We’ Forward PALOP Health Science Empowerment Program

Deadline: 19-Oct-2026

The Health Science Empowerment Program, part of the We’ Forward PALOP program, supports clinical projects led by nonprofit university teaching institutions in Portuguese-speaking African countries. The programme aims to strengthen connections between health science research and clinical practice, improve healthcare outcomes, develop health professional capacity, and promote evidence-based healthcare. Eligible applicants are nonprofit university teaching institutions in Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe, working in partnership with a healthcare facility in the same country. Overview of the Health Science Empowerment Program The Health Science Empowerment Program supports collaborative clinical projects that connect health science higher education institutions, research units, and healthcare facilities. The programme operates through the We’ Forward PALOP program, which seeks to strengthen the capacity of health science institutions in Portuguese-speaking African countries. The initiative focuses on translating academic research into practical improvements in healthcare delivery. Projects should create stronger links between: University research units. Health science faculties. Healthcare facilities. Clinical professionals. Researchers. Health systems. Purpose of the Program The main objective is to improve health outcomes by strengthening collaboration between academic research and clinical practice.

The programme aims to:

Address important health challenges in PALOP countries. Strengthen university-healthcare partnerships. Improve the use of research findings in clinical settings. Promote evidence-based healthcare. Improve clinical protocols and healthcare standards. Develop the skills of health professionals and researchers. Research findings can be translated into practice. The project remains relevant to healthcare delivery. Why the Health Science Empowerment Program Matters The programme addresses an important challenge in health systems: the gap between research and clinical practice. Academic institutions may generate valuable scientific evidence, while healthcare facilities have direct knowledge of patient and service-delivery needs. Connecting these two environments can help: Produce more relevant research. Improve clinical decision-making. Strengthen healthcare standards. Develop health professionals. Generate locally relevant evidence. Improve patient outcomes. How the Program Works

Step 1: Identify a Health Challenge

The university and healthcare facility should identify a significant clinical or health-related challenge in their local context. The problem should be suitable for collaborative research and have potential implications for healthcare quality.

Step 2: Establish the University-Healthcare Partnership

The eligible university institution should identify a healthcare facility in the same country to participate in the project.

Both partners should agree on:

Research objectives. Responsibilities. Clinical activities. Expected outcomes.

Step 3: Select the Project Lead

The application must be led by a faculty member who meets the required qualifications.

The project leader must:

Hold a doctoral degree in Health Sciences. Be resident in the country. Be affiliated with the eligible university institution.

Step 4: Appoint a Clinical Coordinator

A clinical coordinator must be designated from the partner healthcare institution. This ensures that the project has direct clinical leadership and healthcare-sector involvement.

Step 5: Develop the Clinical Research Project

The project should explain:

The health problem being addressed. Research objectives. Proposed methodology. Clinical relevance. Expected healthcare improvements. Capacity-building activities. Knowledge dissemination plans.

Step 6: Plan Knowledge Transfer

Applicants should explain how research findings will be transferred into clinical practice.

This could include:

Improving clinical protocols. Training healthcare professionals. Evaluating interventions. Developing evidence-based practices.

Step 7: Plan Scientific Dissemination

The project should identify opportunities to share results through: Peer-reviewed publications. Conferences. Impact reports. Professional networks. Tips for Preparing a Strong Project Focus on a Clearly Defined Health Challenge The proposed project should address a specific and relevant healthcare problem rather than a broad topic. Explain how the university and healthcare facility will work together throughout the project. Connect Research to Practical Outcomes Applicants should clearly explain how research findings can improve: Clinical protocols. Healthcare quality. Professional practice. Patient outcomes. Include Capacity Building Projects should demonstrate how they will strengthen the skills and knowledge of health professionals and researchers. Plan for Long-Term Impact Strong projects should consider whether successful approaches can be: Replicated nationally. Expanded to other healthcare facilities. Used in future research projects. Common Mistakes to Avoid Applying Without a Healthcare Partner The university must work with a healthcare facility in the same country. Choosing an Ineligible Applicant The programme is intended for nonprofit university teaching institutions in Health Sciences from the specified PALOP countries. Failing to Meet the Project Leader Requirement The application must be led by a faculty member with a doctoral degree in Health Sciences who resides in the country. Not Appointing a Clinical Coordinator A clinical coordinator from the partner healthcare institution must be designated. Focusing Only on Academic Research Projects should demonstrate how research findings can be translated into clinical practice and healthcare improvements. Weak Dissemination Planning Applicants should explain how scientific results and project impacts will be communicated and shared. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What is