The event was organised by the Clinical Research Centre (CiC2Fs) of ULSBM, integrated within the Training, Research and Development Unit (UFID), directed by Dr Maria João Vieira and coordinated by Dr Ana Pais.

Following the presentation of the newly established Nursing Research Unit, the programme continued with a round-table discussion entitled "Protected Time for Clinical Research", moderated by Dr Adriana Rocha, Consultant in Public Health and Head of Department. The discussion focused on a central question: Should protected time for research be considered a luxury or a priority?

Dr Ana Raquel Santos, President of the Board of Directors of ULSBM, emphasised that, from a management perspective, improving healthcare services and patients' quality of life must always remain the priority. She noted that, within the public healthcare system, protected time scholarships must be managed responsibly and demonstrate measurable outcomes to ensure continued credibility. Regardless of the clinical area, research projects should generate tangible benefits for the institution.

Dr Ana Isabel Gomes, Consultant Psychiatrist and PhD candidate researching healthcare professional burnout, argued that healthcare professionals should be given "the space to dream," explaining that developing new research projects provides motivation beyond everyday clinical practice. Drawing on her ten years of professional experience in Germany, she highlighted the strong emphasis placed on education and research, supported by dedicated funding allocated to each healthcare professional.

Representing the Egas Moniz Health Alliance (EMHA), Professor Firmino Machado, Vice-President of EMHA, presented the Alliance's perspective on Protected Time Scholarships, outlining their guiding principles, benefits, and evaluation criteria. He explained that the programme, already implemented across three EMHA partner Local Health Units, is designed to support research without compromising clinical activity. He stressed that projects should ultimately improve patient care while delivering clear institutional benefits, such as greater efficiency and reduced healthcare costs.

Following a coffee break, Professor Firmino Machado also presented EMHA's mission and activities within the consortium, followed by the presentation of three scientific publications authored by ULSBM healthcare professionals.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of the Professor Manuel Veríssimo Clinical Research Award, recognising the best scientific work presented at the event:

• "Strategies Used to Deliver Bad News to the Family of Unexpected and Sudden Death Victims: A Scoping Review Protocol", by Hélène Malta, Registered Nurse, Differentiated Inpatient Care Unit.

EMHA congratulates the Baixo Mondego Local Health Unit for another important milestone in promoting clinical research and fostering a culture of innovation within the institution.

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