Partners

The Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica - iBET is a private not for profit created in 1989 and specializing in biology research and drug discovery/ bioprocess development. At iBET, science and technology are exploited to accelerate translational application of competences from early stage discovery to final production and processes.  As a Biotechnology Research Organization, iBET acts as an interface between academic and private institutions while also creating and organizing autonomous knowledge and expertise, and includes as shareholders 14 Portuguese companies, 10 academic and research institutions and foundations. 

Hosting approximately 160 researchers and supported by an additional 400 through its partners ITQB and NOVA Medical School, iBET is fully compromised in a dynamic translational research programme, pursuing excellence in basic, developmental/preclinical and clinical research.

iBET is centered on 16 cutting-edge laboratories working in a broad range of fields that encompass multidisciplinary approaches ranging from basic, technological to clinical and translational research. Our expertise encompasses complex biopharmaceuticals and novel therapies including vaccines, recombinant proteins and viral vectors for gene therapy, the development of in-vitro models and methodologies for pre-clinical research and stem cells for cell therapy applications; protein stability and structure for assisted drug design, food and health, water, energy and nexus, and agro-forestry.

iBET has been involved in some of the most prestigious RD&I and technology transfer projects, with remarkable impact internationally at many scientific and technological domains, has participated as either coordinator or work-package leader in over 30 projects supported by the European Commission in the FP5, 6, 7 and H2020 initiatives and has established several prestigious international collaborations in Networks of Excellence.

Within iNOVA4Health, besides coordinating the the Unit, iBET brings in its recognized knowhow in the development of biopharmaceuticals, Advanced Therapy Medicine Product (ATMP) and Nutraceuticals, to the preclinical research activities critical for the program. 

The Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier - ITQB is an academic research centre of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Its mission is to carry out scientific research and postgraduate teaching in chemistry, life sciences, and associated technologies, while also serving the community and promoting science and technology.

The strong expertise in Molecular Biosciences present at ITQB drives research in two strategic societal challenges, focused on the well-being of human societies (Molecular Basis of Health and Disease) and on the environment (Biological Resources and Sustainable Development). Currently with 56 independent teams, ITQB hosts more than 400 researchers with different backgrounds and research interests, who contribute to the vibrant scientific atmosphere on site. With a track-record of scientific excellence and a focus for internationalization, ITQB is also a leading centre for advanced training of researchers in Portugal.

The NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas - NMS|FCM is Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (NOVA) medical school since 1977. With 1.676 undergraduate students (30% of whom in international mobility programs), NMS|FCM has 356 postgraduate students and 414 professors and researchers (30% of whom with a PhD degree).

At the NMS|FCM the clinical teaching takes place in various health institutions (public and private) partnered with the medical school, coordinating most of the research activities of the academic and clinical teams with its teaching/researching hospital units. Furthermore, NMS|FCM is at the forefront of medical education, offering MSc and PhD degrees in Medicine and Biomedicine in different health areas.

NMS|FCM has a significant number of groups of excellence in biomedicine, translational research, clinical research, and epidemiology and services woking under a collaborative spirit devoted to understanding a variety of chronic pathologies, from diabetes to rare auto-immune diseases.

NMS provides research infrastructures and state-of-the-art facilities such as Animal, Bioimaging and Cell Culture. Moreover, scientific and clinical services are available for researchers, clinicians and patients, providing support to Clinical Research Projects, from planning to setting up clinical trials through its Clinical Research Unit, NOVA-CRU. In the same scope, NMS leads the Portuguese hub of the ECRIN/ERIC (European Clinical Research Infrastructures Network/Consortium, ESFRI roadmap) – PtCRIN, a national consortium that takes advantage of the international environment to improve the capacitation of clinical research centers and clinical trials units.

The Instituto Português de Oncologia Francisco Gentil - IPOLFG, created in 1923, is a multidisciplinary cancer center for research, education, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. "The patient first" translates a guiding culture of personalized care supported by interdisciplinary communication, allowing integrated experience and differentiation in oncology.

Comprehensive treatment plans, that include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, are designed to provide the highest level of care.
The material from surgical and biopsy specimens are stored in the archives of the Pathology Department and in the Tumour Bank, in network with the National Tumour Bank, providing researchers with a panel of tissues and data.

Translational biomedical research in Oncology, involving multidisciplinary teams and focusing in the areas of familial cancer risk, cancer genetics, epigenetics, microenvironment, and therapeutic modulation is developed in the Molecular Pathobiology Research Unit of IPOLFG.
The experience of the research teams from IPOLFG in genetics, cell and molecular biology, animal manipulation, and clinical trials, sustained on modern research infrastructures and equipment, supports the progress of the research projects and clinical trials.

IPOLFG is a founding partner of the R&D Unit iNOVA4Health - Programme in Translational Medicine aiming for excellence in basic, developmental, preclinical & clinical research, through international cooperation.

The NOVA Institute for Medical Systems Biology (NIMSB) is a partnership between NOVA University Lisbon (NOVA) and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) supported by the European Union (Teaming for Excellence – Horizon Europe), the Portuguese Government and the Municipality of Oeiras.

NIMSB will become a leading international Centre of Excellence (CoE) in the development, integration, and application of state-of-the-art systems biology approaches to medical research and innovation, contributing to the development of early diagnostics and advanced therapeutic solutions to deliver real Precision Medicine to patients. These innovative approaches will diminish mortality rates, enhance quality of life, elevate research and innovation intensity, and foster national socioeconomic advancement, thus fortifying Portugal’s competitive stance both within Europe and on a global scale. NIMSB will collaborate with a comprehensive ecosystem and multiple quadruple-helix stakeholders, to achieve critical mass, to establish a Precision Medicine infrastructure and develop education and training programs that will prepare researchers and healthcare practitioners for the future.

NIMSB is committed to foster excellence in research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, aimed at advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes with a steadfast dedication to integrity and ethical conduct.

NIMSB NOVA is set to join iNOVA4Health starting in January 2025.