The projects of clinical research developed within Luz Saúde are monitored and regularly evaluated by internal structures but also by renowned external specialists. The latest evaluation was conducted by a jury integrating António Jacinto and Pedro Simas, two renowned Portuguese scientists, in a special session destined to assess what has already been done and validate the renewal of the fellowships granted to Luz Saúde research groups. These groups – presently developing projects on diseases of the digestive system, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurosciences, imaging, and women’s health – have explained to the jury the objectives already achieved and presented the strategy for the future. Beyond contributing to a transparent and impartial process of evaluation of the clinical research conducted within Luz Saúde, the participation of external evaluators such as Pedro Simas and António Jacinto adds the perspective of fundamental and translational research, identifying opportunities and anticipating future challenges, further contributing to the work progress of our professionals. António Jacinto is the director of the Chronic Diseases Research Centre (CEDOC), at Nova University Medical Sciences Faculty, besides associate professor in Cellular and Molecular Medicine. His research focuses on the organs and tissues regeneration mechanisms, area where he has extensively published in international scientific journals with high impact worldwide. Pedro Simas is a researcher at Católica Biomedical Research Centre and full professor at the Portuguese Catholic University Medicine Faculty. His research focuses on viral pathogenesis, in particular the mechanisms whereby the virus associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma establishes persistent infection and promotes oncogenesis, with translational relevance for the development of new therapeutic strategies. The jury was presided by Rui Maio , full professor of Surgery at Lisbon Nova University Medical Sciences Faculty, and regent of the respective curricular unit in the sixth year of internship, besides clinical director of Hospital da Luz Lisboa. Here, he coordinates the Esophagogastroduodeno and Biliopancreatic Centres in the Oncology Unit. The jury had to assess the projects ensuring the fulfilment of the predefined criteria and conducted a reasoned and constructive analysis of the activity developed so far by every group currently financed by Luz Saúde. During the session, presentations were made by the lead researchers of each project or by others representing them: LION – Luz Innovation on Neurosciences ( Raquel Gil-Gouveia ); GENiuS – Luz Saúde Research Group on Digestive Pathology ( Joana Revés , representing Marília Cravo ); AIRC – Advanced Imaging Research Consortium (imaging in coronary disease, prostatic cancer, and hip degenerative pathologies – presented by Hugo Marques ); CIRC (research on cardiovascular risk – presented by Victor Gil ); WHALE – Women’s Health and Maternal Foetal Research Group (presented by Jorge Lima ); FACE IT (research on cancer – presented by Mónica Nave , representing José Luís Passos Coelho ). The jury validated the work developed so far, considering a series of evaluation criteria – namely fulfilment of the initially proposed objectives; evidence of the impact generated in the improvement of healthcare provided; contribute to the strategic areas of Luz Saúde group; scientific production and innovation; execution and implementation capacity of the work plan; sustainability and continuity; and external collaborations. Research is a strategic bet for Luz Saúde, since it contributes to a continuous improvement of healthcare provided. Hospital da Luz Learning Health – the group’s company promoting research activities – will continue playing an active role in the promotion of scientific knowledge and clinical innovation, supporting these groups on their next steps, challenges, and opportunities of growth.
