The project Clea, developed by students from Escola Secundária da Maia Nuno Aroso, Isabel Oliveira, Maria Toga e Vasco Cardoso with the guidance of LSRE-LCM/ALiCE researchers Cláudia Gomes da Silva, Isabel Martins, and Yaidelin Manrique, was awarded a Slingshot Grant by the National Geographic Society 2025.

Clea – Clean Choice, Clean Change proposes biodegradable, water-soluble capsules of shower gel, offering a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging in cosmetics. This recognition highlights not only the creativity of the students but also LSRE-LCM’s commitment to advancing innovative and sustainable solutions through strong collaborations between schools and universities.

Dr. Ana Rita Lado Ribeiro, Principal Researcher at LSRE-LCM/ALiCE was awarded the 2024 Vicente de Seabra Medal during the XXIX National Meeting of the Portuguese Chemical Society (SPQ), held in Coimbra from July 20 to 23.

Awarded biennially, the Vicente de Seabra Medal recognizes a Portuguese researcher under the age of 45 for outstanding contributions to the field of chemistry. Dr. Rita Lado’s work—focused on environmental chemistry, chiral pollutants, and advanced water treatment—has gained national and international recognition.

She was also invited to deliver a keynote lecture titled Unraveling Enantioselectivity: The Hidden Impact of Chirality in Environmental Processes, highlighting the significant role of chirality and enantioselectivity in environmental systems.

This medal is a remarkable recognition of Dr. Lado Ribeiro’s innovative research and contributions to the advancement of environmental chemistry in Portugal. Congratulations!