Institutions
University of Aveiro
The University of Aveiro (UA), with less than 50 years since its foundation, is currently considered one of the most innovative universities in Portugal, known for its ability to integrate quality education and research in an environment conducive to integration and cooperation with society. Attended by more than 15 000 students on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, the UA has achieved a significant position amongst higher education institutions, being one of the top universities regarding the quality of its infrastructures, the strength of its research and the excellence of its staff. Since 2019, UA is part of the ECIU University, together with other 12 research intensive universities, with a collective emphasis on innovation, creativity, and societal impact driving the development of a knowledge-based economy.
UA has 20 research units, among which CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials is completely dedicated to the study, improvement, and innovation of materials. CICECO is the largest and FCT best rated Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) institute, joining 500 chemists, physicists, and materials engineers. It has a successful partnership with industry, and is engaged in many EU programs (viz., 9 ERC and 3 EIC grants). CICECO research lines encourage the advancement of the scientific and technological knowledge necessary for the innovative production and transformation of materials for a sustainable development and the benefit of society.
University of Porto and FEUP
The University of Porto (U.Porto), founded in 1911, stands as one of Portugal's most prestigious and historically significant institutions of higher education. Renowned for its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and engagement with the community, U.Porto is a beacon of knowledge and innovation both nationally and internationally. With a student body exceeding 30,000 across its undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, the university has built a reputation for the high quality of its academic offerings, state-of-the-art facilities, and a dedicated faculty comprised of leading experts in various fields. The University of Porto is structured around 14 faculties and a business school, which together span a broad spectrum of disciplines, from humanities to engineering and biomedical sciences. Its research output places it consistently among the top universities in Portugal and Europe, particularly due to the collaborative efforts within its numerous research centers that address critical scientific and societal challenges. U.Porto actively fosters connections with industries and local communities, ensuring that its innovations have a tangible impact beyond academia.
Among the faculties of U.Porto, the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) stands out as one of Portugal’s leading institutions for engineering education and research, with a legacy dating back to 1926. Known for its rigorous academic programs and emphasis on innovation, FEUP attracts over 8,000 students from across Portugal and around the world who are pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees across a diverse array of engineering fields. FEUP has gained a distinguished reputation for its cutting-edge research facilities, close industry connections, and the high caliber of its faculty, making it a vital contributor to technological advancement and knowledge creation in Portugal.
FEUP has 8 Research and Development Centres, including LSRE-LCM, a partnership between LSRE - Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering and LCM - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials. LSRE-LCM is dedicated to advancing chemical engineering and materials science, with a focus on cutting-edge research in reaction engineering, catalysis, and the development of innovative materials. Bringing together over 100 researchers, including chemists, engineers, and materials scientists, LSRE-LCM is known for its high-impact collaborations with industry and active involvement in European research initiatives, including projects funded by ERC and FCT grants. The research conducted at LSRE-LCM addresses pressing challenges in sustainable processes, energy solutions, and environmental remediation. With a commitment to fostering scientific and technological advancements, LSRE-LCM contributes significantly to sustainable development and societal progress, reinforcing FEUP’s reputation as a hub for research excellence and innovation in Portugal.
LSRE-LCM is organized in 4 Research Groups in different strategic areas:
-
CYCLIC ADSORPTION/REACTION PROCESSES
-
PRODUCT ENGINEERING
-
THERMODYNAMICS & ENVIRONMENT
-
CATALYSIS AND CARBON MATERIALS
Colaborations
CESAM is a research unit of the University of Aveiro (UA) with the status of Associated Laboratory since 2005, evaluated with the highest grade of Excellent since 2014. The main objective of CESAM is to promote more efficient use of terrestrial and aquatic (from catchment to the deep sea) environmental resources and a more competitive, resilient, and sustainable economy framed into 4 multidisciplinary thematic lines (Ecology & Functional Biodiversity, Environment & Health, Marine Ecosystems & Resources, Integrated Environmental Systems). CESAM stands out due to its transdisciplinary research character and the promotion of international collaboration, gathering ca. 500 members (240 PhD) with knowledge and expertise on fundamental and applied research in the natural and social sciences.
Role in PlatILplus: The cooperation foreseen in this project with CESAM will support the execution of life cycle assessment (LCA). This task will be coordinated by Ana C. Dias and aims a comparison with different end-of-life scenarios from an environmental perspective to analyze the life cycle inventory and life cycle impact assessment.
Main contact: Dr. Ana C. Dias
CECOLAB Association – Collaborative Laboratory Towards Circular Economy is a private, non-profit institution, which aims to develop sustainable market solutions in a Circular Economy context based on three technological platforms: industrial biotechnology, sustainable separation process, and green chemistry and ecodesign. The main objective of CECOLAB is to develop a sustainable market solution in a circular economy model for the strategic national value chain, with high repercussion effect on other chain valuers of local economy.
Role in PlatILplus: The cooperation with CECOLAB will support the laboratorial validation at kg batch scale of the process developed under PlatILPlus project. Furthermore, CECOLAB will further support the future commercialization and knowledge transfer of any relevant results from the project to the industry. CECOLAB researcher André Lopes will be responsible for process scale-up.
Main contact: Dr. André Lopes
VALORCAR is a private, non-profit entity which aims to promote the correct management of waste related to the car's life cycle, organizing its collection and recycling, encouraging the improvement of the economic, social and environmental performance of all the agents involved.
Role in PlatILplus: Provide Spent Automotive Catalytic Converters (SACC).