LATEST ANNOUNCEMENTS
When Chemistry Meets Curiosity: Our Participation in European Researchers’ Night 2025
The Analytical Laboratory of LAQV REQUIMTE at NOVA FCT took part in the 2025 edition of the European Researchers’ Night, held on September 26th at the National Museum of Natural History and Science in Lisbon. As part of NOVA FCT’s broader participation — which included over 80 researchers across multiple venues — the Laboratory was represented by its dedicated team who shared their work with the public through hands-on demonstrations. This event, celebrated across more than 460 cities in Europe, aims to bring science closer to society and show its relevance in everyday life.
The team presented the activity “The Power of Colours in Chemistry”, inviting visitors to explore how colour reveals essential information about the world around us — and within the laboratory. Participants discovered how the flame colours of different elements can help identify metals like rare earths in electronic waste. They also learned how the colours of molecules enable their separation through chromatographic techniques. Using a high performance liquid chromatograph, many were surprised to observe the amount of caffeine in familiar beverages. Through this dynamic and accessible demonstration, the Analytical Laboratory highlighted how fundamental chemical analysis is — and how even something as simple as colour can unlock powerful scientific insight.
New techniques avaliable at our lab!
LAQV-REQUIMTE Analytical Laboratory awarded "Green" status under the My Green Lab sustainable laboratory certification program
The LAQV REQUIMTE Analytical Laboratory, operating since 2002 in the Department of Chemistry at NOVA FCT, has been awarded the “Green” certification by the international organization My Green Lab, the highest level in this sustainability ranking. This is the first laboratory across the NOVA University network to receive this recognition.
Providing a wide range of analytical resources not only to LAQV REQUIMTE and NOVA FCT research groups but also to other research centers and national and international companies, the laboratory processes more than 10,000 samples per year using high energy–intensity equipment. To urgently reduce its ecological footprint, the laboratory has, over recent months, implemented measures to reduce and optimize resources — an effort integrated into the sustainability certification strategy promoted by the NOVA Rectorate, with the support of NOVA FCT, through its Board and the Division of Sustainability and Green Spaces.
In early September, My Green Lab granted the Analytical Laboratory the “Green” rating, a clear recognition of the team’s efforts. This “Green” level represents the top of the scale used by the organization to assess laboratories and means that the NOVA FCT facility already complies with over 80% of sustainability best practices — from energy, water, and waste management to the efficient use of equipment, reagents, materials, and processes.
This recognition reinforces LAQV REQUIMTE's and NOVA FCT’s commitment to promoting excellence in science, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the transition towards a greener society.
On September 12, the plaque unveiling ceremony took place — a symbolic moment attended by the Director of NOVA FCT, the Head of the Department and the Coordinator of the Laboratory, as well as colleagues and guests. This initiative reinforces the recognition of the academic and scientific contributions developed within the Department and the Research Center.
NEW: Surface tension and contact angle measurements
ANALYTICAL LABORATORY
The Analytical laboratory was created in 2002 to offer analytical support to the Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde – Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry REQUIMTE – Network of Chemistry and Technology, to other higher education and research units, and companies as well as those that are interested in the available services. The main propose of the Laboratory is to support research, providing infrastructure and knowledge for science and innovation. This framework allows the development of analysis methodologies in a wide spectrum of areas. Furthermore, the Laboratory is determined in the efficiency of response in the shortest time possible.
WHERE WE ARE
The Department of Chemistry (DQ) is a teaching and research unit of NOVA School of Science and Technology (NOVA-FCT), part of NOVA University of Lisbon.
The DQ is dedicated to the quality of teaching, scientific research and the provision of specialized servic es to the community in the fundamental areas of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, and Chemistry, which give their name to the three Scientific Sections in which the DQ is organized.
Created in 1981, the DQ has recognized implementation in the teaching and work market. It asserted itself at the time through the novelty and specificity introduced by the degree in Applied Chemistry, with which the teaching of chemistry in the Faculty began, and today it has a wide educational offer both at the 1st and 2nd cycle levels, as well as at the doctoral level (3rd cycle).
In May 2022, the DQ integrated the teaching, research and non-teaching staff of the Department of Biomass Science and Technology (DCTB).
The DQ hosts members of three Research Units: the Associated Lab. for Green Chemistry - Clean Technologies and Processes (LAQV), the Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit (UCIBIO), and the Mechanical Engineering and Resource Sustainability Center (MEtRICs).
Currently the DQ has 62 professors, including 11 full professors, 18 associate professors and 31 assistant professors. It also has 2 visiting professors, 26 retired professors, 59 researchers and more than 20 science managers, administrative staff, technicians, and technical assistants.
