FLAD Science Award Mental Health - 1st Phase

* The 1st phase of applications for the FLAD Science Award Mental Health is now closed.

On October 9th, we launched the largest award to support Mental Health research in Portugal. It’s 300.000 euros, in an annual edition. This initiative is recognized by the Minister of Health, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations.

The impact of the pandemic on access to Mental Health care and on the Mental Health of the population itself was considered “devastating” by the World Health Organization. The problem is now central by the words of leaders around the world, underlining as fundamental in all analyses of the impact of the pandemic. The urgent increase in funding that is needed according to the WHO, was established even before the pandemic. Now it’s fundamental. It has become even more evident to all of us that it is crucial to value Mental Health and to fight the stigma with which mental disorders are associated.

Promote clinical research on Mental Health in Portugal.

The FLAD Science Award Mental Health, the largest scientific award for Mental Health in Portugal, aims to support clinical research projects of young psychologists, psychiatrists, family doctors, neurologists, and other professionals in this area, in Portugal, with the cooperation of the United States.

But also contribute to the quality of life of patients, at a time when the needs around Mental Health are even more evident.

Key research areas for the 2021 edition

In this first edition, FLAD preferred not to close the field of research in a particular group or in a specific pathology. The focus is on developing new clinical approaches, which can be dedicated to prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The idea is that these approaches reflect a better understanding of the impact of different factors – biological, life experiences, family history, epidemiological, among others – on the development of mental disorders.

Award

The prize has a value of 300.000 euros, for a maximum of 3 years, which corresponds to 100.000/year.

Jury

The evaluation shall be carried out by a scientific committee composed of:

• Catarina Resende de Oliveira, Full Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra, former Director of the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology,President of the Agência para a Investigação Clínica e Inovação Biomédica (AICIB).
• Miguel Xavier, Full Professor at the NOVA Medical School, Director of the Portuguese National Mental Health Program (DGS), and Psychiatrist at the Hospital Center of Western Lisbon.
• Margaret Lanca, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, President of the Massachusetts Psychological Association, and Director of the Adult Neuropsychology and Psychological Testing and Training at Cambridge Health Alliance.

Candidates profile

• Hold a PhD, maximum 8 years ago at the opening date of the open call. Those who have completed their PhD on or after November 1st of 2012 are eligible.
• To be associated with a research center recognized by FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) in the area of Mental Health and clinical research.
• Have the support of the health unit and research center associated with the research plan.
• Research in Portugal, independently, autonomously, and with scientific quality.
• Include a research interaction with a United States entity.

Evaluation

The award will be granted after an analysis of the applications in a two-stage process:

• Phase 1: The first phase of applications opens between November 1st and November 30th, 2020, focusing the evaluation on the scientific and professional curriculum of the candidate, and on the main ideas presented in the research proposal.
• Phase 2: The best-qualified candidates in the first round are invited to participate in the second phase of the application. The proposal for the research plan for the 3 years of duration of the award, between January 15th and February 15th, 2021. A final interview can also be anticipated.

The final results will be known on the 31st of March of 2021.

Applications

For the first stage of the application, it is necessary to attach the Applicant Biosketch form.

We advise you to read the notice of this open call (Notice – FLAD Science Award Mental Health), where you can find all the details about the award.

Any question related to the prize or the application process, please email fatima.fonseca@flad.pt

Follow us through this website and our social media to stay briefed about the selection process.