GreenFlux, a project led by AEMAIA students Catarina Miranda, Francisca Teixeira, and Inês Machado, with the support of LSRE-LCM researchers Isabel Martins, Andreia Ribeiro and Joana Lains, is developing a biodegradable menstrual product using cellulose extracted from coffee grounds. The innovation aims to offer a sustainable and safe alternative to conventional menstrual products by incorporating bioactive compounds from lavender, known for their anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. These bioactives were added to an alginate-based paste for the production of biodegradable films and 3D-printed prototypes.

The team has been recognized in various competitions:

• Honorable Mention at the National Geographic Slingshot Challenge
• Best Oral Presentation Award at the Biofase Congress
• Special EDP Prize at the Mostra Nacional de Ciência, including a €2,000 scholarship
• Participation in Junior Market (JAP’s "A Empresa"), the Atlântico Júnior Prize, and the National Young Scientists and Researchers Competition 2025

Following these achievements, the GreenFlux team was also invited to present at Encontro Ciência 2025, held from July 9 to 11 at NOVA SBE, under the theme “Science, Innovation, and Society.”

For more information, visit GreenFlux on Instagram or their website.

Three Master’s students carrying out research work at LSRE-LCM were honoured at the “Sessão Distinguidos” on June 26, 2025, for their outstanding presentations at IJUP 2025 – the University of Porto Youth Research Meeting, which was held from May 7 to 9.

IJUP is an annual event that showcases the work of PhD and master’s students across all faculties of the University of Porto. It provides a platform for young researchers to present their findings, gain feedback from peers and experts, and develop critical communication skills. The meeting encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and highlights the quality and diversity of student-led research.

This year, LSRE-LCM students received three of the awards:

• Best Oral Presentation in Chemistry
  Eduardo Sousa
  Co-authors: Pedro Velho, Diogo Moreira, José T. Coelho, Eugénia A. Macedo
  Title: Green Aqueous Two-Phase Systems (ATPSs) Based on Choline Salts and Propan-1-ol: Determination and Modelling of Phase Equilibria
• Best Oral Presentation in Engineering
  Joana P. Ramos
  Co-authors: Joana C. Lopes, Maria J. Sampaio, Joaquim L. Faria, Cláudia G. Silva
  Title: Visible-Light-Driven Selective Production of p-Anisaldehyde Using GCN/Cs₃Bi₂Br₉
• Best Poster in Chemistry
  José M. Monteiro
  Co-authors: Joana C. Lopes, Rita A.M. Barros, Amala Joy, Maria J. Sampaio, Joaquim L. Faria, Cláudia G. Silva
  Title: Photo-Assisted Production of Ammonia Using Fe₃O₄/g-C₃N₄ Hybrid Materials

These distinctions highlight the scientific excellence and innovation of LSRE-LCM’s young researchers, as well as the robust support they have received from their supervisors.

Congratulations to everyone involved!