27 Bachelor's Students joined ITQB NOVA for two weeks
Oeiras, 21st July 2026
27 undergraduate students joined ITQB NOVA to develop what was, for many of them, their first research project. Over two weeks, the students explored topics ranging from artificial inteligence to design proteins that combat viruses to developing sustainable alternatives to conventional plactics, while gaining hands-on experience in one of the 16 participating laboratories.
"I learned new techniques and strengthened others I had already acquired. I also improved my ability to work as part of a team and to find solutions to challenges in the laboratory," shared one of the students. "The programme introduced me to different academic and career paths, giving me valuable insights into how I can shape my own journey. Overall, it helped me gain a clearer perspective on my interests and future career goals."
Beyond the laboratory, students met researchers at different career stages through a "speed dating session", and learned how to build a strong CV and improve their presentation skills through dedicated workshops. The programme also included a sailing baptism, giving participants the chance to discover Oeiras from a different perspective.
To wrap up, students presented the results of their lab projects to their colleagues and supervisors.
This annual programme, supported by the Oeiras Municipality and iBET, is open to bachelor’s students interested in biomolecular sciences, life sciences, biotechnology, computational biology, and related areas.
Participating labs in 2026
- Membrane Protein Crystallography
Supervisors: José Brito, Margarida Archer
- Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogen Resistance
Supervisors: Frederico Lourenco, Lígia Saraiva
- Functional Biochemistry of Metalloenzymes
Supervisors: Filipe Folgosa, Miguel Teixeira
- Inorganic Biochemistry and NMR
Supervisors: Ricardo Louro
- Dynamic Structural Biology
Supervisors: Maria Martins, Ruy Domingos, Tiago Cordeiro
- Protein Modelling + Applied Protein Biochemistry
Supervisors: Diogo Silva, João Vicente, Cláudio Soares, Diana Lousa
- Plant Cell Biotechnology
Supervisors: Ana Confraria,. João Barnabé, Pedro Fevereiro
- Plant Gene Regulation
Supervisors: Paloma Menguer, Nelson Saibo
- Plant-Microbiome Interactions
Supervisors: Nacho Vilchez
- Proteome Regulation in Plants
Supervisors: Telma Fernandes, Isabel Abreu
- Genetics and Genomics of Plant Complex Traits (PlantX)
Supervisors: Susana Leitão, Carlota Vaz Patto
- Molecular Microbiology of Human Pathogens
Supervisors: Ana Sofia Dias, João Lança, Raquel Sá Leão
- Applied and Environmental Mycology
Supervisors: Adilson Pereira, Cristina Pereira
- Control of Gene Expression
Supervisors: André Santos, Rute Matos, Cecília Arraiano
- Proteomics of Non-Model Organisms
Supervisors: Ana Coelho
- Microbial Development
Supervisors: Adriano Henriques, Diogo Martins
