Stories of Scientific Excellence: 12 Researchers Awarded with FCT Contracts
The 2025 edition of the Individual Call to Scientific Employment Stimulus (CEEC) by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) has brought recognition to CICECO. Twelve researchers were selected across diverse fields, from chemical sciences to nanotechnology and biotechnology, underscoring the CICECO’s scientific breadth and international reputation.
New Process Enhances Detection of Breast Cancer Biomarker HER2
A team of researchers from the University of Aveiro (CICECO and Department of Chemistry), in collaboration with INESC-MN, has developed a new process for the pre-treatment of human serum that significantly improves the detection of the breast cancer biomarker HER2. This technology enhances sensitivity and specificity in complex clinical samples, enabling faster, cost-effective, and point-of-care diagnosis. The invention, created under an FCT-funded project, is already under provisional and European patent protection.
Julia Polak International Prize Recognises Doctoral Work in Biomaterials
Cátia Monteiro is a researcher in biomaterials and tissue engineering. Her work focuses on the development of advanced 3D tumour models, including cellular micro-aggregates and microfluidic chips, to study bone diseases such as osteosarcoma and evaluate innovative therapies. Her doctoral research was awarded the prestigious Julia Polak European Doctorate Prize by the European Society for Biomaterials, recognising the scientific excellence and innovation of her PhD.
Rita Sobreiro-Almeida receives The ISBF Early Career Investigator Award 2025
The International Society for Biofabrication (ISBF) Early Career Investigator Award recognizes exceptional early-career scientists who demonstrate remarkable creativity and scientific excellence in biofabrication, driving innovation and creating meaningful impact in this rapidly evolving field.
Innovative Sensor Technology for Drone Monitoring Developed with New Partnership
The University of Aveiro (UA) and Tekever have established a strategic partnership for a project focused on developing a new intelligent sensor solution for drone monitoring. The collaboration involves the Department of Physics (DFIS) and CICECO at UA.
CICECO secures 37 spots in Stanford’s 2024 List of the World’s Top 2% Scientists
According to the 2025 edition of the study coordinated by Professor Ioannidis (Stanford University, USA), 37 researchers from CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials are recognized among the world’s leading scientists.
When Science Meets Art: João Maia’s Creative Example
João Maia, COMPASS/CICECO PhD student, designed Aggregate journal cover featuring his own research. "Scientists are artists - we have a canvas and expensive supplies, so we try to make the best of it to convey our message." Creativity is essential for solving real problems hidden in nature's complexity.
CICECO Research Excellence Recognized with the FEMS Master Thesis Award 2025
João Lopes Miranda (CICECO/DEMaC, UA & SPM) achieved 2nd place in the prestigious FEMS Master Thesis Award 2025 at EUROMAT (Granada), with his innovative work on sustainable ultra-fast sintering for electroceramics.
Professor Mário Ferreira receives the FEMS Materials Gold Medal 2025
The official award ceremony took place at FEMS EUROMAT 2025 (14–18 September 2025, Granada, Spain), a leading European conference in the field of materials science.
Visit the Exhibition “Made of Science: The Materials of Our Future”
The exhibition reinforces how materials science positively transforms our daily lives, and is open to the community.