CICECO News » Portugal–China Partnership Advances Sustainable Chemistry and Materials Research

The 2025 Conference of the ECUST–UAveiro Joint Research Center for Sustainable Chemistry and Materials took place from October 13 to 15, 2025, at the East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) in Shanghai, China.

The event brought together researchers, faculty, and graduate students from both institutions to strengthen scientific collaboration and exchange in the fields of sustainable chemistry, advanced materials, and green process technologies.

Hosted by ECUST’s School of Chemical Engineering and sponsored by Suzhou Fuller Biotechnology Company and Triumph Haofeng Agricultural Group Co., Ltd., the conference marked an important milestone in the growing cooperation between China and Portugal in the area of sustainable science and technology.

A step forward in Luso-Chinese scientific collaboration
This international meeting builds upon the Luso-Chinese Joint Research Center for Sustainable Chemistry and Materials, established through an agreement signed earlier this year between the University of Aveiro and ECUST. The partnership aims to promote joint research, educational cooperation, and the transfer of advanced technologies, reinforcing the long-term commitment of both institutions to sustainable innovation.

During the three-day event, participants shared recent advances in areas such as renewable chemical processes, functional and biodegradable materials, energy-efficient catalysis, and circular economy approaches. The sessions fostered dialogue between Portuguese and Chinese research teams, identifying opportunities for new joint projects, publications, and researcher exchanges.

Strengthening international research networks
The presence of the Aveiro cohort reflected the institution’s dedication to advancing global collaboration in materials and chemical sciences. Discussions throughout the conference underscored the complementary expertise of the two institutions and the mutual benefits of combining scientific capacities to address shared sustainability challenges.

The 2025 ECUST–UAveiro Conference thus consolidates the foundation of the Joint Research Center and sets the stage for continued cooperation in sustainable chemistry and materials—areas central to building a greener and more resilient future.