The Department of Innovation, Research and Internationalization (D3I) of Santa Maria Health School – Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria (Porto) is the structure that connects our school to scientific innovation, international practice, and the development of fundamental skills for our students and teachers. Our mission is to foster scientific research, support the implementation of relevant projects, and create opportunities for partnerships with strategic entities in the areas of Life Sciences, Health, Social Sciences, and Humanities.

DIPI not only contributes to the academic and scientific improvement of our students by providing access to new teaching approaches and techniques, but also facilitates participation in research projects that can have a real impact. Furthermore, it aims to increase employability, differentiating our students in the job market by promoting the development of essential soft skills.

At Santa Maria Health School, students and researchers have the opportunity to broaden their horizons through networking and new opportunities, establishing contact with international professionals and institutions. The D3I program opens doors for continuing studies or pursuing a career abroad.

Our approach includes openness to new cultures and working methods, allowing students to adapt to diverse clinical and cultural realities while developing intercultural and communication skills. We also offer international practical experiences, with internships in leading hospitals and clinics, where students can interact with different healthcare systems and gain valuable real-world experience.

In short, D3I is the engine that drives the academic, professional, and personal growth of our students and teachers, connecting them to the world with purpose and ambition.

D3I is divided into three areas that work together to offer you a richer academic experience, open to the world and with an eye toward the future:

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Scientific research at Santa Maria Health School – Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria (Porto) is one of the school’s main areas of development, aiming to advance knowledge in the Life Sciences, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences and Humanities. The research area seeks to support and involve students and professors in research and intervention projects, with a strong commitment to ethics, innovation, and creating a positive impact on society. The D3I program offers ideal conditions for Santa Maria Health School – Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria (Porto) to excel nationally and internationally, promoting scientific excellence and opening new doors for collaboration and skills development.

  • Research Support: The D3I supports students and professors who wish to participate in scientific research and intervention projects, promoting the development of skills, critical analysis, and evidence-based practice.
  • Development of Scientific Activities: Organizes technical-scientific reflection activities to foster debate and knowledge sharing among the academic community.
  • Promotion of Scientific Production: Encourages and supports the scientific production of faculty members, with opportunities to involve students in research projects.
  • Academic and Scientific Prestige: Supports the dissemination of research results, reinforcing the academic and scientific prestige of the Santa Maria Health School – Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria (Porto).
  • National and International Collaboration: Encourages the inclusion of the Santa Maria Health School – Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria (Porto) in international research networks, through association with national research centers such as RISE-Health and CIR.
  • Social, Clinical, and Educational Impact: Encourages the production of knowledge that has a positive impact in the clinical, social, and educational areas.
  • Rigor, Ethics, and Creativity: Promotes rigorous, ethical, and creative research, positioning the Santa Maria Health School – Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria (Porto) as a national and international reference in life sciences, health, social sciences, and humanities.
  • Opportunities for Scientific Communication: Opens doors for the publication of scientific articles, communication of results, and integration into research networks, expanding the visibility and impact of the Santa Maria Health School – Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria (Porto).

FUNDED PROJECTS

The mission of the D3I’s funded projects area is to promote innovation, collaboration, and institutional development through the acquisition and management of projects with national and international funding. These projects not only contribute to the achievement of the strategic objectives of the Santa Maria Health School – Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria (Porto), but also allow for the continuous improvement of teaching, research, and social intervention conditions. By involving professors and students, this area transforms ideas into actions with real impact on the academic community and society.

  • Promotion of Strategic Projects: Encourages the development of projects aligned with the objectives of the Santa Maria Health School – Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria (Porto), addressing emerging issues in the life sciences, health, social sciences, and humanities.
  • Management of National and International Projects: Ensures support for applications and execution of projects funded by programs such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, FCT, or Portugal2030.
  • Improvement of Teaching and Research Conditions: Contributes to the modernization of equipment, spaces, and laboratories, promoting innovation and academic quality.
  • Pedagogical Innovation: Stimulates new teaching and learning methodologies, in line with current trends in higher education.
  • Capacity Building and Support for Academic Teams: Helps teachers and researchers transform ideas into concrete projects through training, mentoring, and technical support.
  • Active Student Involvement: Supports student participation in collaborative projects, promoting hands-on learning, teamwork, and the development of transversal skills.

INTERNATIONALISATION

Internationalization is one of the strategic pillars of Santa Maria Health School – Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria (Porto), providing students, teachers, and staff with unique opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth beyond borders. Through mobility programs, global partnerships, and locally developed international initiatives, the internationalization area connects our School to the world, promoting the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and cultures.

  • International Mobility: Facilitates the mobility of students, teachers, and staff through the Erasmus+ program and other exchange programs, with destinations such as Austria, Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, Slovenia, Poland, Turkey, Brazil, the USA, among many others.
  • Internationalization at Home: Promotes activities with an international dimension without leaving the Santa Maria Health School – Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria (Porto), such as International Weeks, Mixed Intensive Programs (BIP), collaborative online projects (COIL), and other initiatives that connect our students to the world.
  • Support for International Students: Monitors and supports the integration of international students at the Santa Maria Health School – Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria (Porto), as well as the return of students who participate in mobility programs.
  • Funding and Mobility Support: Provides information and support for accessing funding and organizing international mobility programs, ensuring an accessible and enriching experience.
  • Global Partnerships and Networks: Encourages the creation of strategic partnerships with higher education institutions and international organizations, expanding opportunities for scientific, pedagogical, and professional collaboration.

Want to know more? Check out the Internationalization section.

CONTACTS

d3i@santamariasaude.pt / erasmus@santamariasaude.pt

PARTNERSHIPS WITH RESEARCH CENTERS