Applications open for the 2021 Health Marathon Awards

The application period for the 2021 Health Marathon Awards opened today, this year focusing on Rare Disease Research. As in previous editions, these awards aim to promote Portuguese scientific research in different areas of biomedicine. Two prizes of 20,000 euros will be awarded for the junior and senior researcher categories and applications are open until April 16, 2021.

The Health Marathon Awards 2021 will honor two scientific research projects in the field of Rare Diseases to be developed in Portugal. Researchers and/or doctors, Portuguese or foreign, who have completed their doctorate less than ten years ago (Junior Category) or more than ten years ago (Senior Category) at the time of this Call may apply. Funding will be awarded for a maximum period of two years and will start between September and December 2021.

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) supports the logistical management of this Call and proposes the jury panel that will carry out the evaluation, which will be made up of scientists of recognized international merit in the field of biomedicine. The evaluation and selection process is based on various criteria, including the scientific merit of the candidates and the impact that the proposed research work could have on the discovery of better treatments, cures and prevention of rare diseases. The awarding of these prizes encourages applications that involve partnerships between research institutions based in Portugal and hospitals or other national or foreign health institutions. Once the best Call candidates have been shortlisted, the Health Marathon Scientific Council will choose the two winners according to the jury's recommendations.

The Health Marathon Awards were created with the aim of promoting Portuguese scientific research in different areas of biomedicine and related to the different themes of the Health Marathon editions. The editions of the Health Marathon Awards in Biomedical Research have so far received around 400 applications in the areas of Cancer, Diabetes, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Cardiovascular Diseases and Autoimmune Diseases and Allergies, and have already awarded 15 scientists who are developing their research work in these areas in Portugal.

This initiative is financed mainly through donations raised during the annual Health Marathon television show, broadcast by RTP. Janssen is one of the partners in this initiative and will associate its name with one of the prizes to be awarded.

For more information, see the Call page.