The Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) was established in 2023 through the merger of the Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM) and Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC), two leading research institutes in Portugal. GIMM is dedicated to pioneering frontier research that pushes the boundaries of scientific knowledge and addresses pressing global health challenges. Its vision is grounded in a commitment to scientific excellence and societal impact, making it a hub for groundbreaking discoveries that transform our understanding of biology and human health.
GIMM’s 39 research groups, comprising over 700 researchers, are dedicated to six core scientific areas: cell and developmental biology, gene regulation, evolution, host-pathogen interactions, immunity and inflammation, and neurosciences. By exploring these fields, GIMM aims to answer fundamental questions that drive the development of innovative solutions, from basic scientific discoveries to tangible healthcare applications. Its work not only advances the frontiers of molecular medicine but also seeks to bridge the gap between discovery and practical application, ensuring that its findings directly contribute to improving health outcomes and promoting equity on a global scale.
In fact, GIMM’s structure includes two core components: GIMM Discovery, which focuses on fundamental research and the pursuit of scientific breakthroughs, and GIMM Care, which emphasizes the application of scientific knowledge to improve healthcare and quality of life. Through the Care initiative, GIMM aims to revolutionize clinical and translational research by creating a pioneering Center of Excellence in Portugal. This people-centered, data-driven model brings together a diverse range of stakeholders to collaboratively address key health challenges, accelerate the translation of research into clinical practice, and foster innovative solutions that respond to the most urgent healthcare needs.
Through these efforts, GIMM stands at the forefront of global efforts to enhance scientific understanding and improve human health, making it an ideal partner for those committed to supporting cutting-edge research with profound societal impact.
Frontier Research
At GIMM, we position our science at the forefront of frontier research by embracing a bold and transformative approach to discovery that integrates fundamental and applied research. Our unique structure, divided into GIMM Discovery and GIMM Care, embodies this vision by unifying curiosity-driven exploration with a focus on real-world healthcare solutions.
GIMM Discovery is the heart of our fundamental research, where scientists are encouraged to pursue groundbreaking ideas that push the boundaries of our understanding of biology and human health. This component thrives on curiosity-driven research, fostering a culture where curiosity, innovative thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration are encouraged. By nurturing this exploratory spirit, GIMM Discovery not only advances our knowledge but also lays the groundwork for future innovations that can have profound impacts on science and society.
GIMM Care, on the other hand, is dedicated to translating these fundamental discoveries into practical applications that directly address healthcare challenges. By focusing on clinical and translational research, GIMM Care aims to shorten the path from fundamental scientific discoveries to real-world health solutions. This component brings together a diverse network of stakeholders, including clinicians, researchers, patients, and industry partners, to co-create innovative, data-driven approaches that enhance health outcomes and promote equity.
The synergy between GIMM Discovery and GIMM CARE ensures a dynamic flow of knowledge and innovation, where fundamental research informs applied projects, and practical needs inspire new scientific questions. This interconnected approach enables GIMM to rapidly adapt to evolving healthcare challenges, driving both scientific excellence and societal impact. By bridging the divide between curiosity-driven research and its application, we position GIMM not just as a leader in molecular medicine but as a catalyst for transformative change in global health.
Beyond the walls of GIMM, we actively shape the national and European R&D landscape through collaboration, promoting excellence in research and training, and engaging society in scientific and cultural development. Our efforts extend beyond traditional boundaries, pushing the limits of scientific knowledge and making a profound impact on global health and well-being. By focusing on ensuring these values and aims, GIMM stands at the forefront of frontier research, driving transformative change and advancing the frontiers of molecular medicine.