On January 30th, NOVA Medical School hosted the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Associated Laboratory for Translating and Innovating Global Health (REAL). The event reinforced the importance of scientific and technological research in promoting innovative solutions to emerging global health challenges.
Coordinated by NOVA Medical School, REAL integrates three research units of excellence - Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM) and Laboratory for Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Physics (LIBPhys) - which aim to respond to the real needs of the population by implementing innovative, preventive, treatment and health care strategies based on solid evidence, while also contributing to the development of more sustainable, resilient, efficient and equitable health systems.
The meeting was attended by the Magnificent Rector of NOVA University Lisbon, Professor João Sàágua, Professor Helena Canhão, Director of NOVA Medical School and Coordinator of REAL, as well as representatives and members of REAL's management bodies, highlighting the importance of collaborative work and the mobilization of resources to boost the scientific and social impact of research and innovation in global health.
The debates covered topics such as the promotion of lifelong health, the development of biomarkers and personalized therapies and the application of the “One Health” concept to tackle global problems. Innovative projects were also presented in areas such as precision medicine, digitalization and new therapeutic approaches.
The importance of sustainable funding and international collaboration were also highlighted, with participants stressing the need to diversify investment sources and strengthen strategic partnerships to ensure the continuity and expansion of research. Strategies to strengthen scientific careers, ensure professional stability and progression, and encourage talent retention were also discussed.
The event ended with a renewed commitment to strengthening REAL's role in scientific innovation and translation, ensuring that the knowledge generated makes a tangible contribution to improving health systems and global well-being.
NOVA Medical School thanks all the participants for their presence and reaffirms its mission to drive research and innovation for global health, which can only be achieved through an integrated “One Health” approach.