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The ICE Research Institute
Building a Lasting Legacy: The ICE Research Institute
ICE's move to Barcelona marks an exciting new era, and with it comes a commitment to creating a lasting positive impact. In partnership with our esteemed hosts, Fira Barcelona and the city of Barcelona, we are establishing the ICE Research Institute as a cornerstone of the ICE legacy project. This initiative will see annual funding dedicated to projects that address the broader societal impacts of the gambling industry and support the local community, extending far beyond the economic benefits and the duration of the exhibition itself.
Inspired by successful models like the Mobile World Capital Foundation, the ICE Research Institute will focus on proactive solutions. We will provide grants to scientific and academic institutions to conduct vital research in the areas of prevention and sustainability. This focus distinguishes us from much of the existing academic work, which has primarily concentrated on gambling harm treatment. Building a Lasting Legacy: The ICE Research Institute
Our Mission:
The ICE Research Institute is driven by a clear mission:
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To invest in research that directly influences the business practices, operational efficiency, and regulatory frameworks of the gambling sector.
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To generate reliable, evidence-based data that empowers stakeholders across the industry to make informed decisions.
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To foster a comprehensive understanding of the gambling industry's impact on society and actively work to minimize potential negative effects.
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To specifically support the understanding of gambling and its societal implications within Spain and Catalonia.
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To encourage strong partnerships between the research community and business stakeholders within the gambling sector, demonstrating the practical application of research findings to improve operational effectiveness.
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To facilitate international collaboration among academic institutions, promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
Our Vision:
Our vision for the ICE Research Institute is ambitious and forward-looking:
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To cultivate a closer working relationship between research institutions and the industry, ensuring that decisions and discussions are grounded in solid evidence.
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To significantly enhance the understanding of the diverse impacts of the gambling industry, both in Spain and on a global scale.
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To stimulate interest and investment in critical yet often overlooked areas of research, such as sustainability, prevention, and risk management, complementing vital clinical research.
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To actively support the translation of research findings into tangible projects, products, and campaigns through further investment in their development.
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To provide funding and sponsorship to universities and research laboratories dedicated to transforming research insights into practical tools and solutions.
Our Commitment:
The ICE Research Institute is built on a foundation of strong commitments:
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To actively collaborate with the gambling sector to pinpoint key areas where enhanced understanding and data are essential for better regulation and operation.
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To prioritize research proposals that demonstrate strong partnerships between research institutions and business stakeholders, particularly those with co-funding commitments.
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To rigorously ensure the integrity and impartiality of all funded research, safeguarding it from commercial or political influence.
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To partner with reputable institutions, guaranteeing scientific rigor, ethical oversight, and unwavering integrity and impartiality.
To ensure the practical relevance and business applicability of our funded research, we carefully select themes based on stakeholder needs and the potential for implementation. Consequently, we will prioritize proposals that have secured backing, including financial support, from industry partners.
Early Successes: Featured Research Projects
GamBrain Project, Fundación Patología Dual, Madrid:
This innovative project is developing an advanced AI tool to identify individuals at risk of developing a gambling disorder. Utilizing mobile-based standardized tests, clinical questionnaires, and genetic marker analysis, GamBrain aims to provide scalable early detection and personalized interventions, particularly for vulnerable adolescent and young adult populations. This has significant potential for preventing risky behaviors and improving mental health outcomes.GamBrain Project, Fundación Patología Dual, Madrid:
Advancing AI Ethics and Governance in the Gambling Sector – A Research Translation Pilot Project, University of Nevada in Las Vegas, in cooperation with the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid:
This crucial pilot project bridges the gap between research and practical application. By working directly with regulators, the project will translate existing research on AI ethics into actionable tools and resources. This will empower the industry to ethically adopt AI technologies, ensuring compliance and promoting responsible innovation.
Stigma and the effectiveness of gambling prevention – social representation of gambling, Episteme, Barcelona:
This study delves into the historical and societal perceptions of gambling, including the language used to describe it. The research will analyze the link between the stigma associated with gambling and the effectiveness of prevention measures. Ultimately, the goal is to inform messaging that encourages vulnerable players to seek available help.
The ICE Research Institute is a testament to our enduring commitment to the responsible growth and positive contribution of the gambling industry. We look forward to sharing our progress and the impactful research that will shape the future.
