In 2026, CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials celebrates twenty five years since its establishment at the University of Aveiro. Founded in March 2002, CICECO has built a distinguished trajectory in interdisciplinary materials science, integrating chemistry, physics, materials engineering, and design to address complex global challenges through advanced materials research.

Over the past quarter century, CICECO has become one of Portugal’s leading research laboratories, internationally recognised for its contributions to sustainable materials, nanotechnology, biomedical applications, and circular economy strategies. The anniversary therefore represents not only a moment of institutional reflection but also an opportunity to highlight the scientific, technological, and societal impact generated by its research community.

So, when is the actual celebration? Although the formal anniversary date falls in March, the celebrations will extend throughout the entire year. This extended programme was designed intentionally to ensure broader participation from researchers, students, alumni, industry partners, and the wider public. By distributing initiatives across 2026, CICECO aims to create multiple moments of engagement that reflect the diversity and dynamism of its scientific ecosystem.

Join us in our Celebration

The commemorative agenda includes a broad set of scientific, institutional, and community oriented initiatives designed to showcase the institute’s achievements while reinforcing its future ambitions. These activities range from international workshops and thematic scientific meetings to outreach initiatives and internal community engagement.

The anniversary programme extends throughout the year through a series of scientific meetings and collaborative initiatives. Some events have already taken place, including the FAME Future of Advanced Materials in Europe and FAME EcoSys workshops, which brought together key actors from across Europe to strengthen collaborative networks and contribute to shaping research agendas in advanced materials. Another highlight was the CICECO–CIIAE Workshop on Energy Research (University of Aveiro, 6–7 November 2025), which featured 24 scientific lectures and gathered around 70 participants from Portuguese and Spanish institutions to discuss the present and future of energy research across the Iberian Peninsula.

Throughout 2026, several additional events will continue to mark this milestone:

REFLEX 2026 – Responsive Polymer Systems for Next Generation Flexible Electronics
University of Aveiro | 9–10 April 2026
An international workshop bringing together researchers in polymer science, flexible electronics, and advanced functional materials to promote interdisciplinary dialogue on responsive polymer systems and their role in next generation flexible and sustainable electronic technologies.

REVITALISE Workshop
University of Aveiro | 21 May 2026
Organised within the REVITALISE project, this workshop focuses on innovative approaches to lithium and sodium ion battery recycling, addressing hydrometallurgy, direct recovery, solvent development, and simulation to advance more sustainable and circular battery technologies. The event will take place at the University of Aveiro, Edifício Central e da Reitoria, Sala de Atos Académicos (Building 25).

Jornadas CICECO 2026
To be announced / October 2026
An interdisciplinary gathering that will connect researchers from CICECO and it will include keynote lectures, poster sessions, and strategic discussions, culminating the anniversary programme with the participation of distinguished alumni and international partners.

Additionally, other advanced thematic workshops dedicated to topics such as materials processing and nanofabrication will further reinforce the institute’s commitment to methodological innovation and international collaboration will be announced.

Beyond scientific events, the anniversary programme also includes community and outreach initiatives, strengthening engagement with the broader public and the academic community of the University of Aveiro. You can participate by sharing yours with us on the e-mail: ciceco-kr@ua.pt.

Into Our Legacy: Four Rubrics for Reflection

An important dimension of the anniversary celebrations is the “Into Our Legacy” initiative. Structured around four thematic rubrics, this programme invites the community to reflect on the trajectory and identity of CICECO through the people, ideas, and milestones that have shaped the institute over the past twenty five years.

Each rubric focuses on a distinct dimension of CICECO’s legacy:

Outstanding Careers
Highlighting 25 outstanding carrers and our landmark research achievements and breakthrough discoveries that have positioned CICECO as an internationally recognised centre in materials science.

PhD Alumni
Celebrating our PhD alumni who collectively built the institute’s culture of collaboration, mentorship, and intellectual curiosity.

Young Researcher
Recognising the experience inside CICECO's labs and its outcomes in the life of our students that were part of the Young Researcher Program.

Societal Impact
Reflecting on how CICECO’s research contributes to societal challenges such as sustainability, health, and technological innovation, while projecting future directions for advanced materials research.

Through interviews, testimonials, archival highlights, and community stories, the initiative transforms institutional memory into a living narrative that connects past achievements with future ambitions.

The I AM CICECO Movement

Complementing the scientific and institutional programme is the I AM CICECO movement, an initiative designed to strengthen identity and belonging across our community.

Through direct engagement with research groups and the distribution of commemorative materials such as anniversary t-shirts and other symbols, the movement celebrates the individuals who embody CICECO's mission. More importantly, it reinforces a collective narrative that scientific excellence is inseparable from collaboration, responsibility, and societal commitment.

Looking Forward

The celebration of twenty five years of CICECO is both a recognition of past accomplishments and a forward looking moment for the institute. By bringing together scientists, students, alumni, and partners across multiple events throughout the year, the programme reflects a dynamic research environment that continues to evolve at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and societal progress.

Ultimately, the anniversary affirms CICECO’s role not only as a centre of scientific excellence but also as a community dedicated to advancing knowledge and translating materials science into meaningful impact for society.