Build a solid foundation of knowledge while strengthening analytical and problem-solving skills in the biomedical field, within a truly global learning environment
An international, student-centred program taught in English, with research at the core
NBR - International Master’s in Biomedical Research provides the core skills required to identify scientifically relevant challenges in Biomedicine and Health Sciences, translate them into experimentally testable hypotheses, and communicate results with rigour and clarity. The program combines advanced coursework, critical discussion, laboratory rotations, and a dissertation project.
Four areas of specialisation, defined by your dissertation:
- Aging and Chronic Diseases
- Oncobiology
- Neurosciences
- Regenerative Medicine
PROGRAM COORDINATORS
Rita Teodoro
Principal Investigator
Cláudia Guimas Almeida
Principal Investigator
APPLICATIONS 2026/2027
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APPLY HERE |
- LANGUAGE | English
- DURATION | 2 years
- TEACHING TYPE | In person
- SCHEDULE | Daytime, monday to friday
- START DATE | September, 2026
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WHAT YOU WILL ACHIEVE
In the NBR - International Master’s in Biomedical Research, you can explore your research interests while receiving personalised guidance and feedback.
The program follows a flexible structure, based on advanced courses updated annually.
Skills you will acquire
- Hypothesis formulation and experimental design, including appropriate controls and ethical considerations.
- Critical evaluation of scientific methods, models, and published evidence.
- Scientific data analysis and communication to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Strategic planning of research pathways across academia, healthcare, and industry R&D.
- Effective collaboration in multidisciplinary teams and autonomous research management.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Critical Skills in Research
Build essential research skills, including hypothesis formulation, experimental design, critical data analysis, and research ethics. Develop the ability to evaluate scientific articles, present research projects, and plan a scientific career across diverse contexts.
Course coordinator:
Paulo Pereira
Principal Investigator
Advanced Research Methods
Learn to define scientifically relevant questions, turn hypotheses into experimental approaches, and critically assess methods, techniques, and results in biomedical research. Develop the ability to select appropriate strategies and interpret data rigorously, while understanding limitations and alternative approaches.
Course coordinator:
Duarte Barral
Principal Investigator
Cell Regulation
Acquire essential knowledge of cellular regulation and its applications in biomedical research. Learn key experimental approaches in cellular and molecular biology, interpreting relevant concepts, emerging questions, and current scientific literature. Develop practical skills to design, execute, and critically discuss experimental protocols.
Course coordinator:
Rita Teodoro
Principal Investigator
Research Seminars
Develop advanced skills in critically evaluating scientific research. Analyse experimental design, controls, model selection, and data interpretation, with a focus on assessing the strength of evidence and distinguishing correlation from causality. Through seminar discussions, presentations, and research talks, practise identifying central claims, evaluating research coherence, and proposing next steps.
Course coordinator:
Cláudia Guimas Almeida
Principal Investigator
Laboratory Rotation I, II and III
Laboratory rotations provide hands-on experience in diverse research environments, helping you refine your interests and select a dissertation topic. Rotations are student-selected and may take place in academic laboratories or non-academic research settings.
Course coordinator:
Duarte Barral
Principal Investigator
Optional I, II e III
- Carcinogenesis – underlying molecular and cellular alterations
- From function to dysfunction in neural circuits and behaviour
- Stem Cells and Development
- Aging and age-related disease: From molecular mechanisms to therapies
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- Regenerative Medicine Strategies
- Mechanisms of neuronal differentiation, development and function
- Translational and Precision Medicine
- Translational & Clinical Oncology
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Thesis Project
Develop and consolidate the skills to plan and execute your research with autonomy and critical judgement. Learn to leverage scientific resources, interpret relevant literature, and design projects that address knowledge gaps or contribute to new discoveries and technologies.
Course coordinator:
José António Belo
Principal Investigator
Thesis
Research Project - 2nd Year
The dissertation consolidates your ability to carry out an independent research project – from question formulation to interpretation and communication.
You choose your dissertation project at NOVA Medical School, at partner institutions, or at other institutions.
Your dissertation topic defines your specialisation at NBR:
- Ageing and Chronic Diseases
- Neurosciences
- Oncobiology
- Regenerative Medicine
Course coordinator:
Rita Teodoro
Principal Investigator
CANDIDATE PROFILE
NBR is designed for students seeking a research-intensive Master’s with a strong balance between theory and hands-on experience in biomedical research.
If you are motivated to ask scientific questions, test hypotheses, and communicate results with rigour, NBR may be the right fit for you.
Open to students with a background in:
- Biology
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Physics
- Chemistry
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- Nutrition
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medicine
- Psichology
- Other degrees related to Biomedicine
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GET YOUR APPLICATION READY
FUTURE AND CAREERS
With NBR, you will be ready for research-intensive pathways across different settings:
- Research-intensive roles in biomedical settings, including industry and healthcare (research associate/fellow, laboratory specialist, platform roles, and other).
- Scientific research careers in academia.
- Scientific writing, science journalism, editorial roles in scientific journals.
- Science communication, science illustration
- Doctoral programs in Portugal and abroad.
RESEARCH IN NBR
In a global research landscape, international exposure is a valuable part of scientific training. You may choose to complete laboratory rotations and/or your dissertation research project in laboratories abroad, subject to approval by the NBR coordination.
This flexibility allows you to experience different research environments and ways of working while developing the core skills of the programme
INVESTMENT
Tuition fee 2026/2027
- National Student (EU) | €2.500,00 (annual) *
- International Student (non-EU) | €4.000,00 (annual) *
Other fees
- Application | €51,00
- Enrollment | €35,00 (annual)
- School insurance | €14,00 (annual)
* flexible payment options are available. Contact us for more details.
Program accreditation:
