On 12th September at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, we celebrated the establishment of the Institute for Evidence-Based Health (ISBE).

The ISBE aims to connect Academia (Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of ULisbon) with research, joining partners from fields as diverse as the pharmaceutical industry, associations from the private sector, pharmacies, or even those promoting health and preventing disease.

Intending to improve the healthcare system in Portugal, it aspires to go beyond borders, always centring on better quality healthcare.

These individuals, among others, will be part of  these corporate bodies: Adalberto Campos Fernandes, Chair of the General Assembly, Ana Paula Martins, Chair of the Governing Body and António Vaz Carneiro, Vice-Chair.

“I feel very happy and privileged on this historic day for all of us who are involved in launching this project. I am certain that it will be a future success, because, in a positive way, it is a new adventure and this really owes itself to those driving this initiative, and to all those who over recent years have ensured that we would get to this point. I believe that this new Institute can really represent a paradigm shift to the very institutional way we often work. I am equally happy that this will be part of our Medical School here.

We have a fantastic team who will be at the core of the ISBE’s success.

But of course it’s a new project and whenever there’s something new, it takes time for everything to adjust, but with everyone involved I am certain that we will be able to meet our goals. Also, from a more institutional point of view, I must thank the Pharmacy School, which will serve as a great example for less rigid and more flexible Academia. I am also happy to see the commitment to our patients. This is indeed one of the aspects that I have always anticipated would strengthen this initiative from the outset. This is why the involvement of patients will be one of the pillars of this Institute. Counting on their support is vital and it is a sign of success if we are committed to the different communities, particularly patients. Especially because we are all potential patients and, one day, it could happen to any one of us.”

 Fausto J. Pinto

Chair of The Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon

Joana Sousa

Editorial Team