Pint of Science, a renowned international event, has once again brought together researchers from diverse scientific fields to share their latest projects with the public. This year's edition, held in May, saw hundreds of cities worldwide participating in this celebration of science and knowledge.

One of the standout presentations was delivered by LSRE-LCM researcher Isabel Martins. Her talk, titled "Valorisation of Natural Products and Agri-Food Waste," delved into the commercialisation of new flavours designed to enhance sensory experiences for consumers. She highlighted the importance of developing innovative systems that integrate waste management more effectively, thereby creating sustainable value.

The festival's organising committee included two other LSRE-LCM researchers, Leonor Barroca and Marta Barbosa, who played a crucial role in making this informative session a success.

Pint of Science continues to serve as a platform for scientists to demystify complex research and engage with the community in a relaxed atmosphere. The success of presentations like that of Isabel Martins underscores the festival's role in fostering a dialogue between science and society, promoting an understanding of how scientific advancements can directly benefit our daily lives and the environment. 

Two projects involving LSRE-LCM researchers have been selected for funding by the 2022 Transnational Joint Call under the Water4All Partnership. This achievement aligns with LSRE-LCM's commitment to sustainable water research. The Water4All Partnership -Water Security for the Planet- is a funding programme for scientific research aimed at addressing water challenges, combating climate change, helping achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, and boosting the EU's competitiveness and growth. It is co-funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe program. The general kick-off meeting of the projects approved in the first joint call of the Water4All partnership took place on the 23rd and 24th of April in Madrid.

Project 1: SWMOF - A Smart Process for Water Harvesting and Distribution

Led by Alexandre Ferreira, professor at FEUP and member of ALiCE and LSRE-LCM, the SWMOF project is set to revolutionize water production and distribution in the Mediterranean region, a vulnerable area facing increased temperatures and decreased rainfall. This 36-month project aims to optimize water distribution in small farms using cutting-edge control systems, real-time optimization, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, the project focuses on developing water harvesting technology based on eco-friendly MOFs (Metal-Organic Frameworks) to extract water from air moisture, providing a sustainable water source for these regions.

Project 2: NeWater - Natural-Based and Low Energy Consumption Solutions for Water Management

The NeWater project, coordinated by Sapienza Università di Roma, aims to integrate hybrid grey and green solutions for efficient water treatment adaptable to specific regions. Principal researcher Vítor Vilar, a member of ALiCE and LSRE-LCM, is a core team member of this three-year project (2024-2026). NeWater focuses on developing water systems that maximize the recovery of value-added resources, promoting carbon-neutral services for water, nutrient, and energy reuse. The project also integrates innovative water management strategies, business models, and regulatory recommendations to catalyze a transformative shift towards a resource-efficient society.

LSRE-LCM looks forward to the impactful outcomes and contributions these projects will make toward a more sustainable and water-secure planet.