The Católica Luz Academic Clinical Centre (CAC-CL) has reached a defining milestone in its journey!
As a result, as a joint initiative between Universidade Católica Portuguesa and Luz Saúde, the CAC-CL solidified its position as a national benchmark in medical education, biomedical research, and translational innovation.
This evolution clearly reflects our commitment to shaping the future of healthcare through knowledge, collaboration, and innovation.
🎓 Academic Development: Shaping the Next Generation of Medical Professionals
To begin with, the clinical rotation plans for 4th-year students were successfully aligned and have been ongoing since September 2024!
In alignment with emerging challenges in healthcare and cognitive science, the Católica Luz Academic Clinical Centre support the launch of Bachelor’s Degree in Cognitive Systems and Neurosciences, a pioneering programme that bridges biomedical sciences with technological innovation. This decision was based on the rising relevance of brain-related diseases and the opportunity to integrate health, technology, and data science in an emerging interdisciplinary field.
In addition, CAC-CL helped launch two new Master’s programmes starting in 2025: the Master in Medical Education and the Master in Immunology and Vaccinology.
Another significant development was the launch of CAC-CL’s Executive Education Program, with four courses organized throughout 2024, totaling 138 hours of training, 31 expert lecturers (national and international), and 71 participants. These courses reflect CAC-CL’s commitment to bridging education and practice across the healthcare innovation landscape.
Taken together, this educational reform reflects CAC-CL’s mission to provide lifelong, interdisciplinary training grounded in clinical reality and scientific advancement.
🔬 Biomedical Research and Innovation: Expanding Capacity and Global Presence
Moreover, CAC-CL achieved significant progress in its scientific agenda by conducting 20 active research projects, many of which were supported through competitive national (FCT, PRR) and international (Horizon Europe) funding.
A major highlight was the establishment of the Católica Biobank, now integrated into the national Biobanco.pt network, with branches in Lisbon and Viseu. This infrastructure enhances translational research capabilities and facilitates the sharing of biological samples and clinical data for collaborative projects. Ongoing developments include a new artificial intelligence platform, designed to integrate clinical datasets to support advanced diagnostics, preventive strategies, and personalized treatment protocols.
At the same time, CAC-CL continued to foster institucional alignment and research engagement by participating in the 3rd Hospital da Luz Research Congress, which focused on strengthening collaboration between research and support teams.
👥 Human Resources and Gender Equity: Investing in Talent and Diversity
Notably, the universe of CAC-CL experienced a 26% increase in its workforce, growing from 359 to 452 professionals in 2024. Notably, 66% of the staff are women, reflecting a strong institutional commitment to gender equity and inclusion.
Even more impressive, we also surpassed the forecasted number of researchers, reaching 382 compared to the 363 initially projected – a growth of over 22% from 2023.
🩺 Clinical Simulation and Experiential Learning: Empowering Competence Through Practice
In line with this growth and with a focus on hands-on, experiential learning, the CAC-CL significantly expanded its use of clinical simulation in 2024.
Specifically, a total of 388 training events were conducted, including 111 simulation-based sessions at the SkillsLab, the practical training center of the Católica Medical School dedicated to hands-on medical education. This growth supports our mission to promote experiential learning and clinical skills development.
🤝 Institutional Partnerships and Visibility: Building a Collaborative Ecosystem
As part of its integrative strategy, the CAC-CL continues to operate as an integrative hub for academic, clinical, and industrial stakeholders. In 2024, it maintained 97 active partnerships with universities, hospitals, research centers, and technology companies at both national and international levels.
Moreover, institutional visibility and internal coordination were also reinforced through:
- The appointment of an Executive Coordinator in March 2024;
- The recruitment of a Communications and Marketing Assistant in March 2025;
- The launch of a new communication and branding strategy to enhance the visibility of CAC-CL’s initiatives across various platforms.
🔭 Strategic Outlook for 2025: Advancing Health Innovation Through Knowledge and Collaboration
Looking ahead, CAC-CL aims to deepen its role as a national and international reference in clinical research and innovation. The 2025 strategy focuses on:
- First and foremost, strengthening capacities across the academic-clinical ecosystem (students, researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals);
- Promoting joint initiatives with strategic partners to address shared challenges;
- Attracting competitive funding and international scientific talent;
- Reinforcing the connection between scientific knowledge and patient-centered healthcare delivery.
As such, as a dynamic space for co-creation, CAC-CL reaffirms its long-term commitment to developing integrated, science-driven, and people-centered solutions to the health challenges of tomorrow.
In 2025, CAC-CL also aim to play a more active role in strengthening communication and synergy between partners and pretends intensify efforts to create joint initiatives, increase visibility of partner achievements, and co-create solutions to shared challenges. Through this ecosystem-based approach, we aim to build a resilient and forward-thinking academic-clinical community that is prepared not only to answer to the needs of today but to anticipate and shape the health systems of tomorrow.
In conclusion, we remain committed to building a resilient and collaborative academic-clinical ecosystem, prepared to anticipate and address the health challenges of the future!