Mónica Gonçalves

The Academic Clinical Center - Braga, Association (2CA-Braga) is a non-profit partnership between the University of Minho (UM), through the School of Medicine (EM) and the Life Sciences and Health Research Institute (ICVS), the Braga Local Health Unit (ULS-B) and the CUF-Porto Hospital. Its main mission is to promote clinical research, providing the necessary support and ensuring that the results translate into benefits for patients. The proximity and complementarity of the partners allows for the integration of a high level of medical-scientific knowledge in different areas of basic science and clinical activity. What's more, 2CA-Braga's location within the ULS-B facilitates access to different support services for its function (teams of professionals from different areas, from nursing to administrative support), placing it in a privileged position for the development of clinical research and training activities of excellence, maximizing the development of innovative biomaterials, diagnostic strategies, regenerative approaches and therapeutic products, ultimately enabling a significant contribution to the health of the population. 2CA-Braga occupies an inpatient wing, made up of various spaces that can be adapted to the development of clinical research projects, from pilot studies to Phase I, II, III and IV trials, offering a spacious and quiet space, fully equipped, ideal for carrying out various activities related to clinical practice, from patient assessment and medical care, to filling in questionnaires and applying neuropsychological and diagnostic tests. This location is very comfortable for patients, who thus see their participation in the projects as an extension of their healthcare, doing all the procedures in one place. The team is made up of highly differentiated members who make up the Administrative, Clinical Trial Coordination, Nursing, Research and Development, Financial Management and Contract Research Organization (CRO) teams. It also has a Clinical Director, specialized in Neurology and responsible for the Multiple Sclerosis consultation, and a doctor responsible for Phase I Clinical Trials. It also has its own ancillary services such as MRI equipment, TILT and a Sleep Laboratory, as well as easy access to ULS-Braga's ancillary services.