i3N at the 2025 China-Portugal Traditional Medicines Forum
Dr. Henrique Vazão de Almeida took part in the 2025 China-Portugal Traditional Medicines Forum, held at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon.
Representing i3N, Dr. Henrique presented the group’s research on Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications, highlighting the potential of advanced materials in bridging modern science and traditional medicine.
The Forum also featured a video address by Professor Rodrigo Martins, who emphasized the importance of strengthening scientific collaboration between China, Portugal, and Europe.
The participation of i3N in this international event reinforces the institute’s commitment to scientific diplomacy, international cooperation, and research excellence.
05-11-2025
i3N through NOVA FCT is an associate partner of FERNS, an European research initiative coordinated by Tyndall National Institute, that aims to reshape how electronic devices are designed, manufactured, and reused. The project is now recruiting 15 PhD researchers to help build the next generation of sustainable electronics, and 2 of these positions are at NOVA FCT.
Funded through the 2024 Horizon Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks programme, FERNS offers early-stage researchers the chance to work across disciplines and countries, addressing the environmental impact of electronics and advancing circular design principles.
The applications are open until December 31st, 2025.
29-10-2025
DCM students win the Tapojärvi Innovation Challenge
After winning the Demo Day of the NOVA impACT! Challenges, the NOVA Startup Competition 2025, GeoCura, a team composed of Erasmus Mundus students from the Master in Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling at DCM achieved international recognition by winning the Tapojärvi Innovation Challenge. This competition, organized in Finland, offers European university students the opportunity to apply their skills to solving effective industrial challenges, developing scalable and replicable solutions aimed at fostering a sustainable industry.
 
31-10-2025
Professor Rodrigo Martins Opens the International Conference on Advanced Materia
Professor Rodrigo Martins, Coordinator of i3N and President of the European Academy of Sciences, delivered the opening speech of the International Conference on Advanced Materials, which is taking place from 20 to 23 October in Ningbo, China.
Tomorrow, October 21st, Professor Rodrigo Martins will also give a talk entitled “AI and Emerging Electronics Materials to Answer to Digitalization Demands”, highlighting the role of advanced materials in shaping the future of digital technologies.
On 22th October, Professor Elvira Fortunato, vice-coordinator of i3N, will present her lecture on “Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications”, focusing on the intersection between materials science and healthcare innovation.
Both Professors are part of the Advisory Board of the Conference, reinforcing i3N’s strong international presence and leadership in the field of advanced materials and nanotechnology.
Find out more about the conference here.
21-10-2025
Professor Elvira Fortunato will be the Chair of Graphene Week 2026
We are thrilled to announce that Professor Elvira Fortunato will be the Chair of the upcoming Graphene Week 2026, taking place in Porto, Portugal, from 21–25 September 2026.
 
Graphene Week is Europe’s leading conference on graphene and 2D materials, bringing together over 500 international experts, researchers, and students to share the latest advancements in innovation and technology. This 21st edition promises cutting-edge discussions, networking, and inspiration at the Super Bock Convention Center in the heart of Porto.
 
Join us in celebrating science, collaboration, and the incredible contributions of leaders like Professor Fortunato!
 
Learn more: Graphene Week 2026
09-10-2025
Professor Rodrigo Martins awarded the China Government Friendship Award 2025
The Chinese Government’s Friendship Award is the highest honour bestowed by the People's Republic of China on foreign experts who have made exceptional contributions to the country’s economic and social development.
The awards ceremony took place on September 30th, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, under the auspices of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs). The event was attended by other ministers and vice-ministers of the Chinese government. This celebration coincided with China’s National Day. 
Among the recipients, we proudly highlight Professor Rodrigo Martins, President of the European Academy of Sciences, i3N Coordinator, NOVA FCT Full Professor and coordinator of the association NANOMAT, who was selected to represent exceptional achievements so far achieved in the fields of science and technology. He was joined by three other distinguished global academicians, including Professor Donald Dingwell, current President of the Academy EUROPAEA, member of SAPEA (Science Advice for Policy by European Academies) and Professor Rui Martins, Vice-Rector of the University of Macau. Click to find out more.
08-10-2025
Professor Rodrigo Martins appointed as an expert in the EU-Japan Joint Expert Gr
Professor Rodrigo Martins was appointed as an expert in the EU-Japan Joint Expert Group on Advanced Materials.
Within this framework, Professor Rodrigo Martins was appointed to draft all initiatives related to Materials for Electronics. The group’s final recommendations have now been officially published by the European Commission and the Government of Japan.
The publication was announced on October 6, 2025, in Tokyo, by European Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, marking a key milestone in strengthening EU–Japan collaboration in research and innovation.
Click to read the official announcement and full report of the European Commission.
07-10-2025
8 activities and over 30 researchers from CENIMAT|i3N joined the European Researchers’ Night 2025, last Friday, September 26th, at Pavilhão do Conhecimento, Lisbon.
We shared science curiosities and hands-on experiences in key areas such as Climate Change, Beating Cancer, Smart Cities, and Ocean & Waters. Families and visitors explored our prototypes and interactive demos, discovering how our research is shaping a more sustainable and innovative future. 
Initiatives like this remind us that science is for everyone, and that together we can build knowledge, inspire curiosity, and create solutions for tomorrow.
A special thank you to all the researchers, students, partners, and visitors who made this night so inspiring!
02-10-2025
Líder Magazine | «My scientific freedom is untouchable», states Professor Elvira
From pioneering the world’s first paper transistor to leading 200+ research projects and securing over €78 million in funding, her impact is global. She served as Portugal’s Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, yet remains, in her own words, a “scientist-artist” whose scientific freedom is bulletproof and not for sale. Under her leadership, CENIMAT|i3N has become a hub for sustainable, cutting-edge materials research, winning 12 European Research Council projects—30% of NOVA University’s total ERC grants.
 
Read more about her inspiring journey (article in Portuguese) here.
29-09-2025
CENIMAT|i3N na Noite Europeia dos Investigadores 2025 | Pavilhão do Conhecimento
O CENIMAT|i3N vai marcar presença na Noite Europeia dos Investigadores 2025, no Pavilhão do Conhecimento, em Lisboa, no dia 26 de setembro, entre as 19h e as 24h.
A participação inclui oito atividades interativas que se inserem em quatro das cinco Missões da Comissão Europeia: Alterações Climáticas, Vencer o Cancro, Cidades Inteligentes e Oceano & Águas. A iniciativa oferece uma oportunidade única para conhecer os investigadores do CENIMAT|i3N, explorar tecnologias inovadoras e compreender de que forma a investigação científica que aqui realizamos contribui para um futuro mais sustentável. A entrada é gratuita e aberta a todos os públicos.
Clica para saber mais sobre as atividades.
25-09-2025