THE NEW in osaka

NOVA University Lisbon will be present at Expo 2025 Osaka during the week themed "Learning and Playing", from 23 to 28 July, with a showcase of innovative projects that reflect its commitment to knowledge, research and the transformation of society.

The projects that NOVA will present address global challenges with creative and sustainable solutions, in line with the central theme of the Portugal Pavilion - Ocean, Blue Dialogue. This participation includes initiatives from all of the University's areas of expertise, highlighting the diversity and excellence of its educational, scientific and technological offer.

NOVA's presence at Expo 2025 Osaka is possible thanks to its partnership with AICEP, a key organisation in the international promotion of Portugal and its innovation ecosystem.

See below what each of our Faculties will be presenting during the exhibition.

The Faculty of Science and Technology at NOVA University Lisbon (NOVA FCT) is an institution of excellence dedicated to teaching and research in the areas of exact sciences, biological sciences, technologies and engineering. In 2025, NOVA FCT will be present at Expo Osaka, presenting innovative projects that highlight its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.

To find out more about NOVA FCT, have a look at the official website.

CoastNet: Monitoring for Coastal Sustainability

Among the initiatives highlighted is the CoastNet stands out as a research infrastructure managed by MARE and integrated into the National Roadmap for Research Infrastructures of Strategic Interest. This initiative aims to deepen our knowledge of Portugal's coastal ecosystems by developing an advanced monitoring system that will allow us to better understand environmental dynamics and promote marine sustainability.

To find out more about the project, see here.

CAPonLITTER: Combating marine litter

The project CAPonLITTERcoordinated by NOVA FCT, was fundamental in preventing marine litter. Through the exchange of experiences between international partners and co-operation between stakeholders, this initiative has promoted the improvement of regional policies and the implementation of good practices for the protection of the oceans. 

To find out more about the project, see here.

Impacts of Micro and Nanoplastics

Since 2008, MARE-NOVA has been a pioneer in the study of micro and nanoplastics in Portugal, leading research into its presence in marine ecosystems and organisms. 

Treatment and valorisation of water as a resource

MARE-NOVA has infrastructures that support research into new low-cost, more sustainable and efficient processes and technologies for water treatment. These approaches aim to promote the recycling and reuse of water, ensure good environmental status, protect public health, mitigate the spread of water-borne diseases and reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance and the dispersion of hormones in the environment.

Literacy and Governance for a Blue Future

NOVA FCT also invests in collaborative governance, working directly with coastal communities and stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions. The collaboration with the Caparica fishing community stands out, promoting the valorisation of traditional knowledge in the conservation of cultural heritage, such as the Xávega Art. 

Cultural Heritage 360: Modernisation and Democratisation

NOVA FCT is also at the forefront of preserving cultural heritage. The Cultural Heritage 360 project aims to democratise access to Portugal's cultural heritage by making it available in interactive and innovative digital formats. With a multidisciplinary team of more than 50 specialists, including researchers and teachers, this initiative ensures that Portuguese history and culture are preserved and accessible for future generations.

To find out more about Projectsee here

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (NOVA FCSH) is an organisational unit of NOVA University Lisbon, dedicated to teaching and research in the social sciences and humanities.

Since 2016, the Faculty has held the UNESCO Chair on the Cultural Heritage of the Ocean, which has been essential in building historical and contextual narratives about the ocean's cultural and natural heritage, as well as preserving the memories associated with it.

At Expo 2025 Osaka, NOVA FCSH will present innovative projects linked to the Oceans theme. Among the projects on show is 4-OCEANS,

To find out more about NOVA FCSH, have a look at the official website.

To find out more about Chair.

4-Oceans

4-OCEANS is an international project that aims to understand the past of the oceans and the impact of marine life on human societies, in order to interpret the present and anticipate the future. Led in Portugal by Cristina Brito, a researcher at NOVA FCSH, the project was honoured with the first ERC Synergy Grant awarded in Portugal in the Humanities area, worth 10 million euros.

To find out more about 4-Oceans project.

NOVA School of Business and Economics (NOVA SBE) is dedicated to teaching and research in the economic, financial and business sciences. In 2025, NOVA SBE will be present at Expo Osaka, presenting innovative projects such as the Degree in Ocean Studies, Globcoadev and From depth ocean to the vastness of the space.

To find out more about NOVA SBE, have a look at the official website.

Degree in Ocean Studies

The Sea Studies programme combines several areas - science and technology, data analysis, economics, law and social sciences - creating a holistic educational experience rarely found in traditional courses. 

To find out more about the Degree in Maritime Studies, see the website.

GLOBCOADEV

The project "The global impact of coastal water contamination on economic development", led by Alex Armand, has been awarded a grant from the European Research Council (ERC) for the first time in Portugal. The funding awarded is 1.4 million euros for a period of 60 months.

The aim of the project is to assess the effects of coastal water pollution on economic development, generating new knowledge that will support the redesign of environmental protection policies.

From the depths of the Ocean to the vastness of the Space

The project "From the Depths of the Ocean to the Vastness of Space" is an initiative of the Oeiras Hub, developed in partnership with Oeiras City Council, CEiiA, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), AED Cluster Portugal and Nova SBE.

Focussed on research and technological innovation, the project explores advanced solutions that simultaneously respond to the extreme challenges of the ocean and space environments. Integrating skills in engineering, robotics, materials and communications, this initiative aims to promote the creation of knowledge and the transfer of technology, reinforcing Oeiras' position as an international reference centre for scientific and technological innovation.

NOVA Information Management School (NOVA IMS) is a leading school in the area of converting data into value, with the motto "Data With Purpose", and the ambition to have an impact on the talent it trains, the public and private organisations it works with and society in general. In 2025, NOVA IMS will be present at Expo 2025 Osaka, presenting innovative projects such as the Smart Cities Platform, the new NOVA IMS building and the internationalisation of the Faculty.

To find out more about NOVA IMS, have a look at the official website.

Smart Cities Platform

The Smart Cities platform aims to debate the new challenges facing cities and publicise the solutions that will improve people's quality of life, creating more modern, efficient and sustainable cities.

To find out more about Smart Cities project.

NOVA Medical School (NMS) is the 47-year-old medical school of NOVA University Lisbon. In 2025, NMS will be present at Expo Osaka, presenting innovative projects such as Patient Innovation, Summer Medical School, the Integrated Health Research Centre (CHRC) and iNova4Health.

Patient Innovation

Patient Innovation is an online platform where patients and their carers can share and access useful solutions for dealing with their illnesses or conditions. 

To find out more about the project, have a look at the official website.

Summer Medical School

Summer Medical School: lifestyle  translates into a transformative experience that combines knowledge, innovation and a vision of the future in health. More than a summer programme, this is the meeting point for curious minds, passionate about health and lifestyles and committed to excellence.

To find out more about the project, have a look at the official website.

Centre for Integrated Health Research (CHRC)

The CHRC is a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional and comprehensive research centre that aims to support, develop and foster clinical research, public health and health services. The CHRC's other pillars and core activities are health education and training; innovation, digital and entrepreneurship.

To find out more about the CHRC, see here.

iNova4Health

iNOVA4Health is a translational medicine programme that focuses on developing therapies to promote healthy ageing and combat chromic diseases. 

To find out more about the iNOVA4Health R&D unit, take a look at the corporate video recently launched and see the website.

NOVA School of Law (NSL) is one of NOVA's faculties dedicated to teaching law. At Expo 2025 Osaka, NSL will present its Master of Laws in Law and Economics of the Sea - Ocean Governance (MDEM).

To find out more about NSL, have a look at the official website.

Master's in Law and Economics of the Sea

The Master's in Law and Economics of the Sea is an interdisciplinary, unique and innovative programme dedicated to the study of issues related to the governance of the sea and has been distinguished as the best in the world, according to Eduniversal's international ranking.

To find out more about Master's Degree in Law and Economics of the Sea - Ocean Governance.

The National School of Public Health (ENSP) is a NOVA school dedicated to postgraduate studies and research in the field of health. At expo 2025 Osaka, ENSP will be presenting various projects, such as PAFSE, PARC and health literacy.

To find out more about ENSP NOVA, have a look at the official website.

PAFSE - Assessment for risk of chemicals.

PAFSE is a science education project that addresses public health challenges. The project involves schools, universities and companies in building science clusters that raise young people's awareness of public health challenges, protective factors and patterns of risk behaviour, and the role they can play in preparing the community for dangers.

To find out more about the project, see.

PARC

PARC is an EU-wide research and innovation partnership programme to support EU and national chemical risk assessment and management bodies with new data, knowledge, methods, networks and competences to address current, emerging and innovative chemical safety challenges. PARC will facilitate the transition to next generation risk assessment in order to better protect human health and the environment, in line with the European Green Deal's zero pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment, and will be an enabler for the future "Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability".

To find out more about PARC, seevisit the official website.

Health Literacy

Health literacy is a fundamental resource for preventing and reducing the risks of various non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and for optimising people's access to and involvement in healthcare. 

This project has the support of the World Health Organisation.

To find out more about health literacy, visit the official website.

The António Xavier Institute of Chemical and Biological Technology (ITQB NOVA) is an interdisciplinary research and advanced training institute of NOVA University Lisbon. At Expo 2025 Osaka, ITQB NOVA will be presenting several of the institute's flagship projects linking Portugal and Japan, such as "O arroz que nos Une", BIC and the EVAMOBS project. 

To find out more about ITQB NOVA, have a look at the official website.

The Rice that Unites Us

Carolino rice, one of the most characteristic of Portuguese cuisine, is produced from varieties belonging to the japonica subspecies, widely cultivated in East Asia, especially Japan.

ITQB NOVA is carrying out innovative research focussed on adapting the cultivation of Carolino rice to drought conditions, contributing to the sustainability of production and the preservation of a fundamental element of Portugal's food heritage.

BIC

O Bacterial Imaging Cluster (BIC) is a bioimaging platform based at ITQB NOVA, dedicated to supporting the scientific community through advanced microscopy and flow cytometry equipment with cell separation (FACS).

To find out more about BIC, have a look at the official website.

EVAMOBS

By integrating artificial intelligence and computational structural modelling, EvaMobs aims to create a versatile and rapid platform for the development of adaptive antivirals - better preparing us for the viral challenges of the future.

To find out more about EVAMOBS, visit the official website

The Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT NOVA) is an Organisational Unit of NOVA that aims to develop scientific knowledge of health problems linked to the tropical and intertropical environment. At Expo 2025 Osaka, IHMT NOVA will be presenting several projects, including VIASEF and the Traveller's consultation.  

For more information about IHMT NOVA, have a look at the official website.

VIASEF 

VIASEF is a research institute dedicated to the study of vector-borne diseases, with a focus on tropical medicine. Our mission is to provide high-quality services and promote research and innovation in the field, contributing to the development of effective disease control and prevention strategies.

To find out more about the project, see the official website.

Traveller's Enquiry

The IHMT/ADMT Travel Medicine Centre and Tropical Medicine Clinic offers nationally renowned travel consultations. Our clinical staff are among the best qualified to provide pre-travel advice and accompany travellers during and after their return. There is also availability for remote traveller consultations via video call.

To find out more about the consultations, visit official website.