On 18 April, Técnico ULisboa once again opened its doors to the public at the Alameda Campus for another Open Day, welcoming visitors of all ages eager to explore the impact of science on everyday life. The event featured the active participation of researchers from CQE, who presented their areas of research in an accessible and interactive way, demonstrating how chemistry and engineering can transform society when combined.
Among the various activities, Tiago Paiva highlighted the importance of innovative materials in developing sustainable solutions, addressing topics such as corrosion prediction and protection, and emerging energy storage technologies. Meanwhile, Carlos E. Monteiro, showcased the study of environmental contaminants, from sample collection across different media, such as water, sediments, and organisms, to their treatment and analysis, emphasizing the contribution of Sustainable Analytical Chemistry to ecosystem preservation.
With a similar focus on environmental protection, researchers Karina Shimizu and Carmen Bacariza led an activity dedicated to carbon dioxide conversion. They explained the key role of chemical engineering and catalysts, the “superheroes” of chemical reactions, in reducing emissions and tackling climate change.
Ana Paula Serro and her team presented applications of biopolymers in the biomedical field, demonstrating how everyday resources such as shrimp, potatoes, and milk can be transformed into innovative healthcare materials. Compounds such as chitosan, starch, and proteins were highlighted for their potential in creating smart antibacterial materials, controlled drug delivery systems, and solutions for tissue regeneration. Visitors were given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of the origins and applications of these biomaterials in a fun and engaging way.
The event also featured researchers Maria João Ferreira and Laura Esteves, who engaged with younger audiences, sparking their interest in different research fields and encouraging them to engage with science from an early age.
CQE´s presence at this Técnico ULisboa Open Day reinforces its commitment to science communication, making research more accessible to the public and raising awareness of the importance of scientific research in developing innovative solutions to current and future challenges.
