IMD in Portugal



Discover 10 exciting IMD events coming to Portugal in 2024.


Speed Dating with Microorganisms

When: 14 – 15 September 2024

Where: University of Coimbra (Campus of Centre for Science “Exploratório - Centro Ciência Viva de Coimbra”)

We will organize during the weekend of International Microorganism Day (14 – 15th September) in the campus area of the Science Centre for scientific dissemination Exploratório, a "speed dating" of the public with microbiologists from the University of Coimbra. This series of short discussions have the theme "Speed Dating with Microorganisms". This event will be part of the national event promoted by the Portuguese Society of Microbiology (SPM Portugal). The event will take part during a seasonal market very popular in Coimbra (Brew! Coimbra) and some temporary exhibitions, so we expect many interactions with the general public. 

Objective:

This event aims to promote literacy on microbiology by stimulating interactions between UC research microbiologists and the general public, to promote dialogue, public knowledge, and public scientific curiosity on microorganisms.


Exhibition:Exploring the multiple dimensions of microbiology” 

When: 17 September 2024, 3.00 pm

Where: Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Building 3, 3rd floor

Exhibition highlighting the work of Microbiology Labs’ Research Groups within the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Porto.

This exhibition showcases the latest research and innovations in microbiology, in particular on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and immunology, from the Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Porto and UCIBIO. It highlights the importance of a One Health approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in the context of AMR.

The exhibition features research and strategies developed at FFUP-UCIBIO for surveillance and combating AMR, the influence of microbiome in health and disease, and the citizen science initiative MicroMundo@UPorto engaging the schools’ students in the fight against AMR.


Feira do Microrganismo (“Microorganism Fair”) 

When: 17 September 2024

Where: Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa 

We are thrilled to announce a captivating fair-like event designed to introduce young minds to the fascinating world of microorganisms.

From the depths of water and soil to the intricacies of food production and the complexities of human health, our event promises a fun-filled exploration of these tiny but mighty creatures. Through a myriad of interactive activities, we aim to demystify the microbial world, making it both accessible and enjoyable for young students.

Get ready for a day packed with hands-on experiments, engaging demonstrations, and captivating displays that will spark curiosity and ignite a lifelong passion for science. Join us as we transform the invisible into the incredible!


(LUSO)MICROBIAL CONNECTIONS - CONEXÕES (LUSO)MICROBIANAS

When: 17 September 2024

Where: Online, from the University of Coimbra, Portugal

O evento do IMD "Conexões (luso) Microbianas" tem por objetivo promover a literacia em microbiologia e partilhar a investigação científica com o público em geral, promovendo o conhecimento e a curiosidade científica sobre os microrganismos.

O Dia Internacional do Microrganismo (17 de setembro) será comemorado em formato online (livestream) emitido no canal YouTube da Sociedade Portuguesa de Microbiologia.

O evento "Conexões (luso) Microbianas" é organizado pela Universidade de Coimbra em colaboração com o Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical da Universidade Nova de Lisboa e a Rede Lusófona de Microbiologia constituída pelas: Universidade de Ciências de Macau

 e Tecnologia [Macau], Universidade de Cabo Verde [Cabo Verde], Universidade Eduardo Mondlane [Moçambique], Universidade do Rovuma [Moçambique], Universidade Politécnica [Moçambique], Universidade Agostinho Neto [Angola], Universidade de São Paulo [Brasil], Santa Catarina
 Universidade Estadual [Brasil], Embrapa Agrobiologia – Centro Nacional de Pesquisas Agrobiológicas [Brasil] e Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro [Brasil]).

A transmissão ao vivo vai ser constituída por pequenas apresentações de 5 minutos (Os 5 minutos de fama!) de investigadores da Rede Lusófona de Microbiologia e das instituições organizadoras apresentando um artigo, um projecto ou resultados relevantes. 

Este evento é parte do evento nacional promovido pela Sociedade Portuguesa de Microbiologia (SPM Portugal).

About the event in English

This event aims to promote literacy on microbiology and share scientific research with the general public to promote public knowledge and scientific curiosity on microorganisms.

We will organize during the International Microorganism Day (17th September) in online format (livestream).

The event will be organized by University of Coimbra in collaboration with Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine at Universidade Nova de Lisboa and the Lusophone Microbiology Network (this network includes the following members: Macau University of Science and Technology [Macao], University of Cape Verde [Cape Verde], Eduardo Mondlane University [Mozambique], Rovuma University [Mozambique], Polytechnic University [Mozambique], Agostinho Neto University [Angola], University of São Paulo [Brazil], Santa Catarina State University [Brazil], Embrapa Agrobiologia – National Center for Agrobiology Research [Brazil] and Federal University of Rio de Janeiro [Brazil]).

The livestream will be composed of series of short presentations (The 5 minutes of fame!) of researchers from the Lusophone Microbiology Network. This event will be part of the national event promoted by the Portuguese Society of Microbiology (SPM Portugal).


MicroMarvels: Tiny Heroes Promoting Environmental Health MicroMaravilhas: Pequenos Heróis em Prol da Saúde Ambiental

When: 17 September 2024

Where: School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400. 4200-072 PORTO. PORTUGAL

Environmental Health students and practitioners mostly deal with the bad side of Microbiology. From food-borne pathogens to water contaminants or biological hazards in occupational settings, microorganisms are often approached as bad agents across the many domains of the professional practice of Environmental Health. The truth is, “bad” microorganisms overshadow the key role their counterparts play in sustaining our food sources, ecosystems, sanitation and ultimately our health ─ despite being a clear minority in comparison. This event aims to recognize the positive role that microorganisms have in sustaining Human and Environmental Health, by providing impactful examples on how microbes positively affect our everyday lives. A striking feature of this action is that it will be promoted by Environmental Health students at different stages of their academic path, who will not only work on these topics (under supervision of their Professors) but will also directly engage with their peers, colleagues and the general public to foster this celebration.

This action aims to mobilise a small group of interested and highly motivated undergraduate students from the Environmental Health BSc programme from ESS|P.Porto to celebrate the positive impact of microorganisms on Human and Environmental Health. This shall be achieved by focusing on three key topics:

1. Microorganisms and Climate Change

2. Microbiome and Human Health

3. Microorganisms as Guardians of the Ecosystems

The goal of this action is to develop these topics as posters as well as street interviews (vox-pop style). Ultimately, the goal with this action is to engage in a dialogue between Environmental Health students and their peers and general public, to foster literacy on microbiology and to reinforce the idea that, as future Environmental Health practitioners, microorganisms are not only hazards to be managed, but are also drivers for a better health and more sustainable communities and ecosystems that must be promoted and protected.


discovery of microorganisms.  

When: 17 September 2024, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Where: Santo Amaro Beach, Oeiras, Portugal 

On 17 September , between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Oeiras' Santo Amaro Beach will be the stage for an event dedicated to the discovery of microorganisms.  

Organized by ITQB NOVA (António Xavier Institute of Chemical and Biological Technology at NOVA University Lisbon) and the Oeiras Municipality, the event will feature various interactive and educational activities spearheaded by scientists and collaborators of the institute for all ages. These include: learning about how microorganisms generate sustainable energy from waste; how bacteria defy radiation which leads to extreme resistance; how to use light and color to find and fight microorganisms; a story time where we’ll be reading stories about our invisible to the naked eye-friends to children; a Happy Hour with the Nectar of the Gods (mead) accompanied by visual microscopy activities to understand how fungi microorganisms ferment honey, and finally a presentation of citizen science projects around the topic of microorganisms ( Micromundo@Oeiras and Microbioma Comunidade Portugal).  
 
Last year, a similar event had 300 participants. We expect a similar or superior number of participants.  


Microbiology Trail at Técnico

When: 17 September 2024, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Where: Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon

To celebrate International Microorganism Day, Técnico is thrilled to organize a dynamic event highlighting the vital role of microbiology research in society, particularly in health, environment, and agriculture. The event will feature a series of illuminating lectures that showcase the profound impact of microbiological studies, including invited talks on the roles played by microbiology in human health and adaptation to climate changes. 

For children, teenagers, and university students, we are excited to introduce the “Microbiology Trail.” This engaging activity will challenge young minds to participate in a variety of interactive experiences, including games, demonstrations, and hands-on experiments. Participants will have the unique opportunity to interact with researchers from various fields of microbiology. 

As they navigate the trail, they will gather answers for a quiz, competing for exciting prizes. This educational and interactive journey promises a fun and immersive way to learn about and connect with the fascinating world of microbiology. 

Join us for a day of discovery and inspiration as we celebrate the tiny organisms that have a massive impact on our lives! 


Como os microrganismos governam as nossas vidas

When: 17 September 2024, 10:30 am

Where: Escola Básica e Secundária Armando Cortês-Rodrigues – Rua Vila do Porto 9680-186, Vila Franca do Campo São Miguel, Açores – Portugal 

The event will consist of an informal talk, where the guest speaker Célia Manaia will address the subject of microbiology in an accessible and deconstructed way, explaining how microbes influence our lives as well as his area of intervention as microbiology researcher to middle and high school students 

Objective: To promote scientific literacy in microbiology. To stimulate interest among the younger generation about exact and experimental sciences and to encourage them to pursue scientific careers.    


Let's celebrate microbes: A journey into a tiny world

When: 17 September 2024 (All day)

Where: University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, Gandra, Portugal 

This fair exhibition will highlight the importance of microorganisms in health, research, environment, and industry, and in parallel foster curiosity and awareness about microbes. We have a variety of activities planned, including microscopic observations of bacteria, protozoa and fungi, agar art, displays of chromogenic culture media with different bacterial species growth, antibiograms, DNA molecule explanation and extraction from strawberries, interactive games, and quizzes.

Additionally, we will have a dedicated area to present and disseminate information about the international project MicroMundo@IUCS_CESPU, which we have been developing at our institution for two years. MicroMundo focuses on raising awareness about the issue of antimicrobial resistance.

This event will provide an opportunity to share key advice and simple actions, via flyers, that everyone can take to contribute to addressing this critical problem. During this event, university and school students, professors and researchers will have the opportunity to approach and explore and celebrate about microbes. This celebration will offer a variety of educational and interactive activities designed to spark interest and deepen understanding of the microbial world.


MICROORGANISMS IN THE DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE

When: 17 September 2024, 14:00 pm – 17:30 pm

Where: Hybrid Event, Sala das Sessões and via Zoom (Coordination: Isabel Sá-Correia,Tina Keller-Costa, Maria Salomé Pai)

As part of the commemorations of the International Microorganism Day, the Academy of Sciences of Lisbon (ACL) and its Institute of Higher Studies, in collaboration with the Portuguese Society of Microbiology (SPM), the Portuguese Committee for the Ocean Decade (CNDO) and the Portuguese Committee for the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (CP-COI), organize, on September 17, Tuesday, an afternoon of dissemination of Microbiology. The session is themed: MICROORGANISMS IN THE DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE. In recognition of the ocean as key to an equitable and sustainable planet, the United Nations declared the current decade the ‘Ocean Decade’, extending from 2021 to 2030, with the motto ‘The Science We Need for the Ocean We Want’.

This session is open and will take place, in person, at ACL (Sala das Sessões), as well as on the Zoom platform: ID 93609500879. The recording will also be available on the ACL YouTube channel. The session will be held in Portuguese.


FEMS Microbiology