CIÊNCIA no Copo: an afternoon of science, innovation and socializing

The solar-powered cars on display inside the workshop provided the perfect setting for a different kind of afternoon at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon (Ciências ULisboa). Amidst laughter, drinks, and curious questions, students and researchers gathered for "CIÊNCIA no Copo" to discuss unlikely paths, research challenges, and the journey of science to society.

The gathering, organized by the Workshop of Energies - Energy and Environmental Engineering Student Group (Oficina das Energias – Núcleo de Estudantes de Engenharia da Energia e Ambiente), in partnership with Chemistry and Biochemistry Student Group (Núcleo de Estudantes de Química e Bioquímica), was part of the Science and Technology Week at Ciência Viva. The relaxed atmosphere, where the citrus aroma of gin and tonics mingled with the curiosity of young students, set the right tone for an informal afternoon of science.

Under the motto "From the laboratory to society," two prominent guests took centre stage. On the left, Jorge Maia Alves, full professor in the Department of Earth and Energy Sciences, former Deputy Director of the Faculty, and member of the Dom Luiz Institute (Instituto Dom Luiz), accustomed to navigating between physics and innovation. On the right, Marta Sousa Silva, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, principal researcher at BioISI, and recently awarded the Excellence in Teaching Prize. Between them, Mário Vilas, president of Oficina das Energias, guided the conversation.

For two hours, the topics flowed naturally—research, innovation, entrepreneurship, scientific communication, citizen science. And, in rhythm with the students' questions, personal stories began to emerge.

Marta recounted how she began studying Plant Biology, working with camellias and hops. But, over time, he discovered a new passion: biochemical problems at the molecular level, investigated with mass spectrometry — a technique that allows for the detailed analysis and identification of chemical compounds in a sample. Today, Marta applies these tools to the discovery of biomarkers, molecules that help identify diseases, and to the development of medicines.

Jorge Maia Alves, for his part, began his career in Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science. But curiosity and the need to explore applied areas led him to the study of energy storage and solar energy, fields in which he excels today. He recalled the difficult moments of his academic journey: he even considered dropping out of the course.

He decided to give himself a year to reorganize his journey and found in the mentorship of a professor a guiding light that showed him he was on the right track. He finished the course and became an intern assistant at the faculty itself, teaching classes to his classmates—a “comical” situation, in his words, but extremely formative. “What motivated me the most was the challenge of working autonomously and defining my own path,” he explained.

The theme of innovation brought a different energy to the room. Maia Alves painted a vivid picture of the evolution of the relationship between academia and companies in Portugal. For decades, research was seen as an end in itself, and thinking about practical applications was almost a "sin" Submitting patents was almost forbidden for some researchers, making difficult the transfer of knowledge to society. Today, however, the landscape has changed: Tec Labs — the Innovation Centre of Ciências ULisboa — has become an engine of innovation, generating spin-offs and bridging the gap between academic research and the market.

The conversation also touched on the contrast in timelines between companies and academia. For a company, delaying commitments can be disastrous; for a researcher, extending a doctorate by one or two years is commonplace. “It requires willingness and trust from both sides,” explained Maia Alves. Marta added that, although many companies are still closed to collaborations, there are clear signs of rapprochement: “More and more, companies are coming to us. Dialogue is increasing, and this is essential to transform science into concrete solutions.”

In addition to innovation, the discussion highlighted the importance of curiosity and initiative. Encouraging messages were left for the students—many of whom were about to complete their bachelor's or master's degrees. Jorge Maia Alves emphasized: "One of the best metrics of a university's quality is what students do on their own initiative."

As dusk was entering through the workshop windows and the last glasses were placed on the tables, the general feeling was unanimous: events like this should happen every week.