“A monumental step for the future": Católica opens Biomedical Research Centre

With the ambition of "generating transformative science, retaining talent and making the country more competitive", the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) inaugurated the Católica Biomedical Research Centre (CBR) on October 24. With facilities on the campus of the Gulbenkian Institute of Science (IGC) in Oeiras, it is "an important scientific project for the country", said the President of UCP, Isabel Capeloa Gil, at the inauguration ceremony.

This new research centre, which belongs to the Católica Medical School, is "an example of how quality partnerships can grow together to make a difference and attract talent to the country".

Conceived and led by Pedro Simas, the CBR aims to "pursue fundamental science, develop research leaders and promote collaboration between clinical practice, fundamental science and teaching," explained the researcher. The CBR director also said that "Católica is investing in science, but it is also investing in the future".

A mission shared by Isaltino Morais. The Mayor of Oeiras argued that the municipality must "create the conditions to generate wealth, work and attract talent", adding that it is essential to invest in science and innovation.

In a video message, Elvira Fortunato, the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, emphasised the importance of "involving people and society with a focus on their needs", stressing that "science is made for the common good".

Created in 2021, the CBR now has a physical space to develop its activity, following partnerships with the Luz Saúde Group, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Oeiras Valley.

"This is a monumental step both for the future of the University and for the advancement of the local and national health research ecosystem," said Mónica Bettencourt-Dias, Director of the IGC, the institution that will host this centre for the next five years. Also present at the inauguration, António Feijó, President of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, wished the CBR "the best welcome, the best hospitality".

Part of the Católica Luz Clinical Academic Centre, an ecosystem that aims to promote human health through research, teaching and clinical practice, the CBR already has eight research groups led by scientists with an "established reputation", said António Almeida, Dean of Católica Medical School. "There is no growth without collaboration. Competition only helps us grow," he emphasised, referring both to cooperation between the various institutional partners and between researchers.

"In scientific research institutions, we have to do fundamental science," defended immunologist António Coutinho at the event. The physician-scientist, emphasised the importance of freedom for researchers to "manifest their creative abilities". An essential aspect that the expert believes exists in this new centre at Católica.