About Us
Founded in 2023, the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) is a pioneering Portuguese private research foundation with an ambitious vision for fundamental scientific exploration and its profound impact on global health and well-being.
GIMM is dedicated to unraveling the fundamental mysteries of life and aims to be at the forefront of transdisciplinary research. From the beginning, GIMM has strived for scientific excellence and societal impact, driving the future of molecular medicine for a healthier world.
GIMM was born from the merger of two leading research institutes: Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM) and Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC). This strategic union combines both institutes’ strengths, expertise and resources, enhancing our research capabilities and fostering synergies to address complex scientific challenges.
Our Mission
GIMM (Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine) is a visionary merger between two esteemed institutions in Portugal: Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM) and Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC).
In 2022, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, University of Lisbon, Lisbon Medical School, Santa Maria University Hospital, “la Caixa” Foundation and the international global holding company ARICA decided to create a unique research institute in the fields of life and biomedical sciences by merging these two institutions.
With this merger, the founders’ goal is ambitious – to create a globally leading scientific research institute that will generate multi- and cross-disciplinary knowledge to answer fundamental questions of biology and human health in a fast-evolving environment. All while developing solutions to improve health outcomes and promote local and global health equity.
An integral part of this mission is a lasting commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, reflected both in the work we do and within our own community. Read our Inclusive Gender and Equality Plan here.
Our Vision
At the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM), our mission is anchored in scientific excellence and societal impact, structured around five key pillars:
Challenging Frontier Science
We will promote curiosity-driven research and interdisciplinary collaboration, leveraging cutting-edge technologies. By recruiting top talent through international calls and hosting renowned programs, we will increase GIMM’s global visibility and attract the brightest minds.
Boosting Health Outcomes
We will bridge the gap between discovery and application through translational and clinical studies. Engaging diverse stakeholders, we will pioneer innovative, data-driven solutions to enhance global health outcomes and promote equity.
Fostering Innovation & Translation
We will prioritize translating scientific advancements into practical applications for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, driving healthcare innovation.
Nurturing the Next Generation
We will nurture the next generation of scientists through innovative training programs and career development support, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to excel in transdisciplinary research.
Beyond GIMM walls
We will shape the national and European R&D landscape through collaboration, promote excellence in research and training, and engage society in scientific and cultural development.
GIMM is committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and improving global health and well-being.
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Our history
The GIMM has built upon the long history of research at the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência and the Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes.
For many years, the scientific landscape in Portugal resembled a desert. It was only in 1961, when the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC) was created by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation that the first seed of a forest that would one day become big and colourful took roots. By training the leaders of the future, IGC played a determinant role for science in Portugal. After IGC, other institutes followed.
It was in this growing ecossystem that the Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM) was created, in 2002, feeding on a close relationship with the biggest universitary hospital in Portugal and the Faculty of Medicine. The iMM rapidly became a leading research institute in biomedical sciences in Portugal.
Now, these two outstanding research institutions have merged so as to create a unique research institute where fundamental and applied science coexist – the Gulbenkian Institute of Molecular Medicine (GIMM). GIMM aims to become an international, world-leading multi- and cross-disciplinary research institute, and is set to actively encourage individuals in the pursuit of disruptive ideas to advance our fundamental understanding of life, and to meet current and future challenges to global health and well-being. In the years to come, GIMM will contribute to make the scientific forest in Portugal exhuberant.
Our founding institutes
iMM
Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes
Founded in 2002, the Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM) quickly established itself as a dynamic force in biomedical research, hosting approximately 485 researchers from 25 nationalities across 30 research groups. Strategically positioned alongside Portugal’s largest medical school (FMUL) and the North Lisbon University Hospital Center (CHULN), iMM fostered strong connections to clinical sciences. Beyond its research endeavors, iMM played a pivotal role in shaping national science policies and addressing global challenges, exemplified by its leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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IGC
Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência
Established in 1961, the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC) became a renowned European hub for international collaboration and scientific excellence in Portugal. With nearly 300 researchers from 45 nationalities across 27 research groups, IGC attracted global talent to Portugal. The institute’s pioneering PhD programs stimulated critical thinking and promoted talent, inspiring the next generation of scientific leaders. IGC graduates now contribute to various sectors worldwide, showcasing the institute’s effectiveness in nurturing versatile talents with a global reach.
Our Partners
Striving for a Better Future