PALOP Involve Science helps researchers from PALOP countries establish and lead research groups in health sciences in their home countries after completing a scientific internship at a leading research centre in Portugal.

The initiative has two phases. In the first, researchers undertake internships at host institutions in Portugal, where they develop a research project proposal. In the second, selected projects receive funding for three years, enabling researchers to implement their work at institutions in PALOP countries.

2nd Edition (2024)

For the second edition, eight researchers from Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique were selected. They completed internships at Portuguese research institutes, including the Gulbenkian Institute of Molecular Medicine, the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the IPO Oncology Unit in Porto, CINTESIS, and the Institute of Life and Health Sciences at the University of Minho.

At the end of their internships, the researchers submitted project proposals. Those selected for the second phase will receive three years of support to implement their research in their home institutions.

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1st Edition (2021)

In the first edition, four research projects in cancer, malaria and HIV received funding in Angola, Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau. An international jury selected the projects based on their relevance, originality, quality and potential impact on the researcher’s career and institution.

PALOP Get-Involved Science supports the academic and professional development of researchers by providing training in specific scientific fields, fostering interpersonal skills, helping to structure and define research goals, and identifying opportunities for collaboration. The programme also facilitates connections with international research centres and networks while encouraging motivation and leadership.

With a global reach, the programme includes around 15 senior researchers (mentors) based in different countries. These mentors share their expertise and guide young researchers from PALOP countries (mentees) in their professional and academic growth.