PLICIB and EDCTP general meeting in Brussels

On 6 October, the Lusophone Platform for Clinical Research and Biomedical Innovation (PLICIB) held a joint meeting of its Scientific and Advisory Councils in Brussels, bringing together representatives from Lusophone countries and guests from the EDCTP Association and Global Health EDCTP3 to discuss the challenges and opportunities for Lusophone participation in clinical research and health innovation.

The meeting took place at the White Atrium and included a strategic exchange with EDCTP representatives, followed by a closed session dedicated to defining PLICIB’s future priorities.

The programme of the meeting is available here.

During the first part of the meeting, PLICIB members had the opportunity to engage with Michael Makanga, Executive Director of Global Health EDCTP3, Abdoulie Barry, Executive Director of the EDCTP Association, and Thomas Nyirenda, Head of the EDCTP Africa Office. Discussions focused on strengthening the participation of Lusophone countries in programmes funded by the partnership, improving the competitiveness of funding applications, the integration of new members, and preparations for the future EDCTP4 programme.

The meeting was led by Carlos Almeida Pereira (AICIB), PLICIB Executive Coordinator, with the support of the Scientific Coordination, represented by Filomeno Fortes and Miguel Viveiros (IHMT NOVA).

During the closed session, members of the Scientific and Advisory Councils reflected on PLICIB’s strategic priorities for the coming years, including strengthening capacity building, promoting collaborative networks, developing international consortia, and identifying new opportunities for cooperation and funding.

The meeting also included updates on the PALOP Health Data Hub pilot project, coordinated by GIMM (FMUL), ongoing capacity-building activities, and the accession processes of Angola and Cabo Verde to the EDCTP Association.