupos de enfermedades para que te sea más fácil saber dónde va tu aportación. Puedes verlos aquí.

¿Qué es eso de los grupos de enfermedades?

INDACEA financiará la investigación médica de cualquier patología. Para que te sea más fácil saber dónde va tu aportación, hemos agrupado las distintas enfermedades en grupos afines.

En concreto, se han creado 12 grupos. Si lo deseas, puedes verlos aquí.

¿Por qué no se centra INDACEA en una sola enfermedad o grupo?

Es posible que ninguno de los proyectos de los grupos que has escogido sea, exactamente, de la enfermedad que te interesa. Sin embargo, eso no quiere decir que no esté relacionado con ella. Pese a que no se investigue directamente la patología que uno quiere, al final, los resultados de la investigación en unas acaban siendo útiles para otras (y viceversa).

Mira aquí recortes de periódico que hemos ido almacenando y que hablan de esto.

¿Cómo puedo saber en qué grupo está la enfermedad que me interesa?

Es muy sencillo, tan sólo tienes que utilizar la búsqueda ubicada en la “Barra del Menú” o haz clic en este enlace.

¿Puedo aportar a más de un grupo?

Sí, puedes aportar en los grupos que quieras. La única condición es que tu aportación total (es decir, la suma de las que hagas a todos los grupos) debe ser equivalente o superior a 5€/mes.

Mejor no aporto ahora y me espero a cuando salga 'mi proyecto'.

INDACEA se basa en pequeñas aportaciones de mucha gente. Ello implica que habrá mucha gente que esté aportando a proyectos relacionados directamente con una enfermedad específica que puede coincidir o no, con la de su interés. De hecho, ahora mismo, hay personas que, dentro de cada grupo,  están haciendo aportaciones independientemente de que los proyectos estén relacionados directamente con la enfermedad que les preocupa (aunque sí es muy probable que acabe derivando en resultados positivos para ellos).

Adicionalmente, hay que ser consciente de que cuanto antes se financien los proyectos actuales, más temprano llegará el que a uno le interesa.

Estamos convencidos de que en el medio-largo plazo, habremos financiado un proyecto directa o indirectamente relacionado con aquella enfermedad que te interesa. En INDACEA defendemos que la investigación médica en unas patologías influye en resultados positivos para otras (y viceversa). Aquí puedes ver recortes de periódico que hemos ido almacenando y que hablan de ello.

¿Qué diferencia hay con las organizaciones de afectados que ya existen?

Creemos que INDACEA es distinta de las restantes organizaciones. Mejor dicho, INDACEA es complementaria al resto de organizaciones. Con el siguiente artículo, se explica muy bien el porqué.

¿Y con otras plataformas de Crowdfunding?
Aquí tienes un cuadro con las principales diferencias:

 CaracterísticaCrowdfundingINDACEA
Si no se alcanza el mínimo solicitadoSi es del tipo “Todo o Nada” (el más frecuente): No pagas nada, pero tampoco financias nadaTú decides si financiar al investigador, darle una prórroga o reservar lo acumulado para el siguiente proyecto
Si se capta más de lo solicitadoEl total acumulado se destina a la ideaSe entrega lo solicitado al investigador y, el resto, se reserva para el siguiente proyecto.
“One shot”Financias sólo la idea que te han presentadoFinancias la investigación médica de los grupos que escojas. Lo haces a través de proyectos concretos. Una vez se financia uno, aparecerá otro, y otro, y otro…
Ingresos para la PlataformaSuelen cobrar un porcentaje sobre tu aportación.Sólo lo estrictamente necesario (máximo: 0’50€ de tu aportación mensual).
RecompensasSuele haber una contraprestación (acciones, bienes/servicios materiales o inmateriales) por tu aportación. Una excepción: crowdfunding de donativos.Entendemos que quien aporta a través de INDACEA lo hace porque quiere que la mayor cantidad de su dinero se destine a financiar la investigación médica. Por ello, intentamos reducir al máximo posibles costes extras.Ello no quiere decir que no estemos trabajando para que salgas beneficiada en otros aspectos.  No tardaremos en contarte más novedades.
CompatibilidadesAlgunas plataformas permiten que quien presenta un proyecto busque financiación en otras plataformas de Crowdfunding. Una gran mayoría, no lo permiten.Queremos facilitar la investigación médica y, los proyectos, pueden ser muy “grandes” (costosos). INDACEA sí permite que el investigador busque más financiación por otras vías.
Proyecto ProtagonistaNormalmente, estas plataformas tienen muchos proyectos publicados que deben competir entre sí para atraer el interés de quienes acceden a su web.Normalmente, habrá un sólo proyecto por grupo de enfermedad (o muy pocos, 1-3 proyectos) que no competirán entre ellos (dentro del mismo grupo) ya que la aportación se dirige a la financiación de la investigación médica del correspondiente grupo (y, por tanto, los fondos recibidos para ese grupo se distribuirán, equitativamente, entre los proyectos activos de ese mismo grupo).

Puedes leer un poco más en este artículo de nuestro blog.

¿Y por qué no se dedica INDACEA a que las empresas grandes sean las que aporten?

En INDACEA queremos atraer empresas a nuestra causa. No obstante, creemos que la mejor manera de hacerlo y la que más probabilidades de éxito nos dará es pudiendo ofrecer algún tipo de servicio que les pudiera interesar.

Por eso, es muy importante para nosotros que no sólo se aporte fondos, sino que también se extienda el conocimiento de la existencia de INDACEA y de las empresas que la apoyan vía aportaciones o adquisición de los servicios que en un futuro pudiéramos ofrecer. Esta es la manera que nos hemos planteado de conseguir que las empresas se vayan concienciando.

De igual forma que existen personas que consideran que están haciendo una aportación altruista (porque aún no se han dado cuenta de que ya se han beneficiado, se están beneficiando o se beneficiarán de la investigación médica) y otras que lo hacen por unos intereses propios o de algún allegado, también existen empresas dispuestas a realizar una aportación altruista y, otras, que buscan algo a cambio.

Creemos que no hay que “demonizar”, que existan personas o empresas que aporten de forma interesada, más bien al contrario. Quienes lo hacen porque han encontrado un interés o una motivación en ello, son muy importantes para nosotros porque es muy probable que sigan haciéndolo.

En la pestaña “Empresas que Aportan” de cada grupo de enfermedad podrás ver un listado de todas ellas.

¿Y por qué destinar el dinero a la Investigación Médica con las listas de espera que hay en los hospitales? (mejor dedicarlo a ello).
  • Estamos de acuerdo en que debería destinarse más fondos estatales para mejorar el servicio en hospitales y creemos que es una situación que empieza a ser demasiado preocupante y ya hay varias organizaciones que lo demandan y lo hacen bien.

  • Imaginemos que se ha conseguido. Que ya tenemos las habitaciones en condiciones, las camas necesarias y no hay listas de espera, pero… ¿y ahora cómo atendemos a ésas personas?, ¿con qué medicamentos, tecnología o conocimientos?
  • Por eso, nosotros preferimos centrarnos en la investigación médica. ¿Qué es más importante?: Nosotros creemos que ambas cosas. Por muchos medios que haya para la atención al paciente, de nada servirían si no sabemos cómo tratarlos, y a la inversa.

¿Hay otras formas de aportar?

Desgraciadamente para que la investigación médica funcione es necesario que reciba fondos que la financien. No obstante, si no te puedes permitir aportar 5€/mes, existen otras formas de ayudar a conseguir que INDACEA capte los fondos de otra gente.

  • Aunque no vayas a aportar fondos, te recomendamos que te des de alta en INDACEA (en “Aportar de otra forma“) para que puedas obtener algunos de los beneficios que ofrecemos por ser IND.
  • Aunque no te hayas dado de alta en INDACEA, una forma muy fácil de ayudarnos es avisando a todo el mundo que conozcas de nuestra existencia. Lo puedes hacer a través de las redes sociales, compartiendo con cualquiera de los enlaces que tienes abajo, siguiéndonos o como creas conveniente.
  • INDACEA es de todos y, por tanto, queremos saber qué opinas sobre lo que se habla en nuestro blog y redes sociales. Participa en ellas y ayúdanos a mejorar con tu opinión y sugerencias. Si tu idea se lleva a cabo, y eres IND, verás como obtienes puntos extra que te ayuden a subir de “Nivel IND“.
  • INDACEA está cerrando acuerdos con empresas colaboradoras para que puedan presentar ofertas a través de una página web específica a aquellos que opten por esta forma de colaborar. Por cada respuesta correcta a cada anuncio que veas y/o encuesta rellenada, INDACEA recibirá un importe de estas empresas y tú, acabarás obteniendo puntos que influirán en tu “Nivel IND”. Para esto, sólo tienes que registrarte en “Aportar de otra forma“.

Pensamos que la última opción será útil en el medio-largo plazo (en 2-3 años) ya que, de momento, va a ser muy difícil que las empresas nos escuchen ahora que acabamos de empezar. La razón por la que INDACEA ofrece esta posibilidad es para poder ir creando un listado de personas dispuestas a colaborar de esta forma y, así, mostrarle a la empresa la gran utilidad que INDACEA le reportará.

Explícame un poco más lo de ver anuncios y rellenar encuestas.

En INDACEA queremos atraer empresas a nuestra causa. No obstante, creemos que la mejor manera de hacerlo y la que más probabilidades de éxito nos dará es pudiendo ofrecer servicios que les resulten útiles.

Por eso, es muy importante para nosotros que no sólo se aporte fondos, sino que también se extienda el conocimiento de la existencia de INDACEA y de las empresas que la apoyan vía aportaciones o adquisición de los servicios que ofrecemos.

Sin duda alguna, nuestro mayor activo son las personas que financian la investigación médica a través de INDACEA. Creemos que se puede incrementar los fondos destinados a la investigación médica permitiendo que nuestras “Empresas Amigas” tengan acceso a la opinión de nuestrosmiembros IND mediante encuestas voluntarias y otros servicios que pudieran ser interesantes para aquellas que quieran enviar información. Tanto a las empresas como a los particulares quieren saber qué hay en el mercado y qué opinión hay al respecto. Seguro que te interesa saber sobre qué productos (o servicios) hay que te puedan resultar útiles y que tu opinión sea tenida en cuenta para mejorarlos. Así, la investigación médica se beneficiará por obtener mayor financiación y los IND podrán asegurarse de que se está aumentando la inversión en la búsqueda de tratamientos sin tener que incrementar sus aportaciones en metálico.

Muchas empresas hacen encuestas de mercado y pre-tests publicitarios antes de lanzar sus productos (o servicios) al mercado. Dichas empresas están dispuestas a pagar cantidades considerables por ello. Sin embargo, se necesitan muchas personas (miles) para poder ofrecer este servicio y aquí es donde precisamos de tu colaboración. Tan sólo tienes que registrarte en en “Aportar de otra forma” y, una vez alcanzado el volumen necesario, te lo haremos saber para que, cuando lo desees, puedas ver la información que estas empresas te quieren enviar y/o rellenes alguna encuesta.

¿Dónde va el dinero?

¿Dónde va mi dinero?

Aportas a la investigación médica de los grupos de enfermedad que desees. Para ello, el comité experto de INDACEA, dentro de cada grupo de enfermedad, escoge los proyectos que son viables y útiles entre todos los que recibe y, quien lo desee, dentro de cada grupo de enfermedad, puede votar por aquellos que quieren que se realicen en primer lugar.

Que no te dé miedo hacerlo en cualquiera de los grupos que hayas escogido u otros. Para INDACEA es muy importante tu opinión, por favor, participa y así sabremos qué te gusta de lo que hacemos y qué no.

Por ejemplo, si el comité experto de INDACEA ha seleccionado 3 proyectos para el grupo de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares y 2 para Enfermedades Raras, puedes votar tus preferidos de Cardiovasculares y tus preferidos de Raras. Una vez acabado el proceso de votación, aquél que haya obtenido más votos dentro del grupo de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, será el siguiente a financiar (el segundo más escogido después y, el menos votado, en tercer lugar). Y lo mismo pasará dentro del grupo de Enfermedades Raras.

¿Quieres que tu voto “tenga más peso”? Hay maneras de conseguirlo. Mira el apartado Are you IND.

Si lo que quieres es saber dónde está el dinero que se ha ido aportando, en “Transparencia” podrás acceder a la contabilidad de INDACEA.

¿Se destina todo mi dinero a la investigación médica?

Nos gustaría que fuera así y trabajamos para que la máxima cantidad de tu aportación se destine a la investigación médica. Sin embargo, INDACEA necesita el trabajo a tiempo completo de personal y que no les permitiría compaginarlo con otros, con lo que será necesario que cobren un sueldo. Además, hay unos gastos que cubrir para que la organización se dé a conocer y pueda seguir ejercitando su función.

Por eso, al sustento de la asociación, como máximo, se destinan 0’50€ (más costes bancarios por gestión de cobro) de tu aportación, independientemente de que sean 5€/mes o 100€/mes. 0’50€ de cada miembro puede acabar sumando una cantidad importante con lo que, cuando llegue el momento de que no sea necesario medio euro, el importe sobrante se destinará a la financiación de la investigación médica de los grupos que has escogido.

INDACEA - Dónde va mi dinero

¿Y lo recibido a través de 'Aportar de Otra Forma'?

INDACEA quiere reducir al máximo los fondos que destina a sus costes diarios y que proceden de las aportaciones de los IND. Para ello, de lo recibido por las “Aportaciones de Otra Forma” sufragará, por orden de prioridad:

  • El coste que suponga conseguir estos ingresos;
  • Necesidades operativas de funcionamiento de INDACEA;
  • Investigación médica.

Por si no has podido leer la pregunta anterior, te recordamos que uno de los objetivos de INDACEA es que la mayor cantidad posible de tu aportación se dirija a los grupos que tú has escogido, una de las misiones de INDACEA es conseguir que los costes de operación de INDACEA se sufraguen a través de otros medios.

Si pago la cuota de golpe, la aportación: ¿se dirige completamente al proyecto que hay ahora?

Sí. De este modo, si decides hacer tu aportación a un grupo y pagar al contado, tu financiación se destinará al proyecto en curso de ese grupo.

¿Y si el pago es periódico (mensual/trimestral/semestral/anual)?

Así como a nosotros nos gustaría que todo el mundo hiciera aportaciones para la investigación de nuestra enfermedad, lo contrario, también sucede. Por eso, en INDACEA, hablamos siempre de aportación mensual a los grupos de enfermedad que te interesen.

De este modo, de forma similar a lo que sucede para aquellos que realizan la aportación con carácter menos frecuente al mensual, parte de tu aportación irá al proyecto actual y, otra parte a los siguientes.

Es decir, imagina una persona que se compromete a aportar 8€/mes. A efectos internos, en INDACEA se considerará que las cuotas se van a abonar para financiar los proyectos que surjan durante el período de tiempo que se esté aportando. De este modo, si se consigue la financiación para el proyecto actual en 2 meses, las dos primeras cuotas irán para este proyecto y, las restantes, para los siguientes.

Las subvenciones/donaciones pueden hacer que se acabe por no cuidar el dinero. ¿Por qué he de confiar en que INDACEA sí lo cuida?

Hay muchas causas sociales y organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro que merecen tu atención. La diferencia de invertir en investigación médica a través de INDACEA es que tú te beneficias de ello directa o indirectamente:

  • Desde la más simple caja de aspirinas hasta la más avanzada tecnología en resonancia magnética;
  • Desde el análisis de sangre más sencillo a la operación más compleja;

Todos estos tratamientos y el conocimiento que se deriva de ellos provienen de la investigación médica.

INDACEA pretende subsistir a través de los 0’50€/mes que obtiene por cada persona que aporta. De este modo, si en INDACEA no hacemos las cosas bien, acabaremos pagándolo caro porque cada vez habrá menos confianza en nosotros y se dejará de recibir aportaciones. (Nota: Que queramos funcionar de este modo, no implica que si se tiene derecho a solicitar alguna ayuda estatal, lo hagamos para que así, haya más cantidad de tu aportación destinada a la investigación médica).

INDACEA necesita ser transparente. Si no lo es, INDACEA no sería viable. A través de la web podrás ver la toma de decisiones y los costes que acarrea la organización. En cualquier momento podrás ver dónde se destina el dinero y opinar sobre ello. Obviamente, a INDACEA le conviene que los interesados estén conformes con su gestión, de otro modo, dejaría de recibir los fondos que necesita para cumplir con su misión. Por eso, queremos que te impliques y nos comentes lo que te gusta y lo que no. Eso nos ayudará a ser mejores y más eficientes y acabará repercutiendo en más dinero para la investigación médica.

Todo lo que aporte acabará invirtiéndose en las enfermedades mayoritarias.

Estamos convencidos de que la investigación en una patología repercute en resultados positivos para cualquier otra. No obstante, dentro de INDACEA, tu aportación se destina a la investigación de las enfermedades de los grupos que tú hayas elegido.

Adicionalmente, en INDACEA hemos diseñado una estructura para que esto no sea así, de forma que, mediante tu voto, tú puedas influir en el orden de financiación de los proyectos.

¿Quieres que tu voto “tenga más peso”? Hay maneras de conseguirlo. Mira el apartado Are you IND.

Sobre los proyectos de Investigación Médica

¿Quién puede presentar un proyecto?

Siempre que se destine a la investigación médica de una enfermedad (o lesión), cualquier persona, laboratorio, empresa u organización de afectados (de cualquier país) podrá presentar los proyectos.

De hecho, animamos a toda organización de afectados a implicarse en ello por los beneficios que podrían derivar en sus afectados.

¿Aunque sean investigadores no nacionales?
Por supuesto. Al afectado lo que le interesa es curarse, independientemente de la nacionalidad del investigador y de si procede de un centro privado o público.

Si INDACEA recibe varios proyectos para un grupo de enfermedad: ¿Cómo se decide el orden de financiación?

Esta situación se dará de forma muy frecuente y la solución es sencilla. Dentro de cada grupo:

  1. El Comité Experto de INDACEA analizará los proyectos recibidos, seleccionará aquellos que son viables y mostrará su orden de preferencia, el cual, no será vinculante.
  2. INDACEA dará a conocer los proyectos seleccionados y que el Comité Experto respalda para que los interesados puedan votar cuáles prefieren que empiecen antes.
  3. El proyecto con mayor puntuación será el primero a financiar (obviamente, una vez se haya finalizado la lista de proyectos en vigor), a continuación el segundo más votado y, así, sucesivamente. En caso de empate entre dos proyectos, primará el orden de preferencia del Comité Experto.

Por ejemplo, si el comité experto de INDACEA ha seleccionado 3 proyectos para el grupo de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares y 2 para Enfermedades Raras, puedes votar tus preferidos de Cardiovasculares y tus preferidos de Raras. Una vez acabado el proceso, aquél que haya obtenido más votos dentro del grupo de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, será el siguiente a financiar (el segundo más escogido después y, el menos votado, en tercer lugar). Y lo mismo pasará dentro del grupo de Enfermedades Raras.

¿Quieres que tu voto “tenga más peso”? Hay maneras de conseguirlo. Mira el apartado Are you IND.

¿Puede votar todo el mundo?

Sí, todo aquél que acceda a la web o a las redes sociales puede votar por sus proyectos preferidos.

¿Todos los votos valen lo mismo?

No. Queremos agradecer el esfuerzo de los miembros IND para que INDACEA pueda captar más fondos.

De este modo, INDACEA permite que cualquier persona pueda votar desde redes sociales, pero obviamente, ser IND es un beneficio y ello hará que tu voto “tenga más peso”. De este modo, podrás hacer tu elección a través de las redes sociales y, adicionalmente, a través de una herramienta que INDACEA te facilitará.

¿Qué sucede si no se alcanza el mínimo solicitado por el investigador?

Tú elegirás si quieres otorgarle una prórroga, darle la financiación de todos modos, o reservar lo acumulado para el siguiente proyecto.

INDACEA permite que los investigadores busquen financiación de sus proyectos por otras vías. Por tanto, podría darse el caso de que dicho proyecto pudiera llevarse a cabo si se suman ambas cantidades. En tal supuesto, INDACEA valorará si es cierto y te expondrá la situación para que tú puedas hacer una elección informada entre las opciones que antes te hemos comentado.

¿Qué pasa si de los proyectos sale una patente o rentabilidad económica?

INDACEA invierte en distintos proyectos de investigación médica con la condición de que, de obtenerse una patente o rentabilidad económica, INDACEA tenga el derecho a recibir los fondos que le correspondan para poder destinarlos a financiar más proyectos o intentar abaratar el coste de posibles tratamientos que surgieran de dicho proyecto.

Puedes ver un borrador del contrato que se firma con aquellos que solicitan financiación para cualquier proyecto de investigación en Transparencia.

¿Cómo sabe INDACEA que no le están ofreciendo los proyectos menos rentables económicamente para que invierta en ellos?

INDACEA posee un comité experto que valora la viabilidad y fiabilidad de los proyectos que le presentan.

Adicionalmente, cada vez que se va a financiar un proyecto de investigación, se firma un contrato con los investigadores donde se incluyen una serie de hitos que deben cumplir. De este modo, INDACEA mantiene el total para ése proyecto en una cuenta especial y lo va financiando conforme se van cumpliendo las condiciones. Así, se libera la cantidad necesaria para el primer hito. Una vez cumplido éste, se libera la siguiente cantidad y, así, sucesivamente. Puedes ver un borrador del contrato en “Transparencia“.

¿Cómo sé que no se invierte en 'cosas poco éticas'? (clonación humana, por ejemplo).
  • INDACEA dispone de un Comité Experto que, entre otras funciones, debe velar por el cumplimiento del código ético. Todos los proyectos que se presentan en INDACEA pasan por ése filtro, posteriormente, los interesados son los que eligen cuál se quiere financiar antes.

  • Adicionalmente, la financiación de proyectos se realiza en función del cumplimiento de determinados hitos. Es decir, hasta que no se ha concluido con el primer hito, no se libera la cantidad para el segundo y, así, sucesivamente. Por tanto, siempre existen una serie de momentos en los que se pueden detectar “irregularidades” y/o sirven de métodos de presión para que se hagan las cosas de forma correcta.
  • Por último, una de las condiciones de financiación de proyectos es que el investigador haga informes “inteligibles”  para el ciudadano medio respecto a la evolución de su proyecto. A través de éstos, podrás ver qué se está haciendo con tu dinero.

¿Qué pasa si un miembro del Comité Experto está relacionado con un proyecto que debe valorar?

En tal caso, el miembro que tenga algún tipo de implicación personal o profesional con un investigador que presente un proyecto, no podrá participar en la evaluación de éste. La valoración será llevada a cabo por otros miembros.

¿Cómo puedo asegurarme de que el dinero se dirige, realmente, a la Investigación Médica?
  • Si INDACEA no hiciera eso, estaría incumpliendo con sus Estatutos y ello conllevaría consecuencias legales.

  • De todos modos, esto podría ser insuficiente. Por ello, a través de la página “Transparencia” podrás ver la toma de decisiones y los costes que acarrea la organización. En cualquier momento podrás ver dónde se destina el dinero y opinar sobre ello.
  • Obviamente, a INDACEA le conviene que los interesados estén conformes con su gestión, de otro modo, dejaría de recibir los fondos que necesita para cumplir con su misión. Por eso, queremos que te impliques y nos comentes lo que te gusta y lo que no. Eso nos ayudará a ser mejores y más eficientes y acabará repercutiendo en más dinero para la investigación médica.

¿Y por qué he de aportar dinero para que se lo lleven los investigadores?: que monten sus empresas y vivan de las patentes que consigan.
  • El objetivo de INDACEA es que los afectados actuales o futuros tengan más probabilidades de recibir una respuesta/tratamiento, que los investigadores puedan salir beneficiados es un efecto secundario. Es decir, lo que se pretende es financiar proyectos interesantes para la población y no que los investigadores españoles subsistan.

  • Por otro lado, no toda investigación deriva en una patente. Una investigación que da un resultado negativo es un resultado en sí (“Otros investigadores saben qué ha fallado o que dicho camino no es bueno”).

¿Quién se beneficia de esto?

¿Quién se beneficia de todo esto?

Tú te beneficias de tu aportación. 

 

¿Crees que esto que te decimos no es cierto porque estás sano y no conoces a ninguna persona afectada?: Por favor, lee la pregunta siguiente.

Yo estoy sano y no conozco a ninguna persona afectada: ¿Qué tiene que ver todo esto conmigo?

Es posible que te encuentres en perfectas condiciones físicas y te sientas muy bien, pero ello no quiere decir que no te puedas beneficiar de la investigación médica. Al contrario, te puede ayudar a mantenerte así con el paso del tiempo y, si tú o alguien cercano, enferma, se lesiona o desarrolla alguna patología en un futuro, los resultados conseguidos de la investigación hasta dicho momento te ayudarán. Además, cada cierto tiempo aparecen pandemias que muestran que la enfermedad puede aparecer en cualquier momento y afectarnos a todos.

¿Significa que me voy a curar enseguida?

Nos encantaría poder decirte que sí y en INDACEA trabajamos muy duro en ello, pero tú ya sabes que si lo hiciéramos (si te dijéramos que en el plazo de unos meses o un año estarás sano) te estaríamos mintiendo.

Y eso sí que te garantizamos que no lo vamos a hacer. Mentiras o falsas esperanzas, NINGUNA.

Are you IND?

¿Qué es un IND?

Un IND es una persona que apoya a INDACEA, alguien que ayuda a que INDACEA siga adelante ya sea por medio de una aportación económica o dando a conocer la organización.

INDACEA quiere premiar a quienes se esfuerzan por que haya más fondos para la financiación de la investigación médica. Para ello, basta con registrarse en INDACEA a través de la página “Aportar“.

Además de incrementar las posibilidades de que aparezca un diagnóstico o tratamiento hasta ahora desconocido, ser miembro IND conlleva el disfrute de una serie de beneficios adicionales.

¿Qué obtengo con el Nivel IND?

Seguro que tienes (o conoces) la típica tarjeta que te da puntos para luego canjear por artículos. De momento, INDACEA  no puede ofrecerte lo mismo, pero sí algo que tiene muchísimo valor y que, como explicamos en “Sobre los Proyectos de Investigación Médica“, es la posibilidad de que, mediante tu voto, elijas (dentro de cada grupo) qué proyectos quieres que empiecen antes.

En función de tus acciones, INDACEA te da unos puntos que te permiten alcanzar un determinado nivel. Cuantos más puntos tengas, más alto será tu nivel y, por tanto, mayores beneficios obtendrás.

Además de elegir qué proyectos quieres que se financien antes, te ofrecemos las siguientes ventajas:

BeneficioNivel Necesario
Tu voto se multiplica por 20.Nivel 1
Tu voto se multiplica por 10.Nivel 2
Tu voto se multiplica por 3.Nivel 3
Votar qué hacer con las aportaciones realizadas si no se alcanza el mínimo solicitado por el proyecto.Nivel 1
Votar qué hacer con las aportaciones realizadas si no se alcanza el mínimo solicitado por el proyecto.Nivel 2
Recibir por correo electrónico notificaciones de transferencias/financiaciones que realice INDACEA en nombre de cualquier Grupo.Nivel 1
Recibir por correo electrónico notificaciones de transferencias/financiaciones que realice INDACEA en nombre de cualquier Grupo.Nivel 2
Visualizar las transferencias/financiaciones que realice INDACEA en nombre de cualquier Grupo.Nivel 3
Recibir por correo electrónico notificaciones de la evolución de los proyectos de investigación médica que INDACEA ha financiado.Nivel 1
Recibir por correo electrónico notificaciones de la evolución de los proyectos de investigación médica que INDACEA ha financiado.Nivel 2
Recibir por correo electrónico informes periódicos sobre noticias de relevancia para el/los grupo/s de interés.Nivel 1
Recibir por correo electrónico informes periódicos sobre noticias de relevancia para el/los grupo/s de interés.Nivel 2

Estamos trabajando en un montón de ideas para conseguir que tengas más privilegios por ser IND. Os iremos informando.

¿Quién puede ser IND?

Cualquier persona, empresa u organización registrada en INDACEA y comprometida con la misión de captar y destinar la máxima cantidad posible de fondos a la investigación médica puede ser IND.

Como ves, para ser IND, hablamos de “registrada y comprometida para…” Sí, éso implica que se puede ser IND sin aportar la cantidad mínima de 5€/mes. No obstante, recuerda que el objetivo es captar fondos para la investigación médica.

Se han generado una serie de “Niveles IND” para premiar el esfuerzo de los miembros IND. Cuanto mayor sea tu esfuerzo, mayor nivel y, por tanto, mayores beneficios.

¿Qué es eso del Nivel IND?

Es una forma de premiar a los que se esfuerzan por que haya más fondos para la financiación de la investigación médica. Cuanto mayor sea tu “Nivel IND”, más peso tendrán tus votaciones y mayores privilegios obtendrás.

Estamos trabajando en un montón de ideas para conseguir que tengas más privilegios por ser IND. Os iremos informando.

¿Cómo se decide el Nivel IND?

Desgraciadamente, para que la investigación médica funcione es necesario que reciba fondos que la financien. No obstante, si bien algunos no pueden realizar aportaciones de forma directa, sí pueden hacer otras gestiones que ayuden a INDACEA a captar fondos. En función de su esfuerzo, se obtiene un “Nivel IND”, el cual, se decide en base a:

OpciónPuntosCondición
AportarAsignación automática al Nivel 2Por aportar el mínimo especificado.
Aportar de "Otra Forma"100Por marcar las casillas correspondientes al darte de alta.
Aportación.*30Cada mes que aportes más que la media.*
20Cada mes que aportes igual que la media.*
10Cada mes que aportes menos que la media. Siempre que tu aportación sea superior al mínimo especificado.*
Nº IND atraídos (Particulares).**30Cada mes que te mantengas como haber atraído más que la media.**
20Cada mes que te mantengas como haber atraído igual que la media.**
10Cada mes que te mantengas como haber atraído menos que la media. Siempre que hayas atraído, al menos, a una persona.**
Atraer a "Empresas Amigas"100Por cada "Empresa Amiga" de INDACEA que atraigas.
Ideas aportadas a INDACEA y llevadas a cabo.100Por sugerencia que aportes y se implemente.
100Por colaboración en la implementación de una idea.
Responder correctamente a preguntas de nuestras “Empresas Amigas” colaboradoras respecto a las ofertas visualizadas.5Por cada euro que repercuta en INDACEA derivado de tu actividad.
Responder a las encuestas de nuestras “Empresas Amigas”.5Por cada euro que repercuta en INDACEA derivado de tu actividad.

* Por ejemplo, si en promedio se obtiene que, cada mes, los IND hacen una aportación de 6€, y tú aportas 7€/mes,  cada mes, recibirás 30 puntos.

** Por ejemplo, imagina que hay IND que no atraen a nadie y otros que atraen a 2 o más personas y que, haciendo el cálculo se obtiene que, en promedio, cada IND ha atraído a 1 persona. Supón que tú has atraído a 2 personas a INDACEA (independientemente del grupo en que se inscriban): Por tanto, cada mes que esto sea así (que tú hayas atraído a más gente que la media), recibirás 30 puntos.

Atraer IND a INDACEA ayuda a que suba de nivel. ¿Tengo que buscar personas que se registren en mis grupos?

No. Los IND que atraigas pueden registrarse en los grupos que a ellos les interesen.

INDACEA quiere que se incrementen las posibilidades de tratamientos y diagnóstico de las personas afectadas. Todas las patologías son importantes y todas necesitan fondos para que se investigue.

Además, estamos totalmente convencidos que los resultados de investigación de unas enfermedades influyen y benefician a otras (mira esteartículo). Por ello, premiamos que se atraiga IND que aporten a la investigación médica, independientemente del grupo de enfermedades que les interesen.

¿Cuántos puntos he de obtener para subir de nivel?

A continuación te mostramos una tabla pre-definida:

NivelPuntos desde Noviembre 2014Puntos desde Marzo 2015Puntos desde Septiembre 2015Puntos desde Enero 2016
Nivel 1700100013002000
Nivel 23005007001000
Nivel 3100100100100

NOTA IMPORTANTE: Para las fechas que esta tabla indica, una vez hayas alcanzado un nivel, lo seguirás manteniendo independientemente de los puntos que tengas. A partir de 2016, esta condición podrá cambiar.

Por ejemplo, supongamos que en enero de 2015 has alcanzado 350 puntos y, por tanto, se te asigna el Nivel 2. Imagina que, en marzo de 2015, estás con 400 puntos: según la tabla, te correspondería bajar al Nivel 1. Sin embargo, con esta condición, te mantendrás en el Nivel 2.

¿Por qué van cambiando los puntos mínimos de cada nivel?

Hemos pensado que sería injusto para los que han empezado la andadura con nosotros tuvieran que conseguir los mismos puntos que los que pudieran conseguir más adelante (con menos esfuerzo y más privilegios a disfrutar). Por éso, los hemos reducido al principio y, poco a poco, se van “normalizando”.

NivelPuntos desde Noviembre 2014Puntos desde Marzo 2015Puntos desde Septiembre 2015Puntos desde Enero 2016
Nivel 1700100013002000
Nivel 23005007001000
Nivel 3100100100100

NOTA IMPORTANTE: Para las fechas que esta tabla indican, una vez hayas alcanzado un nivel, lo seguirás manteniendo independientemente de los puntos que tengas. A partir de 2016, esta condición podrá cambiar.

Photo Credit: BWJones via Compfight cc

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INDACEA is a non-profit aiming to fund Medical Research. Maximum objective is to accelerate the discovery of treatments for any disease or injury.

INDACEA is just a channel to make your funding reach and foster Medical Research. We’ve realized that there are a lot of people willing to fund Medical Research. Nowadays it’ll be almost imposible for a citizen to find and evaluate the suitability of Medical Research Projects without a platform such as INDACEA.

Additionaly, researchers must dedicate too much time on searching funds (time that will be best used in medical research).

INDACEA is the meeting point.

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Is there a minimum financial contribution?

Yes. The minimum is 5 Euros per month (the equivalent cost of just a small snack!).

Will my contribution support just one category of diseases?

INDACEA has been created to foster medical research for all diseases.

Nevertheless, we’ve created several categories of diseases in order to make it easier for you to know how your money is going to be used. You can see them here.

What do you mean by different categories of diseases?

INDACEA will finance medical research for any disease. We’ve created categories of related diseases in order to make it easier for you to know how your money is going to be used.

There are 12 categories. You can see them here.

Why doesn’t INDACEA focus on just one disease or one category of diseases?

It could happen that none of the projects of the categories you’ve selected are exactly related to the disease you are interested in. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that the project is not related to that disease. Even if the disease you are interested isn’t the one being directly studied, the research for one disease often helps other diseases.

You can read articles related to this here.

How do I know in which category the disease I’m interested in belongs to?

It’s very easy; you just need to use the search tool in the menu bar or this link.

Can I contribute to more than one category?

Yes, you can contribute to as many categories as you want. The only condition is that your total contribution should be at least 5 Euros or more per month, which can be split between as many categories as you wish.

I’d rather wait for “my project” to appear before I start contributing

INDACEA is based on many people giving small contributions. That means that there will be lots of people contributing to projects directly related to a specific disease which may, or may not, be the one they are specifically interested in. In fact, right now, there are people in each of the categories who are contributing regardless of whether the projects are directly related to the disease they are concerned about (although it is quite likely it might end up giving positive results for them).

Also, it is important to note that the sooner the current projects are financed, the sooner the one you are interested in will get its turn to be financed.

We are convinced that in the medium/long term, you will have financed a project directly or indirectly related to the disease you are concerned about. In INDACEA we uphold the idea that medical research in some pathology gives positive results to others and vice versa. You can see herepress articles discussing this. We’ve been collecting them for you.

What’s the difference between INDACEA and the patient organizations that already exist?

We think INDACEA is different from other organizations. Or, better said, INDACEA complements other organizations. This post explains why very well.

And, what about the difference with other Crowdfunding platforms?

Here you are:

 CrowdfundingINDACEA
If minimum is not reachedIf it’s the “All or Nothinf” type: You do not pay anything nor you fund anythingYou decide whether to finance the project, give “extra-time” or keep it for the next project
If total received is more than the minimum statedTotal accumulated is given to the projectThe project receives what it needs and the remaining is kept for the next project of the same category
“One shot”You just fund the projectYou are funding medical research of the categories you select. You do it through specific projects. Once one is funded, there will be another one, and so on…
How does the platform fund itself?They usually charge a percentage of your fundsJust what is strictly needed (maximum 0’50€ of your monthly funding)
RewardThere usually is a reward (equity, products/services or inmaterial things). Exception: Donation-based CrowdfundingPeople funding via INDACEA are willing to increase medical research funds. Thus, we do try to avoid adding unnecessary costs. Nonetheless, we are working hard to get you some kind of rewards. We will keep you updated.
CompatibilitiesA lot of platforms do not allow projects to get funds via other ways.INDACEA’s main goal is to foster medical research and help medical research projects to raise more funds. Additionally, these projects may be really costly. Thus we do allow projects to raise funds via other platforms.
Main projectUsually these platforms have multiple projects that could compete between themselves to attract investor’s interest.There will usually be one project per category (or very few, 1-3 projects) that will not compete between themselves within a group since investor’s money will be to fund the group’s research (thus funds will be equally distributed among the active projects within a group).

You may read a little more about this here.

Why doesn’t INDACEA put its efforts in making big companies be the ones to contribute?

INDACEA wants companies to get involved and invest. However, we believe that the best way of doing that is by offering them something they could be interested in.

That’s why it’s very important for us to not only receive funds, but to also make INDACEA as widely known and recognized as possible. This, we believe, can be done through having as many individuals as possible contributing. This in turn will attract companies, to contribute also and to use the services we could offer them in future, and make it a positive thing for them to be associated with our name. We believe that this is the best way to make companies aware of us, and for the most successful results.

There are people who contribute for altruistic reasons (even though they haven’t realized yet that they already benefit or will benefit from medical research) and people who do it because for their own interests or for the interest of someone they know. Similarly, there are companies with philanthropic, altruistic policies, and others hoping for something in return.

We think that people or companies who contribute because of their own interest should not be “demonized”, quite the opposite in fact. Those who contribute because they have interests or a certain motivation for doing so are very important for us because they’ll probably keep contributing.

In the tab “companies that support us” of each category of diseases you’ll be able to see a list of the companies contributing toward the research in that category.

Why should we contribute to medical research when we have long hospital waiting lists? We would rather use our money for that.
  • We agree there should be more state funds to improve services in hospitals and we believe the situation at the moment is of major concern. There are already organizations dedicated to this issue and they are doing a good job.
  • Let’s imagine a better service has been achieved already: good rooms, enough beds and no waiting lists. How do we take care of the people now? What medicines, knowledge or technology do we use?
  • For this reason, we could rather focus on medical research. But which is more important? We think both things are equally important. No matter how many resources are made available in order to provide a good service to patients, they would be of small comfort to the patient if we don’t have the therapies to treat them with. Similarly, there’s little point in having the appropriate therapies if people cannot access them.
Are there any other ways of supporting INDACEA?

Medical research needs ongoing financial support to continue or to even begin. Nevertheless, if you can’t afford €5 Euros/month, there are other ways you can help INDACEA receive contributions from others.

  • You can still register in INDACEA even if you are not going to provide funding. You’ll get some benefits from being IND. Check our section “Support INDACEA in a different way”.
  • An easy way to help us, even if you haven’t registered, is by letting everyone know about us. You can do it by using the social media, sharing any of the links you’ll find below, following us or by any other way you could think of. If you’re already IND, remember to provide your contacts with your user code so you can upgrade your “IND level”.
  • INDACEA belongs to everyone. We would like to know what you think about what we publish on our blog and in the social media. Participate and help us improve by sharing your ideas and opinions. If you are IND and you have a great idea which we implement, you’ll get extra points that will help you upgrade your “IND level”.
  • INDACEA is finalizing agreements with our partner companies so that they can provide special offers for people who decide to support INDACEA in this way. These offers will be published in a special section of our web site. INDACEA will receive a certain amount of money for every response to an offer or completed questionnaire you do, and, in turn, you’ll get points that can upgrade your “IND level”. You just have to register at “Support INDACEA in a different way”.
Give me more information about seeing advertisements and filling out questionnaires.

INDACEA wants companies to get involved and invest. However, we believe that the best way of doing that and obtaining successful results is by offering them something they could be interested in.

That’s why it’s very important for us not only to get funds, but to also make INDACEA as widely known as possible and therefore also, by association, the companies that support us by contributing or by using the services we can offer them in the future.

Undoubtedly, the people contributing to INDACEA are our greatest asset.  We believe that even more benefit can be gained by allowing partner companies access to this important asset in the form of voluntary questionnaires or other services that might be of interest for advertising companies. Both companies and individuals are interested in knowing what’s available in the market and people’s opinion on it. As an individual contributor, you will no doubt be interested to know what is available and to give your opinions in order to improve a product or service. INDACEA benefits from the increased funding this creates and the individual contributor can feel assured that they are helping to generate even more financial support for medical research beyond their own contributions.

We appreciate that it’s often annoying to watch ads or completing questionnaires (especially if it happens when watching your favourite movie or TV series). However, how would you know about the latest mobile phone, tablet, car or fashion if no one tells you about it? In fact, how would you have known about INDACEA if we hadn’t advertised ourselves (on the internet, via patient organizations and by word of mouth)?

Moreover, how can a company know if you would like them to improve something you bought if they don’t ask you? Would a company have dared to spend millions of Euros developing a mobile phone at the end of the 1990’s without asking people if they want it, how they want it and when? Would a company spend thousands on an advertising campaign without first undertaking market research and asking people if they liked it or if they got the idea?

Most products use market surveys or pre-test advertisements and companies are willing to pay considerable amounts of money for it. However, it will not work with only a few people. They need lots of people (thousands) and that’s where we ask you to help. You only need to register and, once there are enough people, we will let you know and we will ask you to check the ads from time to time and answer a survey.

This can make us stronger. Don’t hesitate any longer and register at “Support INDACEA in a different way”.

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Where does my money go?

Where does my money go?

Your contribution is for medical research for the category of diseases of your choice. There is a committee of experts, for each category of diseases, which will decide the projects that are feasible and worthwhile among the ones received. Those who want to get more involved can vote for the project they wish to be financed first for their category of diseases.

Don’t be afraid of voting in any of the categories you’ve chosen. Your opinion is very important for INDACEA, so please get involved – we want to know what you like or dislike about our work.

For example, if the committee of experts has selected three projects for a particular category (say, cardiovascular diseases), you can vote for your favourite. Once the process has finished, the project which receives the most votes will be the next one to receive finance, then the second one and so on.

Would you like your vote to have more weight? Check on the section “Are you IND” and you’ll find out more on how to do it.

If what you want to know is how the money is being used, check the section “Transparency” where you’ll have access to the company’s accounting.

Is all my money used for medical research?

That’s how we would like it to be. We work to allocate the maximum amount possible to medical research. However, INDACEA needs to employ people to work full time and there are some costs to keep the organization running and working.

That’s why a maximum of €0.50 cents (no matter if you contribute with €5 Euros or €100 Euros per month) will be allocated for the operational costs of the organization. €0.50 cents from each member can end up being a big amount. Therefore, if there is a moment in which less than €0.50 cents is needed, the extra amount will be allocated to medical research of the categories you chose.

Where-does-my-money-go

What about contributions made through “Support INDACEA in a different way”

In order to minimize as much as possible the amount of money from IND members that will be used for operational tasks, the funds received via “Support INDACEA in a different way” will cover the following (in order of priority):

  • The cost incurred by INDACEA in collecting this income
  • The costs of operational tasks (5% of the earnings, that is to say, the income minus the cost of the products)
  • Distribution among the category of diseases of your choice

If you haven’t read the previous question, we would like to remind you that one of the aims of INDACEA is to allocate the maximum amount possible of your contribution to the categories of diseases of your choice. One of the missions we have is to try to cover operational costs by other means different from your contributions.

If I make a lump sum payment will my contribution go directly to the project that is being financed at the moment?

Yes. If you decide to make a lum sum payment, your contribution will go directly to the project that is being financed at the moment within the group or groups you have selected.

What if I make monthly payments?

We all want other people to contribute to medical research of the disease we are interested in and we might not realize that they also expect us to contribute to their category. That’s why at INDACEA we always talk about a monthly contribution to a category of diseases.

In those cases in which members make monthly payments and also in those cases in which members contribute intermittently, i.e. not on a regular monthly basis, part of your contribution will be allocated to the current project and the rest for the following.

INDACEA will consider that the payment has been made to finance the projects that will be available during the following twelve months. Therefore, if the then current project receives its arranged funding within two months, the first two fees paid will be allocated to that project and the rest to the following ones.

Donations and subscriptions can make organizations complacent with our money, why should I trust INDACEA to take care of it?
  • We appreciate that there many worthy causes and charities that you could give your money to. The difference with investing in medical research (through INDACEA) is that you will actually benefit, either directly or indirectly, from taking an interest and contributing. From the most basic headache tablet to the most advanced MRI scanners; from simple blood tests to long-term complex interventions; all of these treatments, and the expertise that goes with them, have come about as a result of medical research.
  • INDACEA aims to operate with just €0.50 cents/month from each IND member. Therefore, if we don’t do a good job, we will pay a high price because people will trust us less and less and we will have fewer and fewer contributions. (Note: this does not rule out us seeking government aid wherever it is available, which would result in even more of your contributions going to medical research).
  • INDACEA has to be totally transparent, otherwise it won’t work. You’ll be able to check the decisions taken and the costs of the organization on the web site. You’ll always be able to give your opinion and see where the money goes. INDACEA is obviously interested in its members agreeing with its management. Otherwise they would not give funds. That’s why we want you to get involved and comment on what you like and what you don’t like. That will help us do better and be more efficient, and will result in having more funds for medical research.
My contribution will just end up funding research into the main diseases.

We are convinced that medical research for a specific condition has positive effects in research for others. Nevertheless, as IND member, your contribution will go towards medical research in the categories you’ve selected, not just to a specific disease or condition.

In addition, we’ve created a system where that will not happen; you can vote and have a say in which projects are going to be financed first.

Would you like your vote to have more weight? Check on the section Are you IND and you’ll find out more on how to do it.

About Medical Research Projects

Who can submit a project?

Any person, laboratory, company or association of people affected by a certain disease (from any country in the world) can submit a project as soon as the research project focuses on a certain disease or injury.

In fact, we encourage every patient organization to get involved in order to help all the members of their organization that could benefit from it.

Even foreign researchers?

Of course. People want to get healthy, no matter the nationality of the researcher or whether he/she works for a public or a private entity.

If INDACEA receives several projects for the same category, how does it decide the order in which to finance them?

This will happen very often and there is a simple solution:

  1. The Committee of Experts at INDACEA will analyse the projects received and will select the feasible ones and show their order of preference. This order of preference will not be binding.
  2. INDACEA will publish the projects selected by the Committee of Experts so that those interested can vote for their favoured ones to be financed first.
  3. The project that gets a higher score will be the first one to be financed (once the then current projects have been financed). Then, the research with the second higher score is financed, and so on. In the event of a tied vote, the order of preference given by the Committee of Experts will decide between them.

For example, if the Committee of Experts has selected three projects for a particular category (say, cardiovascular diseases), you can vote for your favourite. Once the process has finished, the project which receives the most votes will be the next one to receive finance, then the second one and so on.

Would you like your vote to have more weight? Check on the section Are you IND and you’ll find out more about how to do it.

Can everyone vote?

Yes, everyone entering the web site or the social media can vote for their favourite projects.

Do all votes have the same value?

No, they don’t. INDACEA wants to thank the effort made by IND members to help INDACEA get more funds.

INDACEA allows anyone to vote via social media but, obviously, being IND is an advantage and that means that your vote will have more weight. Therefore, you’ll be able to vote through social media and also through a tool INDACEA will make available for you.

What happens if the amount required by the researcher is not achieved?

You can decide if you want to give them an extension to collect more funds; provide them with the funds already achieved; or keep that amount to finance the next project.

INDACEA allows researchers to look for other ways of funding. Therefore, researchers might be able to run a project if they get INDACEA’s funds plus funds from another source. In that case, INDACEA will verify if this is true and inform you so you can have all the relevant information to be able decide from the different options.

What happens if the research project results in a patent or provides financial profits?

INDACEA invests in different research projects under the condition that INDACEA will have the right to receive an appropriate amount should the research result in a patent or financial profit. This additional income into INDACEA would be used to try to reduce the costs of possible treatments that might result from that project or to finance other projects.

You can see a draft of the contract signed with researchers submitting projects in the section “Transparency”.

How does INDACEA know that researchers are not submitting the less economically profitable projects?

INDACEA has a Committee of Experts that evaluates the feasibility and reliability of the projects submitted for funding.

In addition, when a new project is selected to be financed, the researchers sign a binding agreement which contractually obliges them to meet agreed deadlines. Under this agreement, INDACEA keeps back the total funds for that project and instead makes funding payments in instalments as each deadline is reached. You can see a draft of the contract in the section “Transparency”.

How do I know we will not fund “unethical” projects? (like, for example, human cloning).
  • One of the duties of INDACEA is that it must ensure compliance with the code of ethics. All projects submitted to INDACEA will be first checked against the code of ethics. Afterwards, members will decide which one to finance first.
  • In addition, the projects are financed in instalments which are paid as they achieve specified set goals during the process. That is to say, money is not released for a particular objective until the previous one has been achieved. As each stage is reviewed and evaluated, ‘irregularities’ can be detected and there are methods to put pressure on the researchers to do things the right way.
  • Finally, one of the conditions for financing a project is that researchers should write intelligible reports regarding the progress of the project. That’s to say, using plain language, without very specific terminology, and easy to understand. That will allow you to know where your money goes.
What happens if a member of the Committee of Experts has links to one of the projects to finance?

In that case, the member of the committee who has links to the project, either personal or professional, will not be able to participate in the evaluation of that project. The evaluation will be done by other members of our Committee of Experts.

How do I know the money actually goes towards medical research?
  • If INDACEA uses the money for something else it would fail to complete with its own statutes and that would have legal consequences.
  • You can see all the decisions made by INDACEA and the costs in the section “Transparency”, which we have provided to answer your concerns. You’ll be able to see where the money goes and to give your opinion. INDACEA is obviously interested in its members agreeing with its management. Otherwise they would not give funds. That’s why we want you to get involved and comment on what you like and what you don’t like. It will help us be better at what we do and become even more efficient, which, in turn, will free up more funds for medical research.
Why should I contribute so researchers get money? They should create their own companies and make money out of the patents they get.
  • INDACEA’s aim is that people who are currently living with a disease or people who could suffer from one in the future will have a better chance of receiving an accurate diagnosis and relevant treatment. The fact that researches benefit from this is a non issue – we all benefit. In other words, what we want is to finance projects that are of real interest to the population and not to support researchers economically for the sake of it.
  • Besides, not all research projects results in a patent. Even a ‘negative’ result in a research project is a positive one as it helps other researches know what was wrong and tells them which path not to follow in future.

Who benefits from this?

Who benefits from this?

You benefit from your contribution. 

 

Perhaps you don’t think this is true because you are healthy and you don’t know of anyone affected. Read the next question.

I’m healthy and I don’t know of anyone affected. What does this have to do with me?
  • Are you sure you don’t know of anyone suffering from allergies, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson, etc?
  • How often have you had an aspirin (or similar), paracetamol, etc? How often have you had X-ray taken? Have you ever had a blood test or been to the doctor?
  • If your answer to any of those questions is yes, you’ve already benefited from medical research. Where have those medicines and technologies come from? And the specialist knowledge that accompanies them? Think about it. Nowadays, flu is a mild disease that is cured after a few days in bed and some antibiotics, but people could actually die from it. Medical research has made of it a minor health problem for most of the population. Who says the same might not happen for cancer, HIV or a neurodegenerative disease?
  • Even if you are in perfect physical health and feel great now, medical research can help you stay this way into your advancing years; and if you, or a loved one, do become ill or develop a condition in the future, medical research carried out in the meanwhile will develop treatments to help. Also, the recent pandemics have shown that diseases can appear without warning and affect all of us.
Does it mean I’ll be cured soon?

We would love to answer “yes” to that and we work hard to make it possible, but you know we would be lying to you if we would answer “yes, you will be cured in a few months or in a year’s time”.

The only thing we can guarantee is that we will not tell you lies or build up false expectations. Not a single one.

Are you IND?

What’s an IND?

An IND is someone who supports INDACEA; someone who makes INDACEA possible by either making an economic contribution or by spreading the idea.

INDACEA wants to reward those who make an effort to get more funds to finance medical research. In order to support INDACEA all you have to do is register in the section “Support INDACEA”.

Apart from increasing the possibilities of finding a diagnosis or treatment unknown until now, being IND will give you additional benefits.

What do I get with my IND level?

INDACEA offers you something of great value. As explained in the section “About medical research projects”, INDACEA allows you to decide which projects you want to finance first (for each category) and you can do that by voting.

Depending on your involvement, you’ll receive points that will allow you to reach a certain level. The more points you have the higher your level will be and, therefore, the more advantages you’ll have.

Apart from deciding the projects you want to finance first, we also offer you the following advantages:

BeneficioNivel Necesario
Tu voto se multiplica por 20.Nivel 1
Tu voto se multiplica por 10.Nivel 2
Tu voto se multiplica por 3.Nivel 3
Votar qué hacer con las aportaciones realizadas si no se alcanza el mínimo solicitado por el proyecto.Nivel 1
Votar qué hacer con las aportaciones realizadas si no se alcanza el mínimo solicitado por el proyecto.Nivel 2
Recibir por correo electrónico notificaciones de transferencias/financiaciones que realice INDACEA en nombre de cualquier Grupo.Nivel 1
Recibir por correo electrónico notificaciones de transferencias/financiaciones que realice INDACEA en nombre de cualquier Grupo.Nivel 2
Visualizar las transferencias/financiaciones que realice INDACEA en nombre de cualquier Grupo.Nivel 3
Recibir por correo electrónico notificaciones de la evolución de los proyectos de investigación médica que INDACEA ha financiado.Nivel 1
Recibir por correo electrónico notificaciones de la evolución de los proyectos de investigación médica que INDACEA ha financiado.Nivel 2
Recibir por correo electrónico informes periódicos sobre noticias de relevancia para el/los grupo/s de interés.Nivel 1
Recibir por correo electrónico informes periódicos sobre noticias de relevancia para el/los grupo/s de interés.Nivel 2

We are working on many more ideas to be able to offer you more advantages for being IND. We’ll keep you updated!

Who can be IND?

Any person, company or organization registered in INDACEA and committed to raising funds and allocating the maximum amount possible to medical research.

As you can see, it says “registered in INDACEA and committed to…” So that means you can be IND without contributing with a minimum €5 Euros/month.

A series of IND levels have been created in order to reward the effort made by IND members. The bigger your effort is, the higher your level will be and, therefore, you’ll have more benefits.

What’s the IND level?

 It’s a way of rewarding those who make big efforts to provide more funds to finance medical research. The higher your “IND level” is, the more weight your contributions will have and the more benefits you’ll get.

We have many ideas which we are working on so that you can have even more advantages from being IND. We’ll keep you updated!

How is the IND level decided?

Unfortunately, medical research needs financial support. Nevertheless, if someone can’t afford to make financial contributions, there are other ways of helping INDACEA to get funds. Depending on the effort made, you will be given your  “IND level”. That level is obtained according to the following:

OpciónPuntosCondición
AportarAsignación automática al Nivel 2Por aportar el mínimo especificado.
Aportar de "Otra Forma"100Por marcar las casillas correspondientes al darte de alta.
Aportación.*30Cada mes que aportes más que la media.*
20Cada mes que aportes igual que la media.*
10Cada mes que aportes menos que la media. Siempre que tu aportación sea superior al mínimo especificado.*
Nº IND atraídos (Particulares).**30Cada mes que te mantengas como haber atraído más que la media.**
20Cada mes que te mantengas como haber atraído igual que la media.**
10Cada mes que te mantengas como haber atraído menos que la media. Siempre que hayas atraído, al menos, a una persona.**
Atraer a "Empresas Amigas"100Por cada "Empresa Amiga" de INDACEA que atraigas.
Ideas aportadas a INDACEA y llevadas a cabo.100Por sugerencia que aportes y se implemente.
100Por colaboración en la implementación de una idea.
Responder correctamente a preguntas de nuestras “Empresas Amigas” colaboradoras respecto a las ofertas visualizadas.5Por cada euro que repercuta en INDACEA derivado de tu actividad.
Responder a las encuestas de nuestras “Empresas Amigas”.5Por cada euro que repercuta en INDACEA derivado de tu actividad.

* For example, if, as an average, IND members contribute with €6 Euros/month and you contribute with €7 Euros/month, you’ll get 30 points each month.

** For example, imagine there are IND members who do not bring any new people and some who bring two or more people. Then, as an average, each IND has brought one person. Imagine you’ve brought two people to INDACEA (no matter the category they join), for each month this happens you’ll receive 30 points because you’ve brought more people than the average.

So bringing new IND members to the organization helps to upgrade my IND level. Do I need to look for people who will register in my categories?

No, the new IND members you bring can join the category of diseases they are interested in.

INDACEA wants to increase the possibilities of finding treatments and diagnosis for people affected. All diseases and pathologies are important and they all need funding for research.

Besides, we are totally convinced that the results obtained from researching certain diseases affects and benefit others (read this post). That’s why we reward you for bringing more IND members that support medical research, no matter the category of diseases they want to join.

How many points do I need to upgrade my level?

Here you have the table:

NivelPuntos desde Noviembre 2014Puntos desde Marzo 2015Puntos desde Septiembre 2015Puntos desde Enero 2016
Nivel 1700100013002000
Nivel 23005007001000
Nivel 3100100100100

IMPORTANT NOTE: Depending on the date as shown on this table, once you’ve achieved a specific level, you’ll keep it no matter the amount of points you have. This requirement might change in 2016.

Why do the minimum required points for each level change?

We thought it wasn’t fair for those who joined us from the very beginning to have to achieve the same amount of points as those who would join us later (who would do so with less effort and would have more advantages). That’s why the amount of points is smaller at the beginning and it rises little by little.

NivelPuntos desde Noviembre 2014Puntos desde Marzo 2015Puntos desde Septiembre 2015Puntos desde Enero 2016
Nivel 1700100013002000
Nivel 23005007001000
Nivel 3100100100100

IMPORTANT NOTE: Depending on the date as shown on this table, once you’ve achieved a specific level, you’ll keep it no matter the amount of points you have. This requirement might change in 2016.

Photo Credit: BWJones via Compfight cc
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About contributing to medical research via INDACEA

What does INDACEA do?
INDACEA - Fund Medical Research 2

INDACEA is a non-profit aiming to fund Medical Research. Maximum objective is to accelerate the discovery of treatments for any disease or injury.

INDACEA is just a channel to make your funding reach and foster Medical Research. We’ve realized that there are a lot of people willing to fund Medical Research. Nowadays it’ll be almost imposible for a citizen to find and evaluate the suitability of Medical Research Projects without a platform such as INDACEA.

Additionaly, researchers must dedicate too much time on searching funds (time that will be best used in medical research).

INDACEA is the meeting point.

Is there a minimum financial contribution?

Yes. The minimum is 5 Euros per month (the equivalent cost of just a small snack!).

Will my contribution support just one category of diseases?

INDACEA has been created to foster medical research for all diseases.

Nevertheless, we’ve created several categories of diseases in order to make it easier for you to know how your money is going to be used. You can see them here.

What do you mean by different categories of diseases?

INDACEA will finance medical research for any disease. We’ve created categories of related diseases in order to make it easier for you to know how your money is going to be used.

There are 12 categories. You can see them here.

Why doesn’t INDACEA focus on just one disease or one category of diseases?

It could happen that none of the projects of the categories you’ve selected are exactly related to the disease you are interested in. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that the project is not related to that disease. Even if the disease you are interested isn’t the one being directly studied, the research for one disease often helps other diseases.

You can read articles related to this here.

How do I know in which category the disease I’m interested in belongs to?

It’s very easy; you just need to use the search tool in the menu bar or this link.

Can I contribute to more than one category?

Yes, you can contribute to as many categories as you want. The only condition is that your total contribution should be at least 5 Euros or more per month, which can be split between as many categories as you wish.

I’d rather wait for “my project” to appear before I start contributing

INDACEA is based on many people giving small contributions. That means that there will be lots of people contributing to projects directly related to a specific disease which may, or may not, be the one they are specifically interested in. In fact, right now, there are people in each of the categories who are contributing regardless of whether the projects are directly related to the disease they are concerned about (although it is quite likely it might end up giving positive results for them).

Also, it is important to note that the sooner the current projects are financed, the sooner the one you are interested in will get its turn to be financed.

We are convinced that in the medium/long term, you will have financed a project directly or indirectly related to the disease you are concerned about. In INDACEA we uphold the idea that medical research in some pathology gives positive results to others and vice versa. You can see herepress articles discussing this. We’ve been collecting them for you.

What’s the difference between INDACEA and the patient organizations that already exist?

We think INDACEA is different from other organizations. Or, better said, INDACEA complements other organizations. This post explains why very well.

And, what about the difference with other Crowdfunding platforms?

Here you are:

 CrowdfundingINDACEA
If minimum is not reachedIf it’s the “All or Nothinf” type: You do not pay anything nor you fund anythingYou decide whether to finance the project, give “extra-time” or keep it for the next project
If total received is more than the minimum statedTotal accumulated is given to the projectThe project receives what it needs and the remaining is kept for the next project of the same category
“One shot”You just fund the projectYou are funding medical research of the categories you select. You do it through specific projects. Once one is funded, there will be another one, and so on…
How does the platform fund itself?They usually charge a percentage of your fundsJust what is strictly needed (maximum 0’50€ of your monthly funding)
RewardThere usually is a reward (equity, products/services or inmaterial things). Exception: Donation-based CrowdfundingPeople funding via INDACEA are willing to increase medical research funds. Thus, we do try to avoid adding unnecessary costs. Nonetheless, we are working hard to get you some kind of rewards. We will keep you updated.
CompatibilitiesA lot of platforms do not allow projects to get funds via other ways.INDACEA’s main goal is to foster medical research and help medical research projects to raise more funds. Additionally, these projects may be really costly. Thus we do allow projects to raise funds via other platforms.
Main projectUsually these platforms have multiple projects that could compete between themselves to attract investor’s interest.There will usually be one project per category (or very few, 1-3 projects) that will not compete between themselves within a group since investor’s money will be to fund the group’s research (thus funds will be equally distributed among the active projects within a group).

You may read a little more about this here.

Why doesn’t INDACEA put its efforts in making big companies be the ones to contribute?

INDACEA wants companies to get involved and invest. However, we believe that the best way of doing that is by offering them something they could be interested in.

That’s why it’s very important for us to not only receive funds, but to also make INDACEA as widely known and recognized as possible. This, we believe, can be done through having as many individuals as possible contributing. This in turn will attract companies, to contribute also and to use the services we could offer them in future, and make it a positive thing for them to be associated with our name. We believe that this is the best way to make companies aware of us, and for the most successful results.

There are people who contribute for altruistic reasons (even though they haven’t realized yet that they already benefit or will benefit from medical research) and people who do it because for their own interests or for the interest of someone they know. Similarly, there are companies with philanthropic, altruistic policies, and others hoping for something in return.

We think that people or companies who contribute because of their own interest should not be “demonized”, quite the opposite in fact. Those who contribute because they have interests or a certain motivation for doing so are very important for us because they’ll probably keep contributing.

In the tab “companies that support us” of each category of diseases you’ll be able to see a list of the companies contributing toward the research in that category.

Why should we contribute to medical research when we have long hospital waiting lists? We would rather use our money for that.
  • We agree there should be more state funds to improve services in hospitals and we believe the situation at the moment is of major concern. There are already organizations dedicated to this issue and they are doing a good job.
  • Let’s imagine a better service has been achieved already: good rooms, enough beds and no waiting lists. How do we take care of the people now? What medicines, knowledge or technology do we use?
  • For this reason, we could rather focus on medical research. But which is more important? We think both things are equally important. No matter how many resources are made available in order to provide a good service to patients, they would be of small comfort to the patient if we don’t have the therapies to treat them with. Similarly, there’s little point in having the appropriate therapies if people cannot access them.
Are there any other ways of supporting INDACEA?

Medical research needs ongoing financial support to continue or to even begin. Nevertheless, if you can’t afford €5 Euros/month, there are other ways you can help INDACEA receive contributions from others.

  • You can still register in INDACEA even if you are not going to provide funding. You’ll get some benefits from being IND. Check our section “Support INDACEA in a different way”.
  • An easy way to help us, even if you haven’t registered, is by letting everyone know about us. You can do it by using the social media, sharing any of the links you’ll find below, following us or by any other way you could think of. If you’re already IND, remember to provide your contacts with your user code so you can upgrade your “IND level”.
  • INDACEA belongs to everyone. We would like to know what you think about what we publish on our blog and in the social media. Participate and help us improve by sharing your ideas and opinions. If you are IND and you have a great idea which we implement, you’ll get extra points that will help you upgrade your “IND level”.
  • INDACEA is finalizing agreements with our partner companies so that they can provide special offers for people who decide to support INDACEA in this way. These offers will be published in a special section of our web site. INDACEA will receive a certain amount of money for every response to an offer or completed questionnaire you do, and, in turn, you’ll get points that can upgrade your “IND level”. You just have to register at “Support INDACEA in a different way”.
Give me more information about seeing advertisements and filling out questionnaires.

INDACEA wants companies to get involved and invest. However, we believe that the best way of doing that and obtaining successful results is by offering them something they could be interested in.

That’s why it’s very important for us not only to get funds, but to also make INDACEA as widely known as possible and therefore also, by association, the companies that support us by contributing or by using the services we can offer them in the future.

Undoubtedly, the people contributing to INDACEA are our greatest asset.  We believe that even more benefit can be gained by allowing partner companies access to this important asset in the form of voluntary questionnaires or other services that might be of interest for advertising companies. Both companies and individuals are interested in knowing what’s available in the market and people’s opinion on it. As an individual contributor, you will no doubt be interested to know what is available and to give your opinions in order to improve a product or service. INDACEA benefits from the increased funding this creates and the individual contributor can feel assured that they are helping to generate even more financial support for medical research beyond their own contributions.

We appreciate that it’s often annoying to watch ads or completing questionnaires (especially if it happens when watching your favourite movie or TV series). However, how would you know about the latest mobile phone, tablet, car or fashion if no one tells you about it? In fact, how would you have known about INDACEA if we hadn’t advertised ourselves (on the internet, via patient organizations and by word of mouth)?

Moreover, how can a company know if you would like them to improve something you bought if they don’t ask you? Would a company have dared to spend millions of Euros developing a mobile phone at the end of the 1990’s without asking people if they want it, how they want it and when? Would a company spend thousands on an advertising campaign without first undertaking market research and asking people if they liked it or if they got the idea?

Most products use market surveys or pre-test advertisements and companies are willing to pay considerable amounts of money for it. However, it will not work with only a few people. They need lots of people (thousands) and that’s where we ask you to help. You only need to register and, once there are enough people, we will let you know and we will ask you to check the ads from time to time and answer a survey.

This can make us stronger. Don’t hesitate any longer and register at “Support INDACEA in a different way”.

Where does my money go?

Where does my money go?

Your contribution is for medical research for the category of diseases of your choice. There is a committee of experts, for each category of diseases, which will decide the projects that are feasible and worthwhile among the ones received. Those who want to get more involved can vote for the project they wish to be financed first for their category of diseases.

Don’t be afraid of voting in any of the categories you’ve chosen. Your opinion is very important for INDACEA, so please get involved – we want to know what you like or dislike about our work.

For example, if the committee of experts has selected three projects for a particular category (say, cardiovascular diseases), you can vote for your favourite. Once the process has finished, the project which receives the most votes will be the next one to receive finance, then the second one and so on.

Would you like your vote to have more weight? Check on the section “Are you IND” and you’ll find out more on how to do it.

If what you want to know is how the money is being used, check the section “Transparency” where you’ll have access to the company’s accounting.

Is all my money used for medical research?

That’s how we would like it to be. We work to allocate the maximum amount possible to medical research. However, INDACEA needs to employ people to work full time and there are some costs to keep the organization running and working.

That’s why a maximum of €0.50 cents (no matter if you contribute with €5 Euros or €100 Euros per month) will be allocated for the operational costs of the organization. €0.50 cents from each member can end up being a big amount. Therefore, if there is a moment in which less than €0.50 cents is needed, the extra amount will be allocated to medical research of the categories you chose.

Where-does-my-money-go

What about contributions made through “Support INDACEA in a different way”

In order to minimize as much as possible the amount of money from IND members that will be used for operational tasks, the funds received via “Support INDACEA in a different way” will cover the following (in order of priority):

  • The cost incurred by INDACEA in collecting this income
  • The costs of operational tasks (5% of the earnings, that is to say, the income minus the cost of the products)
  • Distribution among the category of diseases of your choice

If you haven’t read the previous question, we would like to remind you that one of the aims of INDACEA is to allocate the maximum amount possible of your contribution to the categories of diseases of your choice. One of the missions we have is to try to cover operational costs by other means different from your contributions.

If I make a lump sum payment will my contribution go directly to the project that is being financed at the moment?

Yes. If you decide to make a lum sum payment, your contribution will go directly to the project that is being financed at the moment within the group or groups you have selected.

What if I make monthly payments?

We all want other people to contribute to medical research of the disease we are interested in and we might not realize that they also expect us to contribute to their category. That’s why at INDACEA we always talk about a monthly contribution to a category of diseases.

In those cases in which members make monthly payments and also in those cases in which members contribute intermittently, i.e. not on a regular monthly basis, part of your contribution will be allocated to the current project and the rest for the following.

INDACEA will consider that the payment has been made to finance the projects that will be available during the following twelve months. Therefore, if the then current project receives its arranged funding within two months, the first two fees paid will be allocated to that project and the rest to the following ones.

Donations and subscriptions can make organizations complacent with our money, why should I trust INDACEA to take care of it?
  • We appreciate that there many worthy causes and charities that you could give your money to. The difference with investing in medical research (through INDACEA) is that you will actually benefit, either directly or indirectly, from taking an interest and contributing. From the most basic headache tablet to the most advanced MRI scanners; from simple blood tests to long-term complex interventions; all of these treatments, and the expertise that goes with them, have come about as a result of medical research.
  • INDACEA aims to operate with just €0.50 cents/month from each IND member. Therefore, if we don’t do a good job, we will pay a high price because people will trust us less and less and we will have fewer and fewer contributions. (Note: this does not rule out us seeking government aid wherever it is available, which would result in even more of your contributions going to medical research).
  • INDACEA has to be totally transparent, otherwise it won’t work. You’ll be able to check the decisions taken and the costs of the organization on the web site. You’ll always be able to give your opinion and see where the money goes. INDACEA is obviously interested in its members agreeing with its management. Otherwise they would not give funds. That’s why we want you to get involved and comment on what you like and what you don’t like. That will help us do better and be more efficient, and will result in having more funds for medical research.
My contribution will just end up funding research into the main diseases.

We are convinced that medical research for a specific condition has positive effects in research for others. Nevertheless, as IND member, your contribution will go towards medical research in the categories you’ve selected, not just to a specific disease or condition.

In addition, we’ve created a system where that will not happen; you can vote and have a say in which projects are going to be financed first.

Would you like your vote to have more weight? Check on the section Are you IND and you’ll find out more on how to do it.

About Medical Research Projects

Who can submit a project?

Any person, laboratory, company or association of people affected by a certain disease (from any country in the world) can submit a project as soon as the research project focuses on a certain disease or injury.

In fact, we encourage every patient organization to get involved in order to help all the members of their organization that could benefit from it.

Even foreign researchers?

Of course. People want to get healthy, no matter the nationality of the researcher or whether he/she works for a public or a private entity.

If INDACEA receives several projects for the same category, how does it decide the order in which to finance them?

This will happen very often and there is a simple solution:

  1. The Committee of Experts at INDACEA will analyse the projects received and will select the feasible ones and show their order of preference. This order of preference will not be binding.
  2. INDACEA will publish the projects selected by the Committee of Experts so that those interested can vote for their favoured ones to be financed first.
  3. The project that gets a higher score will be the first one to be financed (once the then current projects have been financed). Then, the research with the second higher score is financed, and so on. In the event of a tied vote, the order of preference given by the Committee of Experts will decide between them.

For example, if the Committee of Experts has selected three projects for a particular category (say, cardiovascular diseases), you can vote for your favourite. Once the process has finished, the project which receives the most votes will be the next one to receive finance, then the second one and so on.

Would you like your vote to have more weight? Check on the section Are you IND and you’ll find out more about how to do it.

Can everyone vote?

Yes, everyone entering the web site or the social media can vote for their favourite projects.

Do all votes have the same value?

No, they don’t. INDACEA wants to thank the effort made by IND members to help INDACEA get more funds.

INDACEA allows anyone to vote via social media but, obviously, being IND is an advantage and that means that your vote will have more weight. Therefore, you’ll be able to vote through social media and also through a tool INDACEA will make available for you.

What happens if the amount required by the researcher is not achieved?

You can decide if you want to give them an extension to collect more funds; provide them with the funds already achieved; or keep that amount to finance the next project.

INDACEA allows researchers to look for other ways of funding. Therefore, researchers might be able to run a project if they get INDACEA’s funds plus funds from another source. In that case, INDACEA will verify if this is true and inform you so you can have all the relevant information to be able decide from the different options.

What happens if the research project results in a patent or provides financial profits?

INDACEA invests in different research projects under the condition that INDACEA will have the right to receive an appropriate amount should the research result in a patent or financial profit. This additional income into INDACEA would be used to try to reduce the costs of possible treatments that might result from that project or to finance other projects.

You can see a draft of the contract signed with researchers submitting projects in the section “Transparency”.

How does INDACEA know that researchers are not submitting the less economically profitable projects?

INDACEA has a Committee of Experts that evaluates the feasibility and reliability of the projects submitted for funding.

In addition, when a new project is selected to be financed, the researchers sign a binding agreement which contractually obliges them to meet agreed deadlines. Under this agreement, INDACEA keeps back the total funds for that project and instead makes funding payments in instalments as each deadline is reached. You can see a draft of the contract in the section “Transparency”.

How do I know we will not fund “unethical” projects? (like, for example, human cloning).
  • One of the duties of INDACEA is that it must ensure compliance with the code of ethics. All projects submitted to INDACEA will be first checked against the code of ethics. Afterwards, members will decide which one to finance first.
  • In addition, the projects are financed in instalments which are paid as they achieve specified set goals during the process. That is to say, money is not released for a particular objective until the previous one has been achieved. As each stage is reviewed and evaluated, ‘irregularities’ can be detected and there are methods to put pressure on the researchers to do things the right way.
  • Finally, one of the conditions for financing a project is that researchers should write intelligible reports regarding the progress of the project. That’s to say, using plain language, without very specific terminology, and easy to understand. That will allow you to know where your money goes.
What happens if a member of the Committee of Experts has links to one of the projects to finance?

In that case, the member of the committee who has links to the project, either personal or professional, will not be able to participate in the evaluation of that project. The evaluation will be done by other members of our Committee of Experts.

How do I know the money actually goes towards medical research?
  • If INDACEA uses the money for something else it would fail to complete with its own statutes and that would have legal consequences.
  • You can see all the decisions made by INDACEA and the costs in the section “Transparency”, which we have provided to answer your concerns. You’ll be able to see where the money goes and to give your opinion. INDACEA is obviously interested in its members agreeing with its management. Otherwise they would not give funds. That’s why we want you to get involved and comment on what you like and what you don’t like. It will help us be better at what we do and become even more efficient, which, in turn, will free up more funds for medical research.
Why should I contribute so researchers get money? They should create their own companies and make money out of the patents they get.
  • INDACEA’s aim is that people who are currently living with a disease or people who could suffer from one in the future will have a better chance of receiving an accurate diagnosis and relevant treatment. The fact that researches benefit from this is a non issue – we all benefit. In other words, what we want is to finance projects that are of real interest to the population and not to support researchers economically for the sake of it.
  • Besides, not all research projects results in a patent. Even a ‘negative’ result in a research project is a positive one as it helps other researches know what was wrong and tells them which path not to follow in future.

Who benefits from this?

Who benefits from this?

You benefit from your contribution. 

 

Perhaps you don’t think this is true because you are healthy and you don’t know of anyone affected. Read the next question.

I’m healthy and I don’t know of anyone affected. What does this have to do with me?
  • Are you sure you don’t know of anyone suffering from allergies, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson, etc?
  • How often have you had an aspirin (or similar), paracetamol, etc? How often have you had X-ray taken? Have you ever had a blood test or been to the doctor?
  • If your answer to any of those questions is yes, you’ve already benefited from medical research. Where have those medicines and technologies come from? And the specialist knowledge that accompanies them? Think about it. Nowadays, flu is a mild disease that is cured after a few days in bed and some antibiotics, but people could actually die from it. Medical research has made of it a minor health problem for most of the population. Who says the same might not happen for cancer, HIV or a neurodegenerative disease?
  • Even if you are in perfect physical health and feel great now, medical research can help you stay this way into your advancing years; and if you, or a loved one, do become ill or develop a condition in the future, medical research carried out in the meanwhile will develop treatments to help. Also, the recent pandemics have shown that diseases can appear without warning and affect all of us.
Does it mean I’ll be cured soon?

We would love to answer “yes” to that and we work hard to make it possible, but you know we would be lying to you if we would answer “yes, you will be cured in a few months or in a year’s time”.

The only thing we can guarantee is that we will not tell you lies or build up false expectations. Not a single one.

Are you IND?

What’s an IND?

An IND is someone who supports INDACEA; someone who makes INDACEA possible by either making an economic contribution or by spreading the idea.

INDACEA wants to reward those who make an effort to get more funds to finance medical research. In order to support INDACEA all you have to do is register in the section “Support INDACEA”.

Apart from increasing the possibilities of finding a diagnosis or treatment unknown until now, being IND will give you additional benefits.

What do I get with my IND level?

INDACEA offers you something of great value. As explained in the section “About medical research projects”, INDACEA allows you to decide which projects you want to finance first (for each category) and you can do that by voting.

Depending on your involvement, you’ll receive points that will allow you to reach a certain level. The more points you have the higher your level will be and, therefore, the more advantages you’ll have.

Apart from deciding the projects you want to finance first, we also offer you the following advantages:

BeneficioNivel Necesario
Tu voto se multiplica por 20.Nivel 1
Tu voto se multiplica por 10.Nivel 2
Tu voto se multiplica por 3.Nivel 3
Votar qué hacer con las aportaciones realizadas si no se alcanza el mínimo solicitado por el proyecto.Nivel 1
Votar qué hacer con las aportaciones realizadas si no se alcanza el mínimo solicitado por el proyecto.Nivel 2
Recibir por correo electrónico notificaciones de transferencias/financiaciones que realice INDACEA en nombre de cualquier Grupo.Nivel 1
Recibir por correo electrónico notificaciones de transferencias/financiaciones que realice INDACEA en nombre de cualquier Grupo.Nivel 2
Visualizar las transferencias/financiaciones que realice INDACEA en nombre de cualquier Grupo.Nivel 3
Recibir por correo electrónico notificaciones de la evolución de los proyectos de investigación médica que INDACEA ha financiado.Nivel 1
Recibir por correo electrónico notificaciones de la evolución de los proyectos de investigación médica que INDACEA ha financiado.Nivel 2
Recibir por correo electrónico informes periódicos sobre noticias de relevancia para el/los grupo/s de interés.Nivel 1
Recibir por correo electrónico informes periódicos sobre noticias de relevancia para el/los grupo/s de interés.Nivel 2

We are working on many more ideas to be able to offer you more advantages for being IND. We’ll keep you updated!

Who can be IND?

Any person, company or organization registered in INDACEA and committed to raising funds and allocating the maximum amount possible to medical research.

As you can see, it says “registered in INDACEA and committed to…” So that means you can be IND without contributing with a minimum €5 Euros/month.

A series of IND levels have been created in order to reward the effort made by IND members. The bigger your effort is, the higher your level will be and, therefore, you’ll have more benefits.

What’s the IND level?

 It’s a way of rewarding those who make big efforts to provide more funds to finance medical research. The higher your “IND level” is, the more weight your contributions will have and the more benefits you’ll get.

We have many ideas which we are working on so that you can have even more advantages from being IND. We’ll keep you updated!

How is the IND level decided?

Unfortunately, medical research needs financial support. Nevertheless, if someone can’t afford to make financial contributions, there are other ways of helping INDACEA to get funds. Depending on the effort made, you will be given your  “IND level”. That level is obtained according to the following:

OpciónPuntosCondición
AportarAsignación automática al Nivel 2Por aportar el mínimo especificado.
Aportar de "Otra Forma"100Por marcar las casillas correspondientes al darte de alta.
Aportación.*30Cada mes que aportes más que la media.*
20Cada mes que aportes igual que la media.*
10Cada mes que aportes menos que la media. Siempre que tu aportación sea superior al mínimo especificado.*
Nº IND atraídos (Particulares).**30Cada mes que te mantengas como haber atraído más que la media.**
20Cada mes que te mantengas como haber atraído igual que la media.**
10Cada mes que te mantengas como haber atraído menos que la media. Siempre que hayas atraído, al menos, a una persona.**
Atraer a "Empresas Amigas"100Por cada "Empresa Amiga" de INDACEA que atraigas.
Ideas aportadas a INDACEA y llevadas a cabo.100Por sugerencia que aportes y se implemente.
100Por colaboración en la implementación de una idea.
Responder correctamente a preguntas de nuestras “Empresas Amigas” colaboradoras respecto a las ofertas visualizadas.5Por cada euro que repercuta en INDACEA derivado de tu actividad.
Responder a las encuestas de nuestras “Empresas Amigas”.5Por cada euro que repercuta en INDACEA derivado de tu actividad.

* For example, if, as an average, IND members contribute with €6 Euros/month and you contribute with €7 Euros/month, you’ll get 30 points each month.

** For example, imagine there are IND members who do not bring any new people and some who bring two or more people. Then, as an average, each IND has brought one person. Imagine you’ve brought two people to INDACEA (no matter the category they join), for each month this happens you’ll receive 30 points because you’ve brought more people than the average.

So bringing new IND members to the organization helps to upgrade my IND level. Do I need to look for people who will register in my categories?

No, the new IND members you bring can join the category of diseases they are interested in.

INDACEA wants to increase the possibilities of finding treatments and diagnosis for people affected. All diseases and pathologies are important and they all need funding for research.

Besides, we are totally convinced that the results obtained from researching certain diseases affects and benefit others (read this post). That’s why we reward you for bringing more IND members that support medical research, no matter the category of diseases they want to join.

How many points do I need to upgrade my level?

Here you have the table:

NivelPuntos desde Noviembre 2014Puntos desde Marzo 2015Puntos desde Septiembre 2015Puntos desde Enero 2016
Nivel 1700100013002000
Nivel 23005007001000
Nivel 3100100100100

IMPORTANT NOTE: Depending on the date as shown on this table, once you’ve achieved a specific level, you’ll keep it no matter the amount of points you have. This requirement might change in 2016.

Why do the minimum required points for each level change?

We thought it wasn’t fair for those who joined us from the very beginning to have to achieve the same amount of points as those who would join us later (who would do so with less effort and would have more advantages). That’s why the amount of points is smaller at the beginning and it rises little by little.

NivelPuntos desde Noviembre 2014Puntos desde Marzo 2015Puntos desde Septiembre 2015Puntos desde Enero 2016
Nivel 1700100013002000
Nivel 23005007001000
Nivel 3100100100100

IMPORTANT NOTE: Depending on the date as shown on this table, once you’ve achieved a specific level, you’ll keep it no matter the amount of points you have. This requirement might change in 2016.

Photo Credit: BWJones via Compfight cc
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