25 years of Science and Innovation
LEPABE is a research unit operating in the fields of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of Porto (FEUP). With a large majority of young researchers, LEPABE is focused on generating scientific knowledge through interdisciplinary research, and on establishing successful university–industry collaborations for effective technology transfer. [...]
LEPABE research featured on 90 Seconds of Science
Posted on October 1st 2026
On September 25th, the PlasURE project team participated in European Researchers’ Night (NEI’26) at i3S facilities in Porto, with a hands-on activity “Microplastics Detectives”.
Participants explored soil, pine needle and lichen samples from wildfire-affected and unaffected areas, searching for microplastics. Using ultraviolet (UV) light, they discovered fluorescent plastic fragments invisible to the naked eye.
The activity showcased the research conducted in LEPABE, within PlasURE – Impact of Airborne Microplastics: Urban and Rural Environments and Extreme Events, led by Dr. Nuno Ratola, from the Environmental Sciences and Technologies group. Through this hands-on experience, the team raised awareness of microplastics and their behaviour in the context of wildfires, bringing science closer to audiences of all ages.
Know more about this here.
Ana Filipa Esteves and Fátima Santos distinguished with L'Oréal Portugal Medals of Honour for Women in Science
Posted on September 16th, 2026
Dr. Ana Filipa Esteves and Dr. Fátima Santos, research fellows at LEPABE/ALiCE, are among the four female scientists distinguished in the 2025 edition of the L'Oréal Portugal Medals of Honour for Women in Science.
Ana Filipa Esteves’ research focuses on microalgae, exploring their growth, biomass composition, and strategies for their valorisation. Fátima Santos’ research centres on the development of monolithic dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) capable of generating energy from available indoor light and powering low-energy devices, such as smart sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
For 22 years, L’Oréal has promoted the role of women in science through the For Women in Science programme, guided by the belief that “the World needs science and Science needs women”
Congratulations!
Know more about this award here.
PhD Thesis by Melani Reis on C–N-linked electron-donor-substituted porphyrins
September 14th, 2026
LEPABE would like to congratulate Dr. Melani Reis for her PhD thesis of the Doctoral Program in Chemistry, entitled “C–N-linked electron-donor-substituted porphyrins: Design, synthesis, and applications”, co-supervised by Ana Mafalda Pereira, defended on September 14th, 2026 University of Aveiro.
PhD Thesis by Celina Fernandes on N2O electrochemical conversion to NO
September 11th, 2026
LEPABE would like to congratulate Dr. Celina Fernandes for her PhD thesis of the Doctoral Program in Chemical and Biological Engineering, entitled “Electrochemical conversion of N2O from flue gas streams to NO”, supervised by Adélio Mendes, defended on September11th, 2026 FEUP.
PhD Thesis by Filipe Moisés Francisco on Solar Redox Flow Cells
July 24th, 2026
LEPABE would like to congratulate Dr. Filipe Moisés Francisco for his PhD thesis of the Doctoral Program in Environmental Engineering, entitled “Solar Redox Flow Cells: Improving the stability of efficient tantalum nitride photoelectrodes and technology environmental assessment”, supervised by Adélio Mendes, defended on July 24th, 2026 FEUP.
PhD Thesis by Ana Rita Marques on low-cost hydrogen production by PEM electrolysis
July 3rd, 2026
LEPABE would like to congratulate Dr. Ana Rita Marques for her PhD thesis of the Doctoral Program in Chemical and Biological Engineering, entitled “112GreenH2 - Low-cost hydrogen production by PEM electrolysis: innovative electrode designs with ultra-low noble metal loadings”, supervised by Adélio Mendes, defended on July 3rd, 2026 FEUP.
LEPABE research featured on 90 Seconds of Science
Posted on July 15th 2026
Dr. Artur Pinto, Senior Researcher from the Process, Products and Energy group of LEPABE, was featured on 90 Seconds of Science, a science communication programme broadcast by Antena 1 that showcases the work of Portuguese researchers and their latest scientific advances.
In this episode, Artur Pinto presents the development of an innovative nanomaterial combined with an LED-based system designed for the selective treatment of several types of cancer. The technology aims to improve treatment precision by targeting cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
You can listen to the full podcast here.
LEPABE/FEUP organizes seminar on “7 years of Legionella legislation in Portugal”
Posted on July 10th, 2026
On 16th June 2026, the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) hosted the seminar "7 Years of Legionella Legislation: Lessons Learned, Challenges and Future Perspectives", bringing together experts from a wide range of sectors to promote a multidisciplinary discussion on the prevention and control of Legionella in Portugal.
Throughout the day, representatives from public health authorities, regulatory bodies, inspection agencies, laboratories, industry, the hospitality sector, consultancy and academia shared their knowledge and experiences, discussing the main challenges associated with the implementation of the current legislation and identifying priorities to address emerging Legionella-related risks.
The seminar was organised within the framework of the LegioFilms Project, coordinated by Prof. Ana Alexandra Pereira, from the LEPABE Biotechnology Research Group. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between the scientific community, regulatory authorities and stakeholders across different sectors, reinforcing the role of science in driving innovation and developing effective solutions to protect public health.
Know more here.
- LEPABE was granted new Ph.D scholarships in the FCT 2025 call
- LEPABE research published in prestigious scientific journal
- Adélio Mendes receives the Galp – Academy of Engineering Career Award
- PhD Student awarded EES Solar best oral presentation
- LEPABE Researchers Win iUP25k 2026 with Innovative Solution to Decarbonize Industry
- PhD Student Receives Honorable Mention at U.Porto 3MT® 2026 Competition
- Bárbara Nunes receives the Paul Ehrlich MedChem Euro-PhD Network Award of Excellence
- LEPABE Researcher Selected in IACOBUS Program - Scientific Papers 2025/2026
- Manuel Simões receives U. Porto 2026 Scientific Research Excellence Award
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