NOVA Center for Global Health Lab

Turning data into action

Working at the intersection of AI, data science and global health.

Founded in 2023, the NOVA Center for Global Health (NCGH) is an academic and research lab at NOVA Information Management School (NOVA IMS).

By combining scientific expertise with advanced analytics and digital information systems, we generate, translate and share knowledge that can lead to meaningful impact in global health.

We turn complex data and scientific evidence into practical insights and solutions that support better decisions, stronger public health policies, more effective health systems and improved health outcomes.

Mission

To advance research, innovation and evidence-based decision-making to address complex global health challenges by informing health policies and interventions, using artificial intelligence, data science and digital information systems.

What we do

Empowering Health Decisions
Develop and disseminate evidence-based Global Health policies and support healthcare decision-makers and political actors.
Designing Health Solutions
Create methodologies, tools and innovative solutions for health policy assessment and healthcare needs.
Driving Data for Value
Collect, process and disseminate health data to support evaluation, governance and value measurement.
Fostering Health Partnerships
Foster national and international partnerships, collaboration and knowledge exchange across Global Health networks.

Areas

The NOVA Center for Global Health translates data and science into decisions that save lives, improve health systems, and drive better policies.

Policy Impact Calculators: we turn complex data into clear scenarios, enabling decision-makers to compare policy options, anticipate outcomes and understand trade-offs.
Health Intelligence & Data Solutions: we integrate, analyse and visualise health data to identify trends, monitor indicators and measure value.
Primary Data Generation: we design and lead studies that generate original evidence on real-world experiences, needs and outcomes.
Strategic Consensus Building: we bring the health ecosystem together to integrate scientific evidence and real-world expertise into shared recommendations.

Projects

Policy Impact Calculators

Turning Data into Actionable Policy Insights

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Cardio Policy Optimiser (CPO)

A digital tool that models how cardiovascular health outcomes change under different public health policy scenarios.

Supports informed decision-making through scenario-based modelling.
Simulates epidemiological and economic impacts using robust scientific data.
Generates country-specific insights validated by cardiovascular health experts.

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Let's Control Flu (LCF)

A platform that models the impact of influenza vaccination policies on coverage and prevention outcomes.

Enables users to test different influenza vaccination strategies.
Uses national data to support country-specific decision-making.
Supports evidence-based prevention planning aligned with WHO vaccination targets.

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Health Intelligence & Data Solutions

Turning Data into Measurable Health Value

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Global Health Policy Lab

AI-powered analysis and benchmarking of global health policies to inform national health strategies, a project in partnership with Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and Charité Center for Global Health in Berlin.

Uses AI to collect, analyse and compare health policies across countries.
Provides an open-access repository for policy benchmarking and evidence synthesis.
Supports national health programs adapted to demographic and epidemiological needs.

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Municipal Health Strategy of Fundão 2025–2030

Dynamic monitoring of health, demographic and social indicators to support local decision-making.

Identifies the key demographic, health and social challenges facing the municipality.
Provides a dynamic dashboard to monitor indicators and implementation progress.
Connects local health planning with the real needs of the population.

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Primary Data Generation

Turning Data into Evidence Based on Real-World Data

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Living with Dementia

An in-depth analysis of the lived experience of informal caregivers of people with dementia in Portugal.

Examines caregivers’ perceptions and daily challenges across 14 areas of life.
Provides an in-depth view of informal dementia care in Portugal.
Generates evidence for policies and responses tailored to caregivers and people with dementia.

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Strategic Consensus Building

Turning Data into Strategic Leadership

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+Longevity

A national think tank on adult vaccination and healthy ageing, bringing together experts from different fields.

Brings together multidisciplinary experts in adult vaccination.
Builds consensus on prevention and health literacy.
Provides strategic recommendations for healthy and protected ageing.

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SHARP Initiative

A national think tank focused on improving patient access and the efficiency of the CAR-T therapy pathway in the Portuguese NHS.

Analyses key barriers and opportunities in access to CAR-T therapy.
Co-creates recommendations for sustainable and efficient integration into the Portuguese NHS.
Provides evidence-based guidance for decision-makers and health authorities.

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International Action in Global Health

Knowledge without borders

The NCGH fosters national and international relationships that strengthen scientific cooperation, facilitate knowledge exchange and connect stakeholders across the Global Health ecosystem.

The network of projects and collaborations currently represented spans Portugal, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Sweden and the United States.