In addition to the CBR, the IGC has incubated several projects related to the life sciences that have subsequently given rise to prestigious research centres in Portugal, including the Champalimaud Foundation, ITQB Nova, and CEDOC (currently Nova Medical School Research).

Over the next four years, in addition to providing around 600m2 of space, equipment and advanced technology, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation will provide CBR researchers with access the IGC’s scientific support units.

Recognised in the areas of virology, chromosome dynamics and host-microorganism interaction, three scientists linked to the IGC now hired by CBR (Maria João Amorim, Raquel Oliveira and Luís Teixeira) will have scientific affiliation to both institutions in the project’s initial phase.

The agreement of cooperation between the two institutions was signed on 10 February by the president of the Gulbenkian Foundation, António Feijó, and the Dean of the Catholic University, Isabel Capeloa Gil.