CERIS participates in Encontro Ciência e Inovação 2026

The Encontro Ciência e Inovação 2026 - ECI2026 (Science and Innovation Meeting 2026) took place on 15 and 16 July at the Lisbon Congress Centre, bringing together researchers, higher education institutions, companies, policymakers and other stakeholders from across the scientific and innovation ecosystem. The event registered 2,350 participants, providing a platform for discussion and exchange on the future of science and innovation in Portugal.

Organised around a broad programme of thematic sessions and national debate, the ECI2026 addressed key challenges and opportunities for Portuguese science and innovation, promoting dialogue between the research community and other actors in society.

CERIS contributed to the programme through participation in two parallel sessions, addressing key challenges related to the future of territory, mobility and construction.

On 15 July, within the session “Território e biodiversidade” (Territory and Biodiversity), Manuel Duarte Pinheiro, from CERIS, participated with the pitch titled “Planear o Território do Futuro: Transportes, Água, Ambiente e Energia” (Planning the Territory of the Future: Transport, Water, Environment and Energy). The different presentations were subsequently discussed collectively by all the participants of the session. The discussion highlighted, among other aspects, the importance of integrated territorial planning, improved access to open monitoring data, stronger collaboration between researchers, companies, decision-makers and local communities, and approaches that combine biodiversity preservation with climate resilience and decarbonisation. The session also identified opportunities for greater coordination between existing initiatives and for developing more effective evidence-based approaches to territorial management.

On 16 July, within the theme “Mobilidade, robótica e construção” (Mobility, Robotics and Construction), João Gomes Ferreira, from CERIS, presented the topic “Tecnologias Emergentes na Construção: Transformação digital e Sustentabilidade” (Emerging Technologies in Construction: Digital Transformation and Sustainability). The different contributions were then discussed collectively, focusing on the opportunities and challenges associated with the digital transformation and the adoption of emerging technologies. Among the main conclusions of the discussion were the need for a national strategy for robotics and intelligent systems, greater digitalisation and robotisation of construction, stronger academia–industry collaboration, and improved mechanisms for translating research into market-ready solutions. Participants also highlighted the importance of long-term and predictable funding, as well as test and demonstration infrastructures that can support the development and validation of innovative technologies.

Through these contributions, CERIS participated in the national discussion on the future of science and innovation, bringing its expertise in sustainable development, territorial planning, digitalisation and emerging technologies in construction to a wider multidisciplinary forum.

The participation of CERIS researchers in ECI2026 reinforces the Unit’s commitment to knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration and the connection between research, innovation and societal challenges, contributing to the development of more sustainable, resilient and technologically advanced territories and built environments.

The event provided an important opportunity to showcase research, strengthen connections with the wider scientific community and contribute to discussions on the role of research and innovation in addressing current and future societal challenges.

Check out the event website for more information, recordings of the plenary sessions, and summaries of the parallel sessions: https://www.cienciainovacao.pt/