FemTech Talks: Mind the Research Gap

About Event
Women are 51% of the population, yet women's health remains one of the most underfunded and underresearched areas in healthcare.
Only around 4% of global health R&D funding goes towards women’s health, and just 1% is focused on female-specific conditions outside of oncology. For decades, women were excluded from clinical research, and it was only in 2016 that sex was formally recognised as a key biological variable in many studies.
So what does this gap actually mean in practice?
And more important, who is working to close it?
Join FemTech Portugal for an accessible, thought-provoking session exploring the research gap in women’s health, and the people pushing the field forward.
This evening brings together industry leaders across research and drug development to unpack the challenges, and opportunities, in building a more inclusive future for healthcare.
Whether you work in the space or are simply curious, this is an open and informal way to learn more about an important and often overlooked area of healthcare.

🕒 Agenda
18:30-19:00 | Arrival & Welcome
Arrive, grab a drink, and meet the community.
19:00-19:10 | Setting the Scene
A short overview of the current state of women’s health research, globally and in Portugal.
19:10-19:30 | Pitching the Next Wave in Women's Health Research
Short presentations from researchers working on women’s health R&D:
Dr Helena (Vaz) Cruz, Clinical Research Project Manager at Champalimaud Foundation, will discuss the CINDERELLA, a major EU-funded initiative using digital health tools to transform breast cancer screening.
Dr Liliana Carneiro, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Universidade de Coimbra (BioMark Research Group), will present the SENSOPAD project, developing wearable and portable devices to monitor biomarkers linked to endometriosis, a condition that is often underdiagnosed and can take years to identify.
19:30–20:00 | Panel Discussion
A conversation with speakers from research and drug development, sharing different perspectives on how the gap can be addressed:
Dr Helena (Vaz) Cruz, Clinical Research Project Manager at Champalimaud Foundation
Dr Ana Palmeira de Oliveira, General Manager at Labfit&Pharmapoli and Professor at University of Beira Interior
Dr Lorena Diéguez, Research Group Leader at INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory
20:00–21:00 | Networking & Drinks
Stay for a drink, continue the conversation, and get to know others in the space.

🌿 About the Organisers
FemTech Portugal
FemTech Portugal is a non-profit association dedicated to accelerating women’s health innovation in Portugal. We bring together founders, healthcare professionals, researchers, investors, and advocates to connect, collaborate, and create a meaningful impact in women’s healthcare.
Our mission is to build a strong and inclusive ecosystem that empowers innovation, supports collaboration, and amplifies the voices shaping the future of FemTech in Portugal and beyond.

📸 Privacy & Media Notice (GDPR)
By registering for and attending this event, you acknowledge that photos and short videos may be taken for communication and promotional purposes by FemTech Portugal and our partners. These materials may be used on our website, social media channels, and community communications.
If you prefer not to appear in photos or videos, please inform a member of the FemTech Portugal organising team at check-in, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Your personal data will be processed in accordance with GDPR and used solely for event-related communication.