Salomé Soares, researcher at LSRE-LCM/ALiCE  participated as a speaker in the session entitled “Biossegurança na resposta aos desafios da água: problema ou solução?“, organized by ALiCE – Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, at Encontro Ciência 2025, 

The session addressed the emerging challenges in water management, including biofilms, pathogens like Legionella, and antimicrobial resistance, especially in the context of water reuse and desalination. Experts discussed how biosafety measures can balance public health protection with sustainable water use.

Salomé Soares joined a panel of specialists contributing to the debate on how science and innovation can shape safer and more resilient water systems.

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.