The preparation of the in-person training programme in Lisbon was the main focus of the 24th CT-Luso project meeting, held by videoconference on 7 October 2026 and moderated by Maria do Céu Patrão Neves. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the programme for this stage of training and share progress on the development of training materials and the dissemination of project results.
Part of Work Package 6, the placement represents the third and final phase of the training programme and is expected to involve 28 trainees. The programme combines joint sessions with practical activities organised into three groups, bringing together professionals from medicines regulatory authorities, members of research ethics committees and researchers, with the collaboration of INFARMED, CEIC, NOVA University Lisbon and Blueclinical.
During the meeting, Maria Alexandre Martins presented the objectives and planned activities, including a review of good clinical practice, the analysis of cases involving deviations, and the application of acquired knowledge in institutional settings. Esperança Sevene highlighted the programme’s intensity and dynamic nature as an opportunity for participants to deepen their knowledge, develop practical skills and exchange experiences during a period of joint work. She also noted that concentrating the activities into one week had made it possible to broaden participation in this stage of the training programme. Maria do Céu Patrão Neves emphasised the importance of participants’ prior preparation for the success of the placement, which will culminate in the presentation of the skills developed and proposals for activities to be carried out in their respective countries. Representing CEIC, Pedro Barata expressed the institution’s enthusiasm for this stage of the training.
The formal session planned as part of the programme will include invitations to the ambassadors of the participating countries accredited in Lisbon, providing an opportunity to present the teams’ work, needs and expectations.
Another highlight of the meeting was the completion of the printing of the Ethics and Regulatory Training Manual for Clinical Trials, developed under Work Package 4. Organised into six modules, the manual will be distributed to project partners.
Esperança Sevene also shared an overview of her participation, alongside Helder Mota Filipe, in the session Advancing Science: Shaping Clinical Research Across Africa and Beyond, held online on 22 September as part of the Science Summit. Their participation provided an opportunity to present CT-Luso’s experience and discuss the contribution of cooperation networks to strengthening clinical research and responses to public health emergencies.
Regarding communication and dissemination of results, the meeting highlighted two scientific articles published on the project and preparations for a submission to the Healthcare Improvement Forum, which will take place in Lisbon from 20 to 22 April 2027. Updates on cooperation with São Tomé and Príncipe were also shared, including the establishment of a master’s programme in bioethics and ethics management.
The next CT-Luso meeting is scheduled for 4 November 2026.
