The RISE-Health Research Unit and the Clinical Research Unit – RISE took part, this Saturday, 4 July, in the 6th edition of INTERSECT, an initiative by AstraZeneca.

At the event, which aimed to promote and accelerate the development of clinical research in Portugal by strengthening links between researchers and strategic partners with a strong presence in the national ecosystem, RISE-Health fulfilled this objective by showcasing, via a stand, its objectives and opportunities for collaboration.

For Janete Santos, head of CRU-RISE, taking part in the 6th edition of INTERSECT means “establishing RISE-Health as a research ecosystem capable of linking science, innovation and effective impact on health”, she explains, adding that this “is an opportunity to highlight our ability to support the entire research continuum — from laboratory discovery to clinical research, to the community, and to the transformation of knowledge into benefits for patients, health services and public policy”.

“The presence of RISE-Health and CRU-RISE is particularly significant in a context driven by a pharmaceutical company with substantial investment in innovation and clinical development. Collaboration between academic institutions, clinical centres and the pharmaceutical industry is crucial for bridging the gap between unmet needs, scientific evidence, technological development and the implementation of solutions that deliver real value to patients,” emphasises Janete Santos.

According to the organisers, the 6th edition of INTERSECT featured “an innovative networking event, designed to listen in a structured way to researchers’ needs for the implementation of ideas that promote the improvement of healthcare in Portugal”.

It should be noted that, in previous editions, INTERSECT has addressed topics such as the catalytic role of collaboration between science and industry, as well as innovation, information and clinical practice.