On Feb. 8, 2023, the Associated Laboratory LS4FUTURE held its 1st General Meeting at Palácio Flor da Murta. Over 225 participants, including researchers from all 5 associated institutes (ITQB NOVA, NMS, iBET, IGC and IPO), as well as Oeiras Municipality Councillor Pedro Patacho and Oeiras Valley Coordinator Elisabete Brigadeiro gathered to discuss science and the main strategic goals of the program.

LS4FUTURE coordinator Inês Cardoso Pereira and the Coordination Office introduced the associated laboratory as a unique infrastructure in Portugal dedicated to address health and sustainability challenges in a transdisciplinary way, providing effective solutions by combining public and private resources in a solid partnership.

In the plenary session, the 4 main thematic lines of the program were introduced: From Molecules to Ecosystems; Mechanisms of Disease for Precision Medicine; Advanced Therapeutics: Discovery and Development; and Biotechnology for a Sustainable World. The scientific sessions showcased the scientific diversity of each thematic line with the presentation of selected research projects.

Mónica Bettencourt-Dias, IGC Director and LS4F TL1 leader highlighted the importance of “these meetings as a way to promote further collaboration and cooperation towards better science and an improved ecosystem for scientists”.

In the afternoon, breakout rooms allowed participants to join key discussions addressing the objectives of each thematic line, as well as the 3 main initiatives of the associated laboratory: career development, internationalisation and translation.

The coordination office is currently planning the PI Retreat on March 22nd and 23rd, to strengthen interactions and partnerships within the LS4FUTURE community.

For additional information about the Associated Laboratory LS4FUTURE please visit the website  or contact the Coordination Office via [email protected].