Institute of
Public Health,
University of Porto
Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto (Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto – ISPUP) is a leading center for population health research, dedicated to producing and sharing high-quality scientific knowledge and training future public health professionals. Its work brings together experts from epidemiology, biostatistics, behavioral and social sciences, environmental health, nutrition, and health policy – fostering strong interdisciplinary collaboration.
Within ISPUP, the Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit) focuses on advancing population, clinical, and translational epidemiology. EPIUnit integrates rigorous quantitative and qualitative research approaches to generate evidence that can be applied directly to community and policy contexts, helping bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world impact.
In IMPROVE PRETERM, ISPUP brings expertise in public health, epidemiology, sociology, and qualitative research. The team ensures that social, policy, and health equity perspectives are embedded throughout the project. ISPUP co-leads the work package dedicated to reviewing, generating, and synthesizing evidence to support policy and economic decision-making on the long-term comparative effectiveness of interventions for very preterm populations.
Henrique Barros
I am a public health researcher and Full Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Porto since 2000. I am responsible for the design and implementation of the three Portuguese population-based cohorts currently underway, which follow adults (EPiPorto), adolescents (EPITeen), and newborns (Generation XXI). I also coordinate the Perinatal Determinants of Health Lab, which aims to advance knowledge on methodological challenges and health determinants, and to evaluate interventions that may contribute to giving every child the best start in life.
Mariana Amorim
I am a public health researcher with a particular interest in studying the impact of adverse events on individuals’ health, quality of life and well-being as well as the interplay of resilience factors, using a lifecourse and mixed methods approach. I am especially interested in the lived experiences of very preterm infants and their parents, having contributed to several studies in this field.
Carolina Coutinho
I am a Senior Technician at ISPUP, where I conduct research activities within the IMPROVE PRETERM project. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, where I gained training in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics applied to health. Bringing these two fields together, I developed a strong interest in public health and epidemiology, where I have carried out my first scientific work and aim to continue contributing to the advancement of knowledge.
Ana Raquel Carvalho
Psychologist with research focused on cognitive assessment and child and adolescent development. Experienced in longitudinal cohorts and involved in cohort management, data collection, follow-up assessments, and studies on developmental determinants.