The i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde is a private, non-profit research institute known for its multidisciplinary approach and strategic collaborations with the University of Porto, leading hospitals in the northern region of Portugal, and companies in the health sector. The two latest national evaluations of Portuguese Research Units resulted in top scores. It focuses on 3 research programs addressing major challenges as cancer, infectious diseases, neurologic disorders and regenerative medicine. The programs’ transdisciplinary nature allows to address questions on the molecular and cellular basis of living systems, mechanisms underlying disease and the development of novel tools for screening, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. i3S has 68 research groups, ~850 researchers, 3 Clinical and Diagnostic platforms providing cancer, infectious and neurodegenerative diseases clinical services to the community and 14 scientific platforms, which provide access to advanced equipment for research in many fields. i3S has several transversal units ensuring all management, financial and communication aspects to successfully implement R&D projects. i3S also fosters continuous advanced training and annual educational and outreach activities to close the gap between science and society.