Researchers from across Portugal and representatives of some of Europe's most advanced scientific infrastructures gathered at the University of Aveiro on 12 June for the 12th Meeting of Portuguese Users of Synchrotron Radiation (ENURS-2026). Organised by CICECO and the University of Aveiro, the event served as a forum for discussing recent advances in synchrotron-based science while reinforcing national and international research collaborations.

Held at the University's Rectory Building, ENURS-2026 brought together scientists working in fields ranging from materials science and nanotechnology to structural biology and catalysis. Beyond presenting scientific results, the meeting aimed to strengthen connections between Portuguese researchers and major European large-scale research facilities, including the ESRF, ALBA, SOLEIL, DIAMOND and SOLARIS synchrotrons.

The programme opened with a welcome address by University of Aveiro Rector Artur Silva, followed by invited presentations showcasing how synchrotron radiation and complementary large-scale infrastructures are advancing research at the nanoscale, enabling new imaging approaches in biology, and supporting investigations into complex materials and functional systems.

A recurring theme throughout the meeting was access. Representatives from leading European facilities and coordinators of international access programmes outlined opportunities available to Portuguese researchers, highlighting existing mechanisms that facilitate the use of world-class experimental infrastructures.

The event also reflected the growing maturity of Portugal's synchrotron community. One of the highlights was the presentation of the Portuguese Association of Users of Large-Scale International Research Infrastructures (PAULI), a newly established organisation that seeks to strengthen national representation and coordination within the European research infrastructure landscape.

Portuguese researchers were prominently featured throughout the afternoon session, presenting studies addressing challenges in areas such as plastic recycling, soft matter, magnetic materials, carbon dioxide conversion, nanomaterial–skin interactions, enzyme mechanisms and antiviral biopharmaceutical development. The diversity of topics illustrated the increasing integration of synchrotron and neutron techniques into research conducted at universities and institutes across the country.

According to the organisers, ENURS-2026 demonstrated not only the vitality of Portugal's synchrotron user community but also its growing international engagement. The meeting highlighted how access to advanced research infrastructures is supporting scientific advances across multiple disciplines while fostering new collaborations between Portuguese institutions and leading European facilities.

The event concluded with the announcement of ENURS-2027, ensuring the continuation of a forum that has become an important platform for connecting Portugal's synchrotron community with the broader European research ecosystem.

Check the photo album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/sNsnpBvdKgKggwug9