NOVA Medical School, in collaboration with the European project Extracellular Vesicles in Clinical Applications (EVCA) and the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM), recently hosted the event "Biobanks in Health Research: Driving Innovation & Impact".
This initiative aimed to explore the critical role of biobanks in advancing biomedical and clinical research, while addressing current challenges, opportunities, and innovative solutions.
Through expert presentations and roundtable discussions with national and international specialists, the event delved into key topics such as:
- the ethical, legal, and operational complexities of biobanking;
- strategies for enhancing data value using artificial intelligence and FAIR principles and;
- the design and implementation of international multicentric clinical trials,
- and patient engagement in clinical research.
The event provided a unique platform to connect biomedical researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and industry partners – further promoting Portugal's role in international biomedical and clinical research and strengthening the future of Biobanco.pt, Portugal’s biobank network.
Held on June 17th, 2025, at the Santana Campus of NOVA Medical School in Lisbon, this initiative was part of the EATRIS Spotlight Program 2025 - Portugal, which aims to highlight EATRIS member institutions across Europe and reinforce Portugal’s growing role in global translational research.
NOVA Medical School extends its sincere appreciation to all participants and partner institutions for their insightful contributions and engaging discussions. Their presence was instrumental in fostering a collaborative environment that drives real progress in health research.
NOVA Medical School also extends its gratitude to all the distinguished speakers from: NOVA Medical School, GIMM, Champalimaud Foundation, Católica Medical School, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), iLOF, Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS, NOVA Cru and ColabTrials in Portugal, and from Spain: IDIBAPS, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, and Instituto Valenciano de Oncología.