At NOVA NSPH I found much more than just a place of learning, I found an environment where I was able to grow on many levels. From my Master’s to my PhD, I took part in national and international projects that resulted in publications and conference presentations. I also took on responsibilities as President of the Students’ Association and as a member of the Pedagogical Council, contributing with initiatives that made a real impact on our community. The close relationship with lecturers, researchers and fellow students made this experience unique, created a lasting bond with NOVA NSPH, and strengthened my confidence in the path I chose to follow.
Francisco Madeira
PhD Student
The Postgraduate in Health Economics and Health Outcomes was essential to complement my training in Pharmaceutical Sciences. The classes, materials, and practical examples provided a comprehensive view of Health Economics, which motivated me to pursue a PhD in Public Health at NOVA NSPH. In addition to the knowledge gained, the sharing of experiences among colleagues was enriching. The course boosted my career, allowing me to better understand the healthcare system and evolve as a hospital pharmacist and now as a research fellow.
Ana Rita Santos
Health Economics Researcher – Value for Health CoLAB
My journey at NSPH began 4 years ago when I joined the Master's programme in Public Health, and has been consolidated until I started my PhD. Along the way, I've had the opportunity to take part in national and international research projects that have made a decisive contribution to my academic and professional growth, allowing me to build a solid and diverse network. I actively participated in the school's associative life, which was an enriching experience, not only because of the teamwork and community spirit, but also because I was able to represent and contribute to the continuous improvement of the student pathway at NSPH. NSPH is not only a place for learning, but also a place for belonging, growth and transformation. And it is with great pride that I am part of this community.
Mariana Corda
PhD Student
The motivation to participate in the Postgraduate Course in Health Economics and Health Outcomes stemmed from the desire to gain a deeper understanding of how the Portuguese healthcare ecosystem functions, particularly in relation to the approval of medicines.
The hybrid format of the classes fits well with an active professional life as a Market Access manager in a pharmaceutical company. The diverse experiences of both the instructors and participants make the sessions collaborative and dynamic.
NOVA NSPH will hold elections for the constitution of the new Scientific Council on 6 July 2026. The elections have been called in accordance with the Regulations for the Election of the Members of the Scientific Council, approved by Order of 23 June 2026, following a proposal from the Scientific Council itself.
Lisbon hosted the 10th edition of the Behaviour Change Conference, organised by the Centre for Behaviour Change at University College London (UCL), in partnership with the BE-Change Knowledge Centre at NOVA National School of Public Health (NOVA NSPH). The event brought together more than 300 participants from 44 countries, including researchers, practitioners, policymakers and representatives of civil society organisations, to discuss the latest advances in the science and application of behaviour change to global challenges in health, sustainability and well-being.
The 2026 edition took place from 16 to 19 June at Colégio Almada Negreiros, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, and also included online participation, enabling an even broader international community to take part. The conference was preceded by a day dedicated to specialised workshops, “Meet the Experts” sessions and networking activities, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and the establishment of new scientific collaborations.
Over two and a half days of scientific programme, participants attended oral presentations, symposia, poster sessions and discussions on the application of behavioural sciences across different contexts. According to Marta Marques, Assistant Professor at NOVA NSPH and co-organiser of the conference, its aim is to promote the “sharing of knowledge and the creation of collaborations for a healthier and more sustainable world, bringing together different sectors and disciplines around evidence-based solutions.”
Among the most anticipated moments were the plenary sessions, featuring presentations by leading national and international experts. The keynote speakers included Marijn de Bruin, from Radboud University Medical Center, Joana Gonçalves de Sá, Principal Investigator at LIP – Laboratory of Instrumentation and Experimental Particle Physics, and Esther Papies, from Radboud University, all recognised for their work in the fields of behavioural medicine, machine learning and health psychology.
In a message addressed to the conference community, Cristina Godinho, Assistant Professor at NOVA NSPH and co-organiser of the conference, highlighted the collaborative atmosphere that characterised the event, emphasising the importance of “networking with a diverse global community of researchers, practitioners and experts from different sectors.” She also noted that the programme was designed to provide “inspiring keynotes, interactive sessions and opportunities for collaboration, reinforcing the growing role of behavioural sciences in addressing the complex challenges facing contemporary society.”
“The hosting of the Behaviour Change Conference 2026 in Lisbon further strengthened the position of Portugal and NOVA NSPH as a venue for high-profile international scientific events and provided an opportunity to showcase the work carried out by Portuguese researchers and institutions in the field of behavioural sciences,” said Sónia Dias, Dean and Full Professor at NOVA NSPH.
The conference also announced that the online event Conversations about Behaviour Change will take place on 9 and 10 March 2027, jointly organised by the Centre for Behaviour Change at UCL and NOVA National School of Public Health (NOVA NSPH). The event will promote knowledge sharing and discussion on the latest advances in the science of behaviour change. The call for abstracts and session proposals will open at the end of September 2026. Further information will be announced soon.
As the higher education application period approaches, NOVA University Lisbon is preparing to welcome the first cohort of students to the Bachelor’s Degree in Global Public Health, a pioneering programme in Portugal, scheduled to begin in September 2026.
Led by NOVA National School of Public Health (NOVA NSPH), in close collaboration with NOVA Medical School, NOVA Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Aga Khan University, the new undergraduate programme also benefits from contributions from the various academic units of NOVA University Lisbon, reinforcing its interdisciplinary, international and future-oriented character.
More than a new academic programme, the Bachelor’s Degree in Global Public Health is designed as a dynamic learning platform aimed at educating young professionals capable of integrating health, technology, sustainability, innovation, communication and leadership. Its objective is to prepare students to work in complex and multicultural settings, contributing to improving population health and well-being, strengthening the resilience of health systems, and promoting healthier, more sustainable and equitable societies.
The first edition will have a limited number of places and will offer a particularly distinctive experience: founding students will have the opportunity to join an international academic community from day one, participate in pilot projects, engage with partner institutions and contribute to shaping future editions of the programme.
The programme adopts active learning approaches, including national and international case studies, problem-based learning, simulations, participation in real-world projects, individual mentoring and personalised career guidance. The degree is accredited by A3ES, and its curriculum is accredited by the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (APHEA), ensuring quality standards recognised both nationally and internationally.
The curriculum includes emerging topics such as digital health, data science, artificial intelligence applied to public health, sustainable systems, global health, evidence-informed policy, strategic communication, governance, ethics and global action. From the first year onwards, students will engage with multicultural experiences, international practice settings, mobility programmes and an extensive network of mentors, academic staff and experts.
According to Sónia Dias, Dean of NOVA NSPH, “This degree prepares the professionals the world needs: leaders capable of integrating health, technology, sustainability and global action. The first edition will help define the future of international public health, and we want students to be part of that journey. It will mark the beginning of a borderless career path with real impact on communities around the world.”
The programme has been designed for students seeking a career with purpose, impact and international recognition. Graduates will be able to pursue careers in diverse fields including public health, environmental health, social impact, public policy, data analysis, consultancy, innovation, sustainability, health communication, information management in risk situations, research and international cooperation.
Career opportunities may include health and environmental institutions, public bodies, local authorities, international organisations, global foundations, multilateral agencies, technology companies, innovation centres, start-ups, research centres, universities, think tanks and civil society organisations. In an increasingly interconnected world, global public health offers career pathways that are as diverse as the challenges it seeks to address.
The Bachelor’s Degree in Global Public Health therefore represents a new gateway for students who wish to work at the intersection of health, science, technology, sustainability, public policy and international cooperation, and to become part of the first generation to receive this qualification in Portugal.
For more information: https://www.ensp.unl.pt/en/curso/bachelors-in-global-public-health/
