Oeiras Experimenta receives Honorable Mention in the European Union Prize for Citizen Science

Bringing together scientists, policymakers, and the local community, Oeiras Experimenta explores alternative and underused crops as part of climate change adaptation strategies. The project is based at Quinta de Cima do Marquês de Pombal, in Oeiras, through a consortium between ITQB NOVA and the Oeiras Municipality, under the Ciência + Cidadã Programme, that promotes the active involvement of citizens in science. The initiative includes contributions from three Green-it laboratories, involving around 15 researchers, including PhD and MSc students.

This living lab focuses on drought-resilient crops such as grasspea, sorghum, millets, hybrid cereals, quinoa, and upland rice. Recently, Oeiras Experimenta was also financed and distinguished by the European Union through the IMPETUS Programme, with the classification “Outstanding Citizen Science Project”.

“The research projects are developed with the help of the citizens, the citizen scientists, which allows us to also raise awareness for food security and climate change problems”, explains Carlota Vaz Patto, principal investigator of PlantX lab. Citizens engage in all stages of research, from sowing and field maintenance to data collection and decision making, enriching discussions and contributing to the project.

“Receiving this Honorable Mention is a deeply meaningful recognition for the Oeiras Experimenta project. It validates our commitment with a science that has real social and political impacts – a science that contributes towards the development of a more inclusive and sustainable society in Europe”, says Maria João Leão, coordinator of the Ciência + Cidadã Programme at ITQB NOVA.

The European Union Prize for Citizen Science is organized by the Ars Electronica Festival as part of the IMPETUS project. The 2025 edition received more than 400 entries lfrom 58 countries.