Multimorbidity and Frailty in Older Adults: Clinical and Therapeutic Challenges (Portugal)

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) is inviting applications for the Multimorbidity and Frailty in Older Adults: Clinical and Therapeutic Challenges Prize, which recognizes the best scientific article by an eligible early-career researcher. The winner will receive a EUR 10,000 lump-sum award for outstanding research related to multimorbidity, frailty, and clinical challenges affecting older adults.

About the Multimorbidity and Frailty in Older Adults Prize

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) has launched the Multimorbidity and Frailty in Older Adults: Clinical and Therapeutic Challenges Prize to recognize and reward exceptional scientific research conducted by early-career researchers.

The award honors high-quality scientific articles that contribute to improving the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of multimorbidity and frailty among older adults. It aims to encourage young researchers working within the Portuguese science and technology system while promoting excellence in aging and healthcare research.

The prize is funded jointly by two foundations and is awarded as a single lump-sum payment.

Programme Objectives

The prize aims to:

• Recognize outstanding scientific research on multimorbidity and frailty in older adults.
• Encourage excellence among early-career researchers.
• Promote innovative clinical and therapeutic research.
• Advance knowledge related to healthy aging and geriatric healthcare.
• Strengthen scientific research within the Portuguese science and technology system.
• Reward high-impact peer-reviewed publications.

Research Focus Areas

Eligible scientific articles may focus on topics including:

• Multimorbidity in older adults
• Frailty and healthy aging
• Clinical challenges in geriatric medicine
• Therapeutic interventions for older adults
• Chronic disease management
• Geriatric healthcare
• Prevention and management of frailty
• Aging-related health research
• Clinical research on older populations
• Evidence-based healthcare for elderly patients

Why This Prize Matters

As populations continue to age, multimorbidity and frailty have become major healthcare challenges worldwide. These conditions increase the risk of hospitalization, disability, reduced quality of life, and healthcare costs.

This prize recognizes young researchers whose scientific work contributes to better understanding these challenges and supports the development of improved clinical practices and therapeutic approaches for older adults.

Prize Information

The selected winner will receive:

• EUR 10,000 prize funding.
• A single lump-sum payment.
• Recognition for outstanding scientific achievement.
• Increased visibility within the scientific and healthcare research community.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

• Be under 35 years of age on the application submission deadline.
• Be affiliated with an institution within the Portuguese science and technology system.
• Submit only one original scientific article.
• Be the first author of the article, or
• Be a co-author with explicitly acknowledged equal contribution in the publication.

Article Eligibility Requirements

The submitted article must:

• Focus on Multimorbidity and Frailty in Older Adults: Clinical and Therapeutic Challenges.
• Be original scientific research.
• Have been published in a national or international peer-reviewed journal, or
• Have been formally accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Include proof of formal acceptance if the article has not yet been published.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• A copy of their Citizen Card or another valid identification document.
• A letter from the head of the research group confirming:
  • The research was conducted within the laboratory or institution.
  • The work was completed with the institution’s knowledge and approval.
  • The applicant’s specific contribution to the research.
  • Endorsement of the application.
• Proof of formal acceptance if the article has not yet been published.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm eligibility based on age and institutional affiliation.
2. Select one eligible scientific article.
3. Verify that the article has been published or formally accepted.
4. Obtain the required endorsement letter from the research group leader.
5. Prepare identification and supporting documents.
6. Include proof of journal acceptance if applicable.
7. Submit the complete application before the official deadline.

Benefits of the Prize

Successful applicants receive several advantages, including:

• A EUR 10,000 financial award.
• Recognition for scientific excellence.
• Greater visibility within the research community.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Recognition for contributions to aging and geriatric research.
• Support for future academic and research activities.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Submit a high-quality peer-reviewed article.
• Clearly demonstrate their individual contribution to the research.
• Ensure all supporting documents are complete.
• Obtain a detailed endorsement letter from the research group leader.
• Verify that proof of publication or acceptance is included.
• Carefully follow all application requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Submitting more than one article.
• Missing proof of publication or journal acceptance.
• Omitting the required endorsement letter.
• Failing to demonstrate authorship eligibility.
• Providing incomplete identification documents.
• Applying without meeting the age requirement.
• Submitting incomplete applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the value of the prize?

The winner receives a EUR 10,000 lump-sum award.

Who can apply?

Researchers under 35 years of age who are affiliated with an institution within the Portuguese science and technology system.

Can unpublished articles be submitted?

Yes. Articles that have been formally accepted for publication are eligible, provided proof of acceptance is included.

How many articles can an applicant submit?

Each applicant may submit only one original scientific article.

What authorship is required?

Applicants must be the first author or a co-author whose equal contribution is explicitly acknowledged in the publication.

What documents are required?

Applicants must submit identification, an endorsement letter from the research group leader, and proof of journal acceptance if the article has not yet been published.

What research topics are eligible?

The article must focus on Multimorbidity and Frailty in Older Adults: Clinical and Therapeutic Challenges.

Conclusion

The FCT Multimorbidity and Frailty in Older Adults: Clinical and Therapeutic Challenges Prize provides an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers to gain recognition for outstanding scientific work in aging and geriatric healthcare. With a EUR 10,000 award and recognition for high-quality research, the prize encourages innovative studies that improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of multimorbidity and frailty in older adults while supporting the next generation of researchers in Portugal.