Informatics and Statistics for Advancement of Research Success

Objective

With iSTARS, “Informatics and Statistical Tools for the Advancement of Research Success”, FMUL (School of Medicine at Lisbon University) proposes to take advantage of the ERA Chair mechanism to enact true transformational change that will promote excellence in research and competitiveness in acquisition of funding. We will recruit a top scientist and team in the area of medical informatics/data science, to do state-of-the-art research in these areas. As vast amounts of data are produced in medical practice and research, a capability to analyse that data and extract information becomes crucial for research success at a Medical School. This is lacking at FMUL, and we believe that the foundational and cross-cutting nature of data science for medical research makes this a unique project. The objective is not just for the ERA Chair holder to conduct great science in medical data science, which in itself will promote excellence, rather the goal is for she/he to collaborate across the Institution and help transform the way other researchers at FMUL do science. At the same time, iSTARS will provide resources for the ERA Chair that will allow not only better science, but professionalization of project management, funding procurement, and outcomes communication. The work packages and activities planned are built around three key excellence axes: i) scientific; ii) advanced training; and iii) a translational program. Excellence in science through the ERA Chair expertise and leadership; advanced training in data science, project management, communication and ERA Priorities (e.g. gender mainstreaming and open science); a translational program to collaborate with stakeholders and sustainability beyond iSTARS. In summary, we believe that iSTARS responds to the objectives, goals and scope of the call and we have defined this project to enhance excellence in scientific projects at FMUL, with impact in the research and innovation landscape of the Institution, Region, and beyond.