João Conde in Expresso: Portugal can't Evolve Without a Strategic Alliance Between Science and Industry
João Conde, researcher at the Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC) and head of the Nanomedicine Research Group at NOVA Medical School, recently authored an opinion piece in the national newspaper Expresso, issuing a clear message: Portugal must urgently strengthen the link between science and industry to ensure its economic and social development.
In the article, titled “Can science transform Portugal without industry? And can industry drive Portugal forward without research?”, Conde explores the structural barriers that hinder the transformative power of scientific research in the country. Despite the internationally recognised talent of Portuguese researchers and the high-quality science being produced, the lack of alignment with the industrial sector continues to block the translation of knowledge into economic impact, technological innovation, and, most importantly, tangible benefits for society.
“We have centres of excellence, disruptive projects, and a new generation of highly skilled researchers. But all of this risks remaining confined to the academic world unless we build an ecosystem that fosters collaboration with industry and supports structured investment in applied research,” argues Conde.
The CHRC researcher also stresses the need for a more supportive political and economic environment for investment in health innovation, noting that many projects still rely almost entirely on public funding, which is often limited and weighed down by excessive bureaucracy.
“It’s time to change the paradigm: science cannot move forward alone. And industry cannot innovate without science,” Conde concludes.
João Conde’s public reflection in Expresso is not just a call for attention—it is a call to action for policymakers, business leaders, academics, and citizens who believe in science as a true engine of national development.