03-07-2024
On 28 July, NOVA FCT welcomed Luciana Santos, the Brazilian Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, to its Caparica Campus. The minister visited the Materials Research Centre (CENIMAT), a key facility within NOVA FCT's Materials Science Department.
Minister Santos underscored the importance of developing research networks and international collaboration on projects targeting sustainable development. "Our mission is to bolster the use of renewable resources and materials that reduce costs through advanced technologies, ultimately enhancing people's quality of life," she stated.
Elvira Fortunato, a professor and researcher in the Department of Materials Science , led the tour of CENIMAT, highlighting NOVA FCT's commitment to sustainable technologies. "We already have several environmentally friendly technologies in use today. However, ongoing support for the research and development of less polluting and more sustainable technologies is essential to achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and advancing toward a society where quality of life is in harmony with technological progress," Fortunato explained.
João Sàágua, rector of Universidade Nova de Lisboa, also emphasized academia's societal impact. "NOVA is a university attuned to social issues and has a civic dimension. This School is open to society and reacts swiftly to collaborative challenges through interdisciplinary groups and strategic partnerships. We seek ambitious projects and are developing significant synergies with Brazil," Sàágua noted.
José Alferes, dean of NOVA FCT, reinforced this collaborative spirit, emphasizing the close relationships among teachers, students, and researchers. "We are a School of Science, Engineering, and Technology that excels in innovation. Our teaching fosters an entrepreneurial mindset in our students. As a research-focused school, we take great pride in our scientific achievements," Alferes stated.
Rodrigo Martins, coordinator of CENIMAT, highlighted the role of innovation and industry collaboration in the laboratory's work. "We are committed to innovation and enjoy partnering with industry. Our strategy, initiated in 2006, has been successful. The creativity and quality of our students are crucial, and we proudly showcase our work: the volume and quality of our publications reflect our excellence. Among the 17 ERC grants awarded to NOVA FCT, 11 went to five researchers from this department. Currently, we have 75 projects underway, involving around 40 million euros," Martins remarked.
Minister Santos' visit to NOVA FCT strengthens the cooperative ties between Brazil and Portugal, focusing on promoting sustainable research and developing innovative technologies that benefit future generations and improve quality of life.
The welcoming ceremony, held in the Leopoldo Guimarães auditorium, included various representatives from the Faculty and civil society, followed by a tour of the CENIMAT facilities.
Dean of NOVA FCT presents the School.
From left to right: João Sàágua, Rector of NOVA, Luciana Santos, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Brazil, Elvira Fortunato, Professor and Researcher at the Department of Materials Sience of NOVA FCT..
The delegation observes one of the many projects at CENIMAT.
Rodrigo Martins, Coordinator of CENIMAT, with the Dean of NOVA FCT and the President of ANI.
