The updated model is organized into Thematic Lines (TLs), Structuring Projects (SPs), and Associated Research Projects (ARPs), with ethics, scientific integrity, internationalization, and management of information (such as productivity data) as core principles.

The 4 Thematic Lines - TLs (Education and development of the discipline; Self-care and Health-Disease; Well-being and Health Promotion; and Care Systems, Organization, Models, and Technology) provide direction to UICISA: E research activities. Each TL includes several SPs, which last over time and allow the organization of research on a specific research topic. The SPs provide structure and focus to the UICISA: E research activities on the following priority health research topics: Active and healthy aging; Gender, health and development; Migration and human mobility; Palliative and end-of-life care; Dependent people and self-management of chronic conditions; Mental health promotion; Infection prevention and control; Safety culture and quality assurance in health care; Integrated and person-centered care models; Digital health; Nursing history, theory and identity; Teaching and learning in the health sciences; and, Lifestyles and prevention of risk behaviors.

Each SP should include various ARPs, such as funded projects, PhD projects, Postdoctoral projects, and master projects. ARPs have a limited time horizon and require planning of the research process to create impact for the advancement and application of scientific knowledge. The R&D activities of each ARP may include generation, synthesis, transfer, and/or implementation/application of scientific knowledge throughout the life cycle and in the various intervention contexts (healthcare institutions, home, communities, schools, workplaces).

The sustainable development of the projects is strengthened through specific measures and specialized techniques and resources, that is, the Strategic Axes: Evidence-Based Practice; Experimental and Applied Research in Health Care Technologies (TecCare); Publication and Dissemination of Scientific Knowledge; Researchers’ Training and Pedagogical Innovation; and Extension and Citizen Involvement.