The Oeiras Experimenta project, an innovative Living Lab focused on climate-resilient crops and sustainable food production, has garnered remarkable international recognition. Spearheaded through a strategic partnership between the Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier at Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA) and the Municipality of Oeiras, this pioneering initiative has been awarded the prestigious Mariano Gago Ecsite Award for Excellence in Science Engagement 2026. This honor, bestowed by Ecsite—the European Association of Science Centers and Museums—celebrates forward-thinking science engagement projects that bridge the gap between scientific research and public participation.
The award ceremony took place on June 2, 2026, during the opening of the Ecsite Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden, one of Europe’s most significant assemblies dedicated to science communication and public involvement. The recognition of Oeiras Experimenta highlights the project’s excellence in fostering collaboration between scientists and citizens, with an emphasis on creating actionable scientific knowledge aimed at addressing urgent environmental and societal challenges. The accolade also signifies a commitment to inclusive science, inviting communities of diverse backgrounds to actively participate in the scientific process.
A delegation representing the Portuguese project was present at the ceremony, including Pedro Patacho, Councilor for Education, Science, and Innovation for the Municipality of Oeiras; Elisabete Brigadeiro, Head of the Science and Innovation Office at the Municipality; Maria João Leão, Coordinator of the Ciência + Cidadã program at ITQB NOVA; and Marta Daniela Santos, Communications Coordinator at ITQB NOVA. These representatives embody the collaborative spirit and cross-sectoral partnerships fundamental to the project’s success, symbolizing the integrated efforts of local governance, research institutions, and the engaged public.
Oeiras Experimenta stands as a paradigm of how citizen science can be harnessed to tackle climate change and food sustainability. The project engages a broad spectrum of contributors, including seasoned researchers from multiple ITQB NOVA laboratories, citizen scientists spanning various ages and social groups, educational institutions, local associations, artists, students, and public officials. This multidisciplinary and participatory framework reinforces the notion that science is a shared societal endeavor, vital for crafting resilient solutions amid escalating environmental pressures.
Central to Oeiras Experimenta’s mission is the conviction that science is not a remote activity confined to laboratories but a communal resource shaped through dialogue and experimentation. Maria João Leão, leading the Science + Citizen program, emphasized that the award is a tribute to the collective engagement of researchers and citizens working to generate knowledge that is socially relevant and inclusive. This philosophy challenges traditional top-down science communication models by fostering active, hands-on participation and democratizing access to scientific inquiry.
Ana Sanchez, Vice Dean of ITQB NOVA, underscores the transformative impact of the project, attributing its success to the enthusiasm and curiosity of citizens who choose to engage with scientific processes in meaningful and innovative ways. By promoting active science practice among diverse community members, Oeiras Experimenta creates a new narrative around science engagement, one that is grounded in co-creation and shared responsibility for the planet’s future.
The international impact of this project is further reinforced by commendations from eminent figures in the science engagement field. Helen Jones, Chair of the Mariano Gago Ecsite Awards jury and Global Director of Engagement at the Science Museum Group, highlighted the project’s practical and multidisciplinary methodology, which encourages ‘learning by doing’. Jones praised Oeiras Experimenta for its potential to be replicated globally, providing an inspirational model for other organizations within the Ecsite network and beyond.
Pedro Patacho reflected on the significance of the award, particularly in the context of honoring Mariano Gago, a visionary who integrated science into political discourse in Portugal. Gago is remembered for fostering participatory and informed societies through science, and Oeiras Experimenta’s recognition under his name underscores science’s evolving role as a cornerstone of public policy and societal progress. This relationship between science and governance is essential for addressing complex global challenges with informed, evidence-based strategies.
Elisabete Brigadeiro further elucidated the project’s broader societal implications, pointing to the dynamic interaction between scientific inquiry, citizen involvement, and policymaking. This triadic collaboration catalyzes the generation of concrete, locally relevant solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation, illustrating how science can transcend theoretical boundaries to become a powerful tool for innovation and inclusive decision-making.
Founded in 2015, the Mariano Gago Ecsite Awards celebrate groundbreaking initiatives in science engagement that embody the values championed by José Mariano Gago, a luminary who profoundly shaped science policy in Portugal and Europe. By recognizing Oeiras Experimenta, the award acknowledges the project’s excellence in cultivating public understanding, active participation, and the creation of knowledge systems that address pressing environmental challenges through a multifaceted and community-driven approach.
Oeiras Experimenta exemplifies the future of science communication, where citizen scientists are empowered to contribute meaningfully to research that directly affects their lives and environments. Through combining rigorous scientific methodologies with community involvement and innovative educational frameworks, the project transforms abstract concepts of sustainability into tangible, pragmatic actions that resonate across local and international arenas.
The success of Oeiras Experimenta serves as an inspiring reminder that tackling global challenges necessitates not only scientific expertise but also inclusive models of collaboration where knowledge is co-produced and shared. This project is a testament to the power of engaged science, bridging diverse sectors and demographics, and charting a path toward a more resilient, sustainable future.
Subject of Research: Climate-resilient crops and sustainable food production through participatory citizen science.
Article Title: Oeiras Experimenta Garners Prestigious Mariano Gago Ecsite Award for Excellence in Science Engagement 2026
News Publication Date: June 2, 2026
Web References: https://mediasvc.eurekalert.org/Api/v1/Multimedia/d7cc168b-402f-49d3-a752-1d09efade049/Rendition/low-res/Content/Public
Image Credits: Ecsite
Keywords: Science engagement, citizen science, climate change, sustainable food production, public participation, science communication, climate-resilient crops, living lab, science education, participatory research, interdisciplinary collaboration, science-policy interface
