CENIMAT|i3N (Ref. UIDB/50025/2020-2023) is a national scientific research center sponsored by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education, through the Foundation for Science and Technology.

This center has been evaluated by a panel of international experts in the field of Materials Science and Engineering since 1996, who classified it as EXCELLENT. This grade reflects the high technical and scientific merit of the R&D activity carried out by CENIMAT researchers, translated by the quantity and quality of the scientific publications produced and the high number of scientific and technological projects. This same panel of experts also recognized that CENIMAT could be considered at a National level as “a model of excellence in the field of Materials science and engineering”.

Since 2006 CENIMAT has integrated the Laboratório Associado” (i3N - Institute for Nanostructures, Nanomodelling and Nanofabrication). It is also associated with the Material Science Department at NOVA University of Lisbon through the School of Science and Technology (FCT NOVA).

NOVA University of Lisbon through the School of Science and Technology (FCT NOVA) is one of the most prestigious Portuguese and European engineering and science public schools.

It is engaged in extensive research activity developed in 16 research centres involving 1600 PhD and Master’s students of the total enrolment of 8000. Regarding research outputs FCT NOVA has published over 12000 papers indexed in Scopus and Web of Science top high impact journals and conferences where has earned recognition by its peers.

FCT NOVA has a broad expertise in cutting edge R&D+I, from science to technology, thanks its outstanding multidisciplinary nature and spirit of mission, ranging from materials, mechanics, green chemistry, environment, biotechnologies to conservation and restoration.

With a total of 630 academic staff and 200 non-academic staff, FCT NOVA´s has internationally recognised professionals due to their high potential in R&D+I activities, with researchers awarded ERC grants (8 in total) and merit prizes. FCT NOVA has been awarded with 32 projects in H2020 (~16,5M€). This shows the visibility and competitiveness of the school at International level and its strong experience in collaborative projects, working with partners from all world.