18-12-2025
Photo: João Lima/NOVA FCT
On December 17, NOVA School of Science and Technology | FCT NOVA inaugurated the ALCEMIST Laboratory, a new facility within the Department of Materials Science, fully renovated and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The laboratory was funded through the first ERC Synergy Grant ever awarded to NOVA FCT: the ALCEMIST project (Atypical Liquid Crystal Elastomers: from materials innovation to scalable processing and transformative applications), coordinated by Professor Maria Helena Godinho.
During the ceremony, Maria Helena Godinho, project coordinator and head of the new laboratory, emphasized the collective nature of this achievement:
“This space reflects the dedication of a broad team — from the researchers to the Management and administrative staff who supported us throughout the process. This laboratory goes far beyond this project, paving the way for new collaborations and, above all, leaving a legacy for future generations.”
In his address, José Júlio Alferes, Director of NOVA FCT, highlighted the institutional support for initiatives that strengthen the school’s scientific excellence, adding:
“This was a highly competitive funding grant that has now been placed at the service of the community.”
Hugo Águas, President of the Department of Materials Science, also attended the ceremony, underscoring the importance of research in sustainable materials and expressing pride in hosting a laboratory with a strong international vision.
The ALCEMIST Laboratory will be vital for the development and characterization of liquid crystal elastomers of natural origin, within the framework of an international project uniting teams from Portugal, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom.
This new facility represents not only a milestone for the ALCEMIST project but also a long-term investment in the scientific infrastructure and sustainability of research carried out at NOVA FCT.
Photo gallery here. (Photos by João Lima/NOVA FCT)
