We’re Forward PALOP: Capacity Building in Health Sciences for Universities

The Forward PALOP Grant Program supports clinical projects that strengthen collaboration between universities and healthcare institutions in Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP). The programme aims to improve health research capacity, promote evidence-based healthcare practices, develop clinical standards, and address national health challenges through scientific collaboration.

About the Forward PALOP Grant Program

The Forward PALOP Grant Program provides funding support for clinical projects designed to strengthen cooperation between research centres, university health science departments, and healthcare facilities in Portuguese-speaking African countries.

The programme focuses on building stronger links between academic institutions and healthcare providers to improve healthcare quality through research, innovation, and evidence-based solutions.

The initiative supports countries belonging to the PALOP group:

• Angola
• Cape Verde
• Guinea-Bissau
• Mozambique
• São Tomé and Príncipe

Objectives of the Grant Program

The Forward PALOP Grant Program aims to improve health systems by supporting collaborative clinical research projects.

The main objectives include:

• Strengthening scientific and clinical research capacity.
• Improving health sciences training and professional development.
• Promoting the use of research findings in healthcare practice.
• Supporting evidence-based clinical interventions.
• Improving healthcare quality and patient outcomes.
• Encouraging publication and dissemination of research results.
• Developing clinical standards that can be replicated in different settings.
• Increasing participation in national and international research networks.

Key Areas Supported

The programme supports clinical projects that address national health priorities and strengthen healthcare systems.

Supported activities may include:

• Clinical research initiatives.
• Healthcare improvement projects.
• Development of clinical guidelines and standards.
• Research-based interventions.
• Training and capacity-building activities.
• Knowledge exchange between universities and health facilities.
• Dissemination of scientific findings.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-profit university-level educational institutions.
• Institutions specialising in Health Sciences.
• Universities located in eligible PALOP countries.

Eligible countries are:

• Angola
• Cape Verde
• Guinea-Bissau
• Mozambique
• São Tomé and Príncipe

Applications must be submitted in partnership with a healthcare institution located in the same country as the applicant university.

Partnership Requirements

Each proposal must include collaboration between:

Academic Institution

The university or research centre provides:

• Scientific leadership.
• Research expertise.
• Training capacity.
• Academic coordination.

Healthcare Institution

The partner health facility contributes:

• Clinical implementation.
• Access to healthcare settings.
• Practical application of research findings.
• Support for clinical activities.

The partnership should demonstrate how research outcomes will improve healthcare delivery.

Project Leader Requirements

The project leader must meet the following conditions:

• Be a faculty member of the applying institution.
• Hold a doctoral degree in health sciences.
• Live in the country where the project is implemented.
• Take responsibility for scientific and administrative leadership of the project.

Each proposal must also identify a clinical coordinator from the partner healthcare institution.

Required Proposal Information

Applicants must prepare a detailed project proposal containing:

Institutional Information

The application should include:

• Name of the proposing institution.
• Description of the institution.
• Experience in health sciences research and training.

Partnership Details

Applicants must describe:

• Partner healthcare organisations.
• Roles and responsibilities of each partner.
• Contribution of each institution to project implementation.

Project Description

The proposal should explain:

• Health challenge being addressed.
• Research objectives.
• Methodology.
• Expected outcomes.
• Benefits for healthcare systems.

Work Plan and Timeline

Applicants should provide:

• Project activities.
• Implementation schedule.
• Key milestones.
• Expected completion dates.

Budget Proposal

The budget should include:

• Planned project expenses.
• Resource requirements.
• Cost justification.
• Financial management approach.

Expected Impact

Applicants should demonstrate:

• How the project will improve healthcare quality.
• How research findings will be applied.
• Potential for replication in other healthcare settings.
• Contribution to national health priorities.

Why This Grant Matters

Many healthcare systems in Portuguese-speaking African countries face challenges related to research capacity, clinical training, and access to evidence-based healthcare solutions.

The Forward PALOP Grant Program helps address these challenges by:

• Connecting universities with healthcare providers.
• Strengthening local research capacity.
• Supporting practical healthcare improvements.
• Encouraging scientific collaboration.
• Creating sustainable clinical models.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Universities should verify:

• Their Health Sciences focus.
• Non-profit status.
• Location in an eligible PALOP country.
• Availability of a healthcare partner.

Step 2: Build a Partnership

Applicants should identify:

• A healthcare institution in the same country.
• A clinical coordinator.
• Clear responsibilities for each partner.

Step 3: Develop the Project Proposal

The proposal should include:

• Research objectives.
• Clinical relevance.
• Work plan.
• Budget.
• Expected impact.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applications should contain all required institutional, technical, financial, and partnership information according to programme requirements.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Focus on important national health challenges.
• Clearly explain how research will improve healthcare.
• Demonstrate strong university-health facility collaboration.
• Include realistic timelines and budgets.
• Highlight sustainability beyond the grant period.
• Show potential for wider adoption of results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting proposals without a healthcare partner.
• Selecting projects without clear clinical relevance.
• Providing unclear roles for partners.
• Missing required documentation.
• Developing research plans without practical implementation pathways.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Forward PALOP Grant Program?

The Forward PALOP Grant Program supports clinical research projects that strengthen collaboration between universities and healthcare institutions in Portuguese-speaking African countries.

Which countries are eligible for this grant?

Eligible countries include Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Who can apply for the Forward PALOP Grant?

Non-profit university-level Health Sciences institutions in eligible PALOP countries can apply in partnership with a local healthcare facility.

Is a healthcare partner required for the application?

Yes. Every application must include a partnership with a healthcare institution located in the same country as the proposing university.

Who can become a project leader?

The project leader must be a faculty member of the applicant institution, hold a doctoral degree in health sciences, reside in the country, and lead the project.

What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports clinical research, evidence-based healthcare interventions, capacity building, clinical standards development, and projects improving healthcare practices.

What information must be included in the proposal?

The proposal must include institutional details, partnership information, project design, work plan, timeline, budget, relevance, and expected impact.

Conclusion

The Forward PALOP Grant Program provides an opportunity for universities and healthcare institutions in Portuguese-speaking African countries to work together on clinical projects that improve healthcare systems. By strengthening research capacity, promoting evidence-based practices, and creating sustainable clinical solutions, the programme supports better health outcomes and stronger scientific collaboration across PALOP countries.