Message from the President of the CiiEM
Dear colleagues and distinguished guests,
It is with great enthusiasm that I invite you to participate in the 7th CiiEM International Congress, which will take place from July 2 to 4, 2025, on the campus of Egas Moniz School of Health & Science.
Under the theme “Empowering One Health to Reduce Social Vulnerabilities”, this congress proposes a profound, interdisciplinary scientific reflection on the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health, placing the One Health concept at the heart of the response to social vulnerabilities. This title was carefully chosen as it aligns fully with the priorities of the Horizon Europe Programme, particularly in promoting resilient health systems, disease prevention, reducing health inequalities, and integrating cross-sectoral approaches.
Approaching research with the ambition to jointly understand the interactions between human, animal, and environmental health is not a trend or a circumstantial response – it is a scientific and ethical necessity. This is not merely a paradigm shift but an imperative to ensure the sustainability of the planet and the well-being of future generations. Researchers and scientific institutions today carry the responsibility of adopting this systemic, transdisciplinary lens, offering solutions that respect and integrate the complexity of the ecosystems in which we live.
CiiEM continues to affirm itself as a centre of research excellence, with a real and measurable impact on society. This congress reflects our commitment to producing and sharing relevant scientific knowledge, fostering innovation, and strengthening academic and professional collaboration networks.
Over the course of three days, researchers, academics, students, and professionals from various fields of knowledge will have the opportunity to share their work, discuss best practices, inspire new approaches, and contribute to more sustainable and equitable solutions. Additionally, selected scientific contributions will have the opportunity to be published in an indexed scientific journal associated with the congress, further enhancing the international visibility of the research presented.
I warmly encourage everyone to follow the upcoming announcements regarding the program, keynote speakers, and registration details. We are preparing an ambitious, impactful, and globally open edition.
We look forward to welcoming you.
José João Mendes
President of CiiEM
Message from the Chairs
In the face of today’s complex global challenges — from climate change and pandemics to widening social inequalities — the One Health approach has emerged as an essential framework for building a more resilient and inclusive future. The 7th CiiEM International Congress, under the theme “Empowering One Health to Reduce Social Vulnerabilities”, aims to contribute meaningfully to this vision by fostering dialogue, sharing cutting-edge research, and promoting cross-sector collaboration.
Taking place from July 2 to 4, 2025, in Caparica, Portugal, and organized by the Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), the Congress brings together an interdisciplinary community of researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders committed to transforming science into impact.
This year’s scientific program is built around several key themes that reflect the complexity and urgency of applying a One Health lens in today’s world. These include the role of technological innovation in advancing health and biomedical research, alongside the need to address digital exclusion and ensure equitable access to health-enabling technologies. The program will also explore how urban planning intersects with public health, emphasising the importance of designing cities that promote physical, mental, and environmental well-being. Other central themes include mental health and psychosocial resilience, sustainable food systems, antimicrobial resistance, and the social dimensions of healthcare access. By highlighting these interdependent areas, the Congress aims to foster scientific literacy and intersectoral collaboration and effectively translate research into policies and practices that can reduce social vulnerabilities and support healthier communities.
The Congress provides an excellent platform for collaboration and innovation, and it is supplemented by poster sessions, symposia, and networking moments.
We look forward to welcoming you to Caparica and a Congress that we hope will inspire new ideas, partnerships, and lasting contributions toward a healthier and more equitable world.
Cristina Soeiro, PhD
João R. Vaz, PhD
Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research
The Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM) is a hub of innovation and knowledge creation that promotes a paradigm of translational research and teaching in collaboration with other functional structures of Egas Moniz. The center strongly emphasises community engagement in various contexts, such as health, health-related sciences, and social services.