The Oeiras Experimenta project - a Living Lab for climate-resilient crops and sustainable food production, implemented through a close partnership between ITQB NOVA and the Municipality of Oeiras was honored with the prestigious Mariano Gago Ecsite Award - Excellence in Science Engagement Award 2026 , awarded by Ecsite – European Association of Science Centers and Museums.
The award was presented this Tuesday, June 2, during the opening ceremony of the Ecsite 2026 Conference , taking place in Gothenburg, Sweden. It is one of the largest European gatherings dedicated to public engagement with science.
The Portuguese delegation that received the award consisted of Pedro Patacho , Councilor for Education, Science, and Innovation for the Municipality of Oeiras; Elisabete Brigadeiro , Head of the Science and Innovation Office in the Municipality of Oeiras; Maria João Leão , Coordinator of the Programa Ciência + Cidadã at ITQB NOVA; and Marta Daniela Santos , Communications Coordinator at ITQB NOVA.
This delegation represented a much broader community that is part of and makes Oeiras Experimenta possible: researchers from different ITQB NOVA laboratories, citizen scientists of various ages and social backgrounds, schools, local associations, partners in the field of social inclusion, artists, students, and policymakers from the Municipality of Oeiras who work together to develop solutions to the challenges of climate change and food sustainability.
“At the heart of Oeiras Experimenta lies the belief that science belongs to everyone. This award recognizes the collaborative work of researchers and citizens in building knowledge that is relevant to society, in an inclusive and participatory manner,” says Maria João Leão , Coordinator of the Science + Citizen Program at ITQB NOVA.
“A project like Oeiras Experimenta is only possible thanks to the enthusiasm of curious citizens and dedicated researchers who dare to think about and practice science in a different way,” says Ana Sanchez , Vice Dean of ITQB NOVA.
International recognition for a transformative citizen science project
In the official letter sent to the winning consortium, the chair of the Mariano Gago Ecsite Awards jury, Helen Jones , Global Director of Engagement at the Science Museum Group, noted: “Oeiras Experimenta is a project of great relevance to today’s challenges and will continue to have a positive impact for many years to come. The jury was particularly impressed by how it integrates practical and multidisciplinary activities that enable learning by doing. This is an initiative with high potential for international replication and one that will certainly inspire other organizations in the Ecsite network.”
Pedro Patacho , Councilor for Education, Science, and Innovation for the Municipality of Oeiras, highlights the significance of this distinction: “This award recognizes the value of science when it is put at the service of people and public policy. It holds special significance for honoring Mariano Gago, who placed science on the political agenda in Portugal and advocated for a more participatory, informed society that is closer to knowledge.”
Elisabete Brigadeiro , Head of the Science and Innovation Office in the Municipality of Oeiras, adds: “Oeiras Experimenta shows how collaboration between researchers, citizens, and decision-makers can generate concrete solutions to challenges such as climate change, transforming science into a true tool for innovation and participation.”
Established in 2015, the Mariano Gago Ecsite Awards recognize exceptional initiatives in the field of public engagement with science and honor José Mariano Gago (1948–2015), founder of the Ciência Viva network and one of the most influential figures in Portuguese and European science. Mariano Gago was responsible for placing science at the center of the national political agenda, promoting a vision of open, participatory knowledge at the service of society.