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Activity Funded

Institute of Environmental Health

Instituto de Saúde Ambiental

Reference
UID/04295/2025
Project Start Date
2025-01-01
Project End Date
2029-12-31
Principal Investigator
Scientific Area
Medical and health sciences
Funding Program
Avaliação UID 2023/2024

Abstract

The Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB) is Portugal's premier research center in Environmental Health, established in 2013 as part of the Lisbon School of Medicine. Since 2021, ISAMB provides healthcare expertise to the TERRA National Associate Laboratory (consisting of 5 high-quality research units dedicated to sustainability and planetary health research and policy decision support) ISAMB knowledge creation structure is composed of four Research Groups, three Research Labs, and an Ethics and Integrity in Research Unit. ISAMB's research program adopts an interdisciplinary approach, focusing on the intersections of environment, health, and society. It aims to drive innovative research in clinical, epidemiological, and translational studies to address environmentally related diseases and deepen the understanding of human health environmental determinants (exposome perspective). With a team of 158 researchers at various career stages, ISAMB has published 992 papers between 2018 and 2023, with a total of 8719 citations. The institute has gained international recognition by publishing in prestigious journals, such as Nature, Lancet, and eLife, and securing funding from global sources such as the WHO, H2020, and Horizon Europe. Educational initiatives, particularly the One Health postgraduate course, attract students from different continents. ISAMB plays a crucial role in policymaking at both local and national levels, contributing significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic (namely, coordinating the Governmental Task Force on Behavioral Sciences). Additionally, ISAMB members hold key positions in international health organizations, enhancing the institute's global influence. The institute also emphasizes the nurturing of young researchers through programs like the EnviHealth&Co PhD to cultivate new leaders in environmental health research. Looking ahead to 2025-2029, ISAMB aims to solidify its position as an international leader in environmental health research and policy support. The research and innovation strategy focus on 4 areas: air pollution, urban design and health, supporting and monitoring public health policies, and carbon footprint estimation in healthcare. ISAMB strategy for this period include expanding international networking, developing educational programs, establishing a national data hub, strengthening ties with African regions, and ensuring financial sustainability through diverse funding streams. Outreach efforts will involve workshops, public campaigns, collaborations, and scientific events to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. As ISAMB transitions towards assuming international leadership in various specialized areas, it faces challenges such as attracting research partnerships, international students, and retaining skilled researchers. This critical period presents an opportunity for ISAMB to establish itself as a hub of scientific excellence in South Europe within Environmental Health.

Institutions

Main Institutions

  • Universidade de Lisboa Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB)
  • Associação para a Investigação e Desenvolvimento da Faculdade de Medicina (AIDFM)

Other Institutions

  • Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Medicina (FMUL)

Funding 757.508,87 €

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - Portugal

757.508,87 €