As part of its health literacy activities for the general public, the PREI Bridges4Health (B4H) joined the European Researchers’ Night, held on 25 September 2026 across the country. At i3S, the institution that co-coordinates B4H, this edition set a record for participation in the European Researchers’ Night, with around one thousand visitors of all ages.
Families, students and curious members of the public accepted the invitation to see first-hand the work of more than 200 researchers, taking part in over 50 activities spread across the institute. From lab experiments to games, demonstrations and interactive challenges, visitors had the chance to explore topics as diverse as health, bioengineering, biomaterials, sustainability and marine biodiversity.
The event was hosted by Claudio Sunkel, director of i3S and co-coordinator of Bridges4Health. Among those present were Madalena Alves, President of FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; Gabriela Queiroz, Porto City Councillor for Social Cohesion and Health; Susana Junqueira Neto, Maia City Councillor for Science, Higher Education and Innovation; and Pedro Nuno Teixeira, Rector of the University of Porto.
This year’s edition was supported by the University of Porto, in partnership with the Smart Specialisation Platform for Life Sciences and Health (Bridges4Health), Porto City Council, Maia City Council and the FC Porto Museum, and featured the participation of dozens of institutions from the University and the region: Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) – a member of B4H –, the Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (CIBIO), the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), the Faculty of Sciences of U.Porto (FCUP), the Faculty of Engineering of U.Porto (FEUP), the Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), the Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC), the National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), the Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV-REQUIMTE), the Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto (MHNC-UP) and the Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto (UPTEC).
The NEI is an initiative promoted and funded by the European Commission under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, held annually on the last Friday of September. Its aim is to showcase the day-to-day work of those who produce knowledge, bringing scientists closer to the rest of society. Since its creation in 2005, the NEI has established itself as a landmark event in Europe, attracting millions of participants with each edition.
Beyond the initiative funded by the European Commission, on the last Friday of September the European Researchers’ Night once again brought scientists and communities together in several locations across the country. At the 4th edition of NEI-Armamar, Bridges4Health took part with a Science Station dedicated to the project, which allowed the public to learn about its areas of activity and talk directly with the team. UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, one of the entities in the Bridges4Health consortium, was in the spotlight.
In Braga, the initiative took place at Fórum Braga, where 2CA-Braga, a co-coordinating entity of Bridges4Health, had a space dedicated to clinical research and health and life sciences. Through outreach materials, interactive activities and challenges designed for different age groups, visitors were invited to discover in a participatory way how research helps address concrete health and well-being challenges.
