The Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CiBB) has been awarded the highest classification of “Excellent” in the most recent evaluation of R&D Units by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), under the 2023/2024 Multiannual Funding Program – see the provisional results here.
 
As a result of this evaluation, CiBB will receive more than 10M€ in funding for the 2025-2029 period. This recognition highlights the center’s outstanding scientific achievements between 2018 and 2023, as well as the strength and ambition of its strategic plan for the coming years.
CiBB brings together the expertise of CNC-UC (Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology) and iCBR-FMUC (Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, and, since 2024, Teaming projects MIA-Portugal (Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing) and GeneT (Gene Therapy Center of Excellence).
Organized around four research areas - Neuroscience and Disease, Metabolism, Ageing, and Disease, Innovative Therapies, and Healthcare Challenges - CiBB is dedicated to advancing knowledge on disease mechanisms and converting this understanding into clinical solutions and technological advances.
Home to over 700 researchers, including over than 300 PhD holders and more than 220 PD Students, CiBB is the largest research institute in Centro of Portugal, encompassing 38 interdisciplinary research groups. The center is deeply committed to internationalization, actively participating in projects funded by the FCT, the European Union, international foundations, and industry. Between 2018 and 2023, CiBB researchers produced over 2,500 Q1 publications, reinforcing its scientific impact.
It also plays a key role in training the next generation of scientists through highly internationalized master’s and PhD programs - CiBB is involved in 13 advanced training programs.
CiBB also plays a key role in bridging science and society. Through dynamic science communication and public engagement initiatives, it has reached more than 200 M people in last 6 years, promoting scientific literacy, engagement and fostering public trust in science.
 
Crucially, CiBB bridges the gap between the lab and clinical practice — actively translating fundamental research findings into real clinical benefits. This is made possible through close collaboration with the Coimbra University Hospital and its Clinical Academic Center, ensuring that discoveries lead to improved healthcare solutions.
 
Technology transfer is another strategic focus, with 23 active intellectual property families, 9 granted patents, and 11 active spin-offs currently translating scientific breakthroughs into innovation. This enables the translation of research discoveries into intellectual property, economic value, and real-world clinical applications.
 
 
With this new round of funding and recognition, CiBB reinforces its role as a leading force in biomedical research and innovation, both nationally and internationally.

Learn more about CiBB through our book, website and video.