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.
Marta Rodrigues
Public Affairs Lead – Ipsen Portugal
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.
On 16 and 17 April 2026, Ramada Secondary School hosted the Public Health IDEAS Hackathon, an initiative that brought together 11th and 12th grade students to work in teams on innovative public health solutions. The event, organised by lecturers Teresa Magalhães and Carolina Santos from NOVA NSPH, and by Marília Ramalho and Albertina Alvares from Ramada Secondary School, also benefited from the technical support of specialists from Google.
Over the course of two intensive days, 16 teams, divided between two major challenges, dedicated themselves to analysing real problems affecting communities and cities. The first challenge, “Truth or Trap?”, focused on combating health misinformation and identifying risks associated with online communities. The second challenge, “Odivelas: what do the data reveal about the city’s health?”, invited students to explore digital data to understand urban health patterns in the municipality of Odivelas.
Throughout the Hackathon, participants had the opportunity to engage with key concepts and practices in public health, gaining a more concrete understanding of the relevance of this field for protecting and promoting population health, awareness that helps spark interest in future educational pathways in this area.
The teams’ work was supported by tutors, with additional guidance from Google professionals in the use of digital tools and data analysis. Before the official start, all participants attended an online preparatory session, where they were introduced to fundamental public health concepts, the Hackathon’s framework, and the digital platforms they would be using.
During the event, students took part in ideation sessions, interactive activities, mentoring moments and periods dedicated to developing their proposals. In the end, each team presented its pitch to a jury, which selected two winning teams, one per challenge.
The closing of the Public Health IDEAS Hackathon was marked by a celebratory atmosphere, with the awarding of certificates, a group photo, and a cake shared among participants, organisers and tutors, an opportunity to highlight the students’ commitment and creativity over the two days.
The Research Funding Scheme of the Lisbon Academic Medical Centre (CCAL), of which the National School of Public Health of NOVA University Lisbon is a member, supported two dozen researchers and allocated a total of 50 thousand euros for the development of scientific activities in 2025.
Over the past year, CCAL launched 10 research support calls under its Funding Scheme, reinforcing the consortium’s commitment to promoting health research and consolidating a collaborative network between academic institutions and healthcare providers.
The support awarded, amounting to a total of 50,000 euros, covered three categories: scientific publications, small grants for project support, and funding associated with the biobank of NOVA Medical School (NMS). This distribution made it possible to address different needs within the research cycle, from the production and dissemination of knowledge to the provision of essential resources for the development of studies.
In addition to financial support, CCAL also developed, last year, a regulation for the mutual recognition of opinions issued by health ethics committees, promoting greater coordination between the institutions within the consortium and contributing to the harmonisation of procedures. This measure aims to strengthen the efficiency, transparency, and quality of processes associated with clinical and health research.
CCAL is a consortium that brings together healthcare providers and academic institutions, including NOVA NSPH, with the aim of strengthening synergies in healthcare delivery, teaching, and research. Its work is guided by principles of ethics, quality, innovation, and cooperation, promoting an integrated and sustainable approach to the development of health research.
As a member of CCAL, NOVA NSPH joins this collective effort to strengthen health research, contributing to the production and dissemination of relevant scientific knowledge and to the continuous improvement of clinical and management practices.
For 2026, CCAL aims to continue promoting research, as well as best clinical and management practices, by reinforcing the network of synergies among all its members.
Under the provisions of Article 6 of the Regulation for the Election and Co-option of Members of the General Council of NOVA University Lisbon, notice is hereby given of the commencement of the electoral process for the election of Representatives of the Teaching and Research Staff, Representatives of the Students, and the Representative of Non-Teaching and Non-Research Staff to the General Council of NOVA University Lisbon.
