CISM DIRECTOR-GENERAL PARTICIPATES IN THE EDCTP GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN BRUSSELS
The Director-General of the Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM), Francisco Saúte, participated on 6 and 7 October 2026 in the General Assembly of the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), held in Brussels, Belgium. The meeting brought together representatives of participating countries and institutions to discuss strategic issues related to clinical research and funding priorities.
EDCTP is a partnership between European and African countries that promotes clinical research and the development of solutions to address infectious diseases that disproportionately affect sub-Saharan Africa. Through research project funding, scientific capacity strengthening and the promotion of international partnerships, it contributes to the development of evidence-based health interventions and the strengthening of research systems in African countries.
Alongside the General Assembly, Francisco Saúte also participated, on 6 October, in the meeting of the Advisory and Scientific Boards of the Lusophone Platform for Clinical Research and Biomedical Innovation (PLICIB), which included a strategic exchange with the leadership of EDCTP and EDCTP3.
Discussions focused on improving the competitiveness of research proposals from countries belonging to the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), defining joint strategies to access funding opportunities expected in 2027, and strengthening the sustainability of scientific institutions in Portuguese-Speaking African Countries (PALOP).
The meeting's agenda also included updates on training initiatives in clinical research and clinical trials, the sharing of information on proposals submitted under the 2026 funding calls, and discussions on the accession processes of Angola and Cabo Verde to the EDCTP Association. These topics reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen scientific cooperation among Portuguese-speaking countries and expand their participation in international research networks.
Mozambique was represented at the PLICIB meeting by CISM and the National Institute of Health (INS). The meeting also brought together representatives of other scientific institutions and organisations involved in clinical research and biomedical innovation. It was coordinated and supported by the Agency for Clinical Research and Biomedical Innovation (AICIB) and the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).
“Participation in these forums for dialogue and collaboration is important for strengthening the presence of Mozambican scientific institutions in international research networks, promoting new partnerships, and ensuring that research priorities in Africa have greater visibility in funding agendas,” said Francisco Saúte, Director-General of CISM.
As the current EDCTP3 programme approaches its scheduled conclusion in 2028, the contribution of African scientific institutions to these forums for dialogue becomes particularly important in shaping future research priorities and identifying mechanisms to ensure continued funding and the sustainability of clinical research in Africa.
