Stem Cell Technologies

Stem cell-based therapies are thriving. In fact, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly investing in stem cell technology to develop innovative and potentially valuable new treatments for severe human diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer´s and Parkinson´s disease, mood disorders, brain tumors and even stroke. Moreover, although seminal advances have occurred in understanding stem cell biology, further work is still needed to bridge the current gap between stem cell technologies and effective treatments for brain-related disorders. Stimulating the scientific interest in the topic will certainly accelerate and improve the successful transfer of stem cellbased discoveries from the bench to the bedside.

Coordination:

Susana Zeferino Solá da Cruz, Associate Professor with Aggregation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon.

Christa Rhiner, Principal Investigator, Champalimaud Neuroscience Program

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Legislation:

Regulamento n.º 638/2016 – Regulamento dos Cursos Não Conferentes de Grau da Faculdade de Farmácia da ULisboa

This course will take place between March 16 and 20, 2026 (in-person teaching) and March 23 to April 3, 2026 (preparation of the document for assessment).

The course has a total of training hours equivalent to 6 ECTS.

The training hours are distributed as follows:

• Theoretical hours: 28.5 hours
• Practical hours: 5h
• Tutorial hours: 10 hour

Hours not mentioned above correspond to independent work within the scope of the assessment methodology.

Schedule: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Course location: FFUL and Champalimaud Foundation

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COURSE PROGRAM

Teaching Methodology:

Informal seminars and workshops with experts in the field. Collaborative learning with Jigsaw.

Learning and competences to be acquired by the student:

It is intended that participants understand the relevance and role of stem cells in different contexts, namely their involvement in the homeostatic and tumourigenic processes of various tissues and their manipulation in cell engineering processes for advanced therapies in various pathological conditions and other emerging fields. Finally, they are intended to obtain the necessary knowledge to discuss the risks and benefits of using these cells.

Assessment methodology:

The assessment will be divided into two components, each weighted at 50%. (i) Continuous assessment (50%) — based on students’ active participation in seminars and workshops, valuing involvement in discussions and practical activities. (ii) Final project (50%) — carried out in groups and focused on the theme “Concepts of therapeutic and/or diagnostic products based on stem cells.” This assignment consists of an interactive forum in which participants analyze and discuss the technology and application of two stem cell-based biotechnology companies. The assignment will be presented at the last workshop and submitted in written form with reasoned critiques of the two companies two weeks after the end of the course.

Application period: February 17 to March 3, 2026

Course start and end dates: March 16 and 20, 2026 (in-person teaching) and March 23 to April 3, 2026 (document preparation for evaluation)

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Entry Requirements: Education in health-related sciences such as pharmaceutical sciences, biology, biochemistry, medicine, biomedical engineering, among others.

Scientific or Specialization Areas: Stem Cells

Requirements and prerequisites: Education in health-related sciences such as pharmaceutical sciences, biology, biochemistry, medicine, biomedical engineering, among others.

Documents to be attached to the application: CV and Qualifications Certificate.

Selection and Ranking Criteria: Date of application.

• Minimum number of participants for course operation: 8
• Maximum number of participants for course operation: 25

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Fees and Tuition

• Application Fee: €10 (Note: The application fee is non-refundable if the applicant is excluded or not selected.)
• Course Tuition: €250
• Student Insurance: €2.10

Note: FFUL PhD students who wish to attend the course are exempt from paying registration and application fees.

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Application Process:

Applications for the course are made exclusively through the FenixEdu Platform of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon (FFUL).

Access to the FenixEdu Platform:

• If you have never been a student at FFUL you must pre-register on the FenixEdu Platform.
• If you are a former student of FFULisboa and have already had an account campus@ulisboa or @edu.ulisboa.pt you should access the FenixEdu Platform and authenticate yourself with your account data. If you have lost access to your account, you can recover your password in the ULisboa users area.
• If you are a former student of FFULisboa and have never had an account campus@ulisboa or @edu.ulisboa.pt you must send an email to cncg@ff.ulisboa.pt indicating your full name and ID document number.

Access the FenixEdu Platform.

• On the tab “Candidate”, choose the type of application: “Advanced Training Courses”, select the desired course.
• Fill out the online form and attach all the required documents in digital format. In the application process you can indicate whether you want the invoice to be issued in the name of another entity/company/institution.
• Select the “Submit” option.

Applications will only be validated by the Academic Services once the applicant has paid the Application Fee.

For information regarding the application process and course organization, please contact the Academic Department: doutoramentos@ff.ulisboa.pt