Lisbon, Portugal, 4 May 2026 – Researchers, policymakers and development leaders gathered at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon to showcase joint scientific projects funded under the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Portugal's Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) Programme. The event highlighted a decade-long partnership focused on advancing knowledge and improving quality of life, particularly in underserved communities, with the Ismaili Imamat via AKDN contributing significantly to this research agenda.

Launched under the 2015 Seat Agreement between the Ismaili Imamat and the Government of Portugal, and formalised through a 2016 Protocol of Co-operation, the initiative supported research across Portugal, Portuguese-speaking African countries, and beyond. With €10 million committed and matched by the Portuguese Government, the programme funded 37 projects from 288 submissions. In February 2026, Portugal and the Ismaili Imamat signed a new protocol worth approximately €5 million to deepen scientific and technological collaboration.

Spanning health, education, climate, energy and sustainable development, these projects engaged more than 150 institutions across 35 countries. They produced nearly 200 publications and strengthened research capacity through over 50 advanced degrees and numerous professional training programmes.

As an AKDN agency, the Aga Khan University (AKU) has been actively advancing the partnership's vision to bring deep expertise, global research capacity and a strong focus on addressing pressing challenges in low- and middle-income countries. Its contributions span areas such as maternal and child health, infectious and non-communicable diseases, climate and environmental research, and education, ensuring that the programme remains grounded in real-world impact.

AKU President Sulaiman Shahabuddin underscored the transformative power of collaboration and knowledge creation. “The AKDN-FCT partnership reflects our deep belief in the importance of research and knowledge creation to the future of our planet," he said. “Through the collaborative creation of new knowledge, we can improve quality of life and address the challenges facing disadvantaged communities."

Dr Salim Virani, Vice Provost, Research at AKU, highlighted the human dimension of this work. “Research is not only about discovery. It is about creating hope," he said. “Through partnerships like AKDN-FCT, we are fostering solutions that bring hope to individuals, families and communities: translating knowledge into meaningful improvements in the quality of life."

The event featured presentations on projects funded through the first and second calls for proposals in 2017 and 2021. Topics ranged from renewable energy solutions to malaria control, sustainable fisheries and urban planning – demonstrating how locally grounded research can generate globally relevant insights. A third call for proposals is expected to launch later in 2026, with a focus on larger, high-impact projects, thematic priorities, including artificial intelligence and climate, and deeper engagement across AKDN agencies.

The Lisbon gathering celebrated progress while pointing to a future where research continues to connect disciplines and communities in pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable world.

Other engagements during the visit

Alongside the Lisbon convening, senior representatives of the Ismaili Imamat and Aga Khan University met Portuguese health-sector leaders to review ongoing collaboration and explore future opportunities.

Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat, and AKU President Sulaiman Shahabuddin met Ana Paula Martins, Minister of Health of Portugal, to review joint initiatives under the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health and AKU. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across priority health-system areas. The meeting was also attended by António Rendas, member of AKU’s Board of Trustees; Salim Virani; and Rahim Kassam, Executive Director of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Portugal.

A separate meeting was held with Adalberto Campos Fernandes, Portugal’s former Minister of Health, to review AKU’s collaboration in Portugal and exchange perspectives on health systems development.