Applications are open for the 2021 Health Marathon Awards

The application period for the Maratona da Saúde 2021 Awards opened today, this year directed to the area of Research in Rare Diseases. As in previous editions, these awards aim to promote Portuguese scientific research in different areas of biomedicine. Two prizes of 20 thousand euros will be awarded for the categories of junior and senior researcher, and applications will be accepted until April 16, 2021.

The Health Marathon 2021 Awards will distinguish two scientific research projects in the area of Rare Diseases being developed in Portugal. Portuguese or foreign researchers and/or doctors who have completed their doctoral studies less than ten years ago (Junior Category) or more than ten years ago (Senior Category) at the opening date of this Call may apply. Funding will be awarded for a maximum period of two years and will begin between September and December 2021. 

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) supports the logistical management of this Call and proposes the panel of judges that will carry out the evaluation, which will be composed of scientists of recognized international merit in the field of biomedicine. The evaluation and selection process is based on several criteria, including the scientific merit of the candidates and the impact that the proposed research work may have on the discovery of better treatments, cure 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 health institutions, national or foreign. After the best candidates have been screened at Call, the Scientific Council of the Health Marathon will choose the two winners according to the jury's recommendations.

The Health Marathon Awards were created with the purpose 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 had about 400 applications in the areas of Cancer, Diabetes, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Cardiovascular Diseases and Autoimmune Diseases and Allergies, and have already rewarded 15 scientists who are developing their research work in these areas in Portugal.

This initiative is funded mainly through donations raised during the annual Marathon da Saúde TV show, broadcasted 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 page of the Call.