As stated in the decree establishing it, the CEEM aims to “study issues in neurology and psychiatry, while specifically continuing research in the field of neurosurgery initiated by that Professor.” (Egas Moniz).
Objective of CEEM:
- To promote research in Clinical Neurosciences, particularly in Neurology and Neurosurgery, leveraging its proximity to the care services of Unidade Local de Saúde Santa Maria (Inpatient Units, ICU, Day Hospital and Outpatient Clinics), the FMUL Bioimaging Center, and, above all, the excellence of the clinicians and academics within the Faculty and Hospital departments;
- Attract young talent to research activities within the scope of Ph.D. projects and train young physicians in research methodologies;
- Establish synergies with other research groups in Neurosciences and create conditions for integration and leadership in European and international research projects;
- Promote postgraduate education through FMUL’s Doctoral Programs, UL’s Doctoral School, and specialized postgraduate courses.
Research Themes/Scentific Areas:
- Cerebrovascular diseases, behavioral neurology, dementias, headaches, sleep and epilepsy, demyelinating diseases, and therapy/surgery for movement disorders;
- Collaborative research projects with Clinical Units of the IMM dedicated to Clinical Neurology:
- Mamede de Carvalho Lab: Neuromuscular diseases;
- Joaquim Ferreira Lab: Movement disorders.
Principal investigators will continue to pursue excellence, international visibility, leadership, and synchronized efforts between teaching, clinical activity, and research. A continuous focus will be maintained on securing external and international funding to ensure the sustainability of research efforts.
CEEM's Functions:
- External service provision, notably cognitive assessments conducted at the Language Studies Laboratory;
- Bibliographic support for Neuroscience studies at the national level, through the historical collection of the Library;
- Clinical and translational research in Neurology, especially in areas not covered by GIMM laboratories (epilepsy, sleep, headaches, demyelinating diseases, neuropathology), with a cross-cutting focus on cognitive, behavioral, and communication neurology;
- Preserve and globally disseminate the memory, personality, and works of Professor Egas Moniz (Egas Moniz Museum);
- Promote postgraduate training activities.
Additional Highlights:
- Clinical and Basic Neuroscience Library;
- Egas Moniz Museum
- Administrative Unit
- Laboratories: EEG and Sleep, EMG and Evoked Potentials, Language Studies, and Cerebral Hemodynamics
The Egas Moniz Study Center (CEEM) was founded in 1950, with Professor Egas Moniz serving as its first President. Initially located at Júlio de Matos Hospital, the CEEM was relocated to Santa Maria Hospital in 1957, where it was situated within the Neurology Department, as established by Decree-Law No. 40965, published in the Government Gazette, No. 1 – Series I, on January 2, 1957.
At the time of its creation, CEEM aimed to conduct scientific research in what is now known as Clinical Neurosciences, encompassing neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry, following the legacy of Professor Egas Moniz’s work. Despite numerous challenges and changes over the past seven decades, the center has remained a prestigious research institution within the Faculty of Medicine.
Throughout its history, CEEM has been led by distinguished and highly regarded figures in science and academia, including Professors António Flores, Pedro Almeida Lima, João Pedro Miller Guerra, João Alfredo Lobo Antunes, Alexandre Castro Caldas, and José Manuel Ferro.
In 1995, CEEM’s research units became part of the Lisbon Neurosciences Center, and by 2001, most transitioned to the Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM). In 2022, following renovations carried out by FMUL, the Center was reactivated as a major national hub dedicated to Clinical Neurosciences.
