12th EDCTP Forum and General Assembly participation (Kigali, Ruanda)

Between 14 and 19 June 2025, AICIB – Agency for Clinical Research and Biomedical Innovation / PLICIB undertook a mission to the city of Kigali, Rwanda, to represent Portugal at the EDCTP3 General Assembly and at the 12th EDCTP Forum.

Regarding the EDCTP3 General Assembly, the Portuguese delegation – composed of representatives from AICIB and FCT – the Foundation for Science and Technology – was joined by a representative from Cape Verde, Dr. Maria da Luz Lima (President of the INSP – National Institute of Public Health), a country in an advanced stage of accession to the EDCTP Association, with the active support of PLICIB in the process. In addition to the regular meeting with European and African Member States, a dedicated session was organised for the “aspiring” countries, during which the potential membership of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe was also discussed in the context of the PALOP countries.

The EDCTP Forum itself saw strong Lusophone representation, both in numbers and participation. PLICIB was represented by its Executive Coordination (AICIB), Scientific Coordination (IHMT NOVA), and members of the Scientific Council, including representatives from Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique. The event brought together a total of 1,214 participants (from Europe, Africa, and other regions), featuring eight plenary sessions, fifteen parallel sessions, and eighteen scientific symposia. PLICIB had the opportunity to lead one of the scientific symposia, held in the Main Auditorium, where it presented its executive and scientific plan.

Beyond its strategic and executive dimension, the mission also contributed to strengthening the network of collaborations between the Portuguese scientific community and institutions from sub-Saharan African countries.