On 9 October 2025, the Jornadas CICECO gathered at the Casa da Cultura de Ílhavo under the theme “Navigating the Borders of Knowledge.” The event united researchers, educators, students, and industry representatives for a day devoted to sharing ideas, celebrating achievements, and strengthening the scientific community.

The opening session featured Paulo Ferreira, Rector of the University of Aveiro, who emphasized the societal relevance of CICECO’s work, noting that:

“It is not merely about advancing science; the research emerging from CICECO lies at the heart of today’s global challenges. It addresses what truly matters for the future.”

Following, João A. P. Coutinho, CICECO Director, reviewed the year’s key milestones—highlighting the advances of the associated laboratories, the excellent FCT evaluation results, and numerous scientific achievements and new investments. He also announced the kickoff of CICECO’s 25th anniversary, marking the beginning of a year of celebrations aimed at reinforcing community bonds and expanding strategic networking through dedicated events across this commemorative period.

Scientific Highlights & Programming

The scientific agenda blended keynote lectures, PhD pitches, and poster sessions, designed to encourage exchange across CICECO’s diverse research areas—ranging from sustainable chemistry and advanced materials to biomedicineand nanotechnology.

Morning session highlights included:

• A keynote by Javier García-Martínez (University of Alicante) on nanoengineering catalysts for more efficient and sustainable chemical processes.
• Silvia Marchesan (University of Trieste) explored supramolecular chemistry and nanotechnology for functional hydrogels.
• The first round of PhD pitches, where early-stage researchers presented their work in concise, five-minute sessions.

Afternoon session highlights:

• Albert Tarancón (IREC) on “The Dawn of the Ion Age: When Ions Take Control,” discussing the rise of iontronics.
• Pedro Barquinha (NOVA University Lisbon) on flexible electronics as a frontier of innovation.
• Yury Gogotsi (Drexel University) delivered the closing keynote on MXenes, exploring their potential in energy storage and smart materials.

The event concluded with the CICECO Awards Ceremony, the announcement of Jornadas CICECO 2026, and a convivial networking dinner.

Engagement, Creativity, and Communication

This edition reinforced CICECO’s spirit of openness and creativity through innovative formats and recognition of excellence across categories:

The PhD Pitch Challenge encouraged doctoral researchers to communicate their work in accessible and engaging ways.
- Winner: Bárbara Vaz
- Honourable Mention: Xavier Pinheiro

The Poster Sessions promoted direct dialogue and collaboration among participants.
- Best Poster: Joana Figueiredo et al.
- Honourable Mention: Vinícius de Paula et al.

The Art in Science Photo Contest showcased the aesthetic dimension of scientific work.
- First Place: Joana Figueiredo
- Honourable Mention: Mariana M. Almeida

The Young Scientists Awards 2025 recognised outstanding contributions from early-career researchers.
- Sofia Soares, Daniela Lopes, and Nuno Gama

These initiatives underscored the commitment to creative science communication, visual storytelling, and the development of future scientific leaders.

Looking Ahead: Jornadas CICECO 2026 and the CICECO Alumni Network

Alongside the announcement of Jornadas CICECO 2026, the event marked the launch of a new section of the CICECO website dedicated to strengthening community identity:
CICECO Alumni: https://www.ciceco.ua.pt/alumni

This new platform celebrates the institute’s people — past and present — by gathering stories, interviews, and testimonials from those who have shaped CICECO’s 25-year journey. 

The CICECO Alumni initiative aims to foster continuous engagement among researchers, graduates, and collaborators worldwide, creating a global network that reflects the institute’s collective impact and ongoing commitment to scientific excellence.

Relieve the moments

- You can access the photo gallery here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/BYK9pjCw6BEfHaVp7 

- And watch the event highlights on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DPoHhhCDN9B/ 

- Download the book of abstracts:
https://jornadasciceco.web.ua.pt