Portugal's Neuroscience Research Ecosystem

Portugal's neuroscience research ecosystem has matured significantly over the past decade, supported by sustained investment in biomedical infrastructure and participation in European research networks. The country hosts several centers of excellence, including the Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S) at the University of Porto, the Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), and the Champalimaud Institute for Neuroscience Research (CIN) in Lisbon. These institutions have developed expertise ranging from molecular neuroscience and neurodegeneration to neuroimaging and computational neuroscience.

Portugal is an active participant in European neuroscience initiatives. The country contributes to the Joint Programme on Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND), the largest global research initiative aimed at tackling neurodegenerative diseases, involving 30 countries that align national priorities in brain research.

Additionally, Portugal participates in ERA-NET NEURON, a partnership supporting basic, clinical, and translational research in disease-related neuroscience. This network connects funding agencies and ministries across Europe, enabling coordinated calls for proposals and joint funding of multinational projects.

The European Partnership for Brain Health, launched in 2026 with a ten-year horizon (2026–2036), represents another significant opportunity. This EU-supported partnership aims to advance research and innovation in brain health, covering neurological and mental health conditions, developing innovative prevention, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies across EU Member States and Associated Countries.

Clinical Trial Activity in Portugal

Portugal has become an attractive location for clinical trials in neurological diseases. The country's clinical trial regulatory framework has been harmonized with EU standards, and INFARMED has implemented streamlined procedures for trial authorization. The Portuguese National Registry of Clinical Trials (RNEC) provides an electronic platform for disseminating clinical trials authorized in Portugal.

Since March 2025, the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) Interactive Map has provided real-time access to information on clinical trials conducted in Portugal and the EU in multiple languages, enhancing visibility for potential participants and facilitating researcher collaboration.

Clinical trial activity in neurological diseases is particularly active. Multiple Phase III trials are recruiting patients with neuromuscular conditions, including studies on generalized myasthenia gravis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), conducted at major hospitals such as Hospital Garcia de Orta (Almada), Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Hospital de São João (Lisboa), and Hospital de Braga.

In Alzheimer's disease research, Portugal has participated in international multicenter trials.

NeuroResearch Foundation's Strategic Priorities in Portugal

The NeuroResearch Foundation is dedicated exclusively to research on neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and other conditions affecting the nervous system. The Foundation's strategic priorities in Portugal align with its mission to accelerate innovative treatments and improve patient outcomes across Europe.

Supporting Patient Associations: The Foundation supports patient associations across Europe, including those focused on rare diseases in Spain and Portugal. These partnerships ensure patient perspectives inform research agendas, facilitate patient recruitment for clinical trials, and advocate for policies improving access to innovative treatments.

Promoting Collaborative Research: The Foundation promotes policies facilitating access to innovative treatments and accelerating research. In Portugal, this involves engaging with research institutions, healthcare providers, and regulatory bodies to identify collaborative projects leveraging European funding mechanisms such as Horizon Europe, JPND, and ERA-NET NEURON.

Facilitating Clinical Trial Participation: Working with patient associations and research centers, the Foundation increases awareness of clinical trial opportunities among patients and healthcare professionals in Portugal, disseminating information through the RNEC platform, CTIS Interactive Map, and direct outreach.

Advancing Translational Research: The Foundation welcomes collaborations involving ECS (European Clinical Sites) systems and Neuro connectors research, bridging basic neuroscience discoveries and clinical applications. In Portugal, this could support projects integrating preclinical models, biomarker development, and early-phase clinical trials.

Opportunities for Collaboration

Joint Funding Applications: Portuguese researchers are eligible to participate in Horizon Europe calls, including the European Partnership for Brain Health, providing up to 150 million EUR for collaborative activities. The Foundation can facilitate consortium building by connecting Portuguese institutions with international partners.

Clinical Trial Networks: The Foundation can support clinical trial networks in Portugal focusing on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and rare neuromuscular disorders, standardizing protocols, sharing best practices, and facilitating patient recruitment across centers.

Patient Engagement Initiatives: Partnering with Portuguese patient associations, the Foundation can develop educational materials, host webinars, and organize events informing patients about research opportunities, clinical trials, and emerging treatments.

Policy Advocacy: The Foundation can advocate for policies streamlining clinical trial authorization, enhancing data sharing, and improving access to innovative therapies, engaging with INFARMED, the Ministry of Health, and European regulatory bodies.

Challenges and Considerations

Funding Sustainability: Although European funding provides substantial support, long-term sustainability requires national investment and private-sector engagement. The Foundation can mobilize resources by connecting researchers with philanthropic donors, venture capital, and industry partners.

Regulatory Harmonization: While Portugal has aligned clinical trial regulations with EU standards, further harmonization across European countries would facilitate multinational trials. The Foundation can advocate for streamlined processes and mutual recognition of ethical approvals.

Patient Recruitment: Despite Portugal's growing capacity, patient recruitment for rare disease trials remains challenging. Enhanced collaboration between patient associations, research centers, and the Foundation can improve recruitment rates.

Data Integration: Integrating clinical, genomic, and imaging data across research centers is essential for precision medicine in neuroscience. The Foundation can support data-sharing platforms and standards enabling cross-institutional collaboration.

Conclusion

Portugal's neuroscience research ecosystem offers fertile ground for advancing understanding and treatment of neurological diseases. Through strategic involvement, the NeuroResearch Foundation can facilitate collaborative research, support patient associations, and advocate for policies accelerating innovation. By leveraging European funding mechanisms, clinical trial networks, and patient engagement initiatives, the Foundation can help position Portugal as a leader in neuroscience research and improve outcomes for patients across Europe.

The time to act is now. With the European Partnership for Brain Health, JPND, and ERA-NET NEURON providing collaboration frameworks, the NeuroResearch Foundation has a unique opportunity to shape the future of neuroscience research in Portugal and beyond.

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