01-06-2016
The Collaborative Santander Totta / NOVA Research Prize University of Lisbon 2015/2016 was awarded to the team of researchers Vicent Debut (Faculty of Social and Human Sciences) and Rui Silva (Faculty of Science and Technology) with the project "Singing bronze: Material sciences and acoustic engineering techniques advanced toward the preservation of the Mafra carillon bells. "
Constituting a remarkable advance in Materials Science and Musical Acoustics, this research will contribute to the preservation of the Mafra carillons. This important cultural heritage encompasses a unique set of 102 bells, which are presented as the two largest carillons survivors of the eighteenth century in Europe.
The winning project includes two NOVA groups with complementary research activities under this project: a team led by Dr. Vincent Debut (INET-md, FCSH) has extensive experience in the areas of vibration and acoustics, particularly in the understanding of physical phenomena that give origin to musical sounds. The group directed by Professor Rui Silva (CENIMAT / I3N, FCT) has extensive experience in the areas of materials, specifically in techniques of elemental analysis and macro-structural metal.
The award ceremony for the Prize will take place on June 2 at the National Palace of Mafra, and will be attended by the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, Prof. Doctor Manuel Heitor. The Collaborative Research Prize Santander / NOVA University of Lisbon aims to distinguish research projects developed by junior NOVA researchers NOVA Youth and involving at least two of the organic units of the University. The premium, annual basis successively includes research projects within the Social and Human Sciences, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences and Engineering, is awarded in 2015/2016 in the area of Exact Sciences and Engineering. The maximum amount to be allocated in each edition will be € 25,000€.
