Health + Science Program

The Program to Stimulate Scientific Research in Health "Health+Science" is a strategic initiative that promotes the integration of scientific research and healthcare, with the aim of generating innovative solutions to priority challenges in the sector. This program is the result of a partnership between the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS), and also involves the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation and the Ministry of Health.

The mission of the Health+Science Program is to promote scientific research in health in public institutions that provide health services and care and to train future and current health professionals in a scientific culture geared towards health advocacy, the creation of evidence for change, and the evaluation of results, with a view to preparing them for lifelong learning.

Its objectives are:

Promote scientific and technological cooperation between higher education institutions, research centers, and entities under the supervision of the Ministry of Health;
Promote the production and application of scientific knowledge that improves the quality of the organization and provision of care in the National Health Service, and qualifies the exercise of essential public health functions at the national, regional, and local levels;
Value and empower health professionals and qualify the exercise of activities promoting health, preventing disease, and organizing and providing health care;
Mobilize public investment for applied research, especially targeting program planning, evaluation, or improvement activities and health advocacy.