On November 13th and November 14th, the Católica Biomedical Reseach Centre team took part in the National Citizen Science Meeting (ENCC 2025), held in Oeiras under the theme “Communities, Equity, Social Justice”.

The event, organized by the Portuguese Citizen Science Network (RPCC) and the Oeiras Municipality (CMO), with CBR, GIMM, Técnico Oeiras and ITQB NOVA as co-organizing partners, brought together more than 120 participants — including researchers, citizen scientists, teachers, representatives from the public sector, museums, science centres and companies — united by the goal of making science more inclusive and participatory.

Over two intense days, participants discussed citizen science projects with social and educational impact, reflecting on how to bring scientific research closer to society and how to create knowledge collaboratively. CBR’s presence was more than symbolic: we contributed actively to the discussion, including through the participation of CBR’s deputy director, Raquel Oliveira, in the event’s opening session. We also supported RPCC and CMO in the bid to host this meeting/conference — which we successfully secured — reinforcing our institutional commitment to citizen science.

For the Lit Up Programme — the “Science and Health Literacy in Oeiras” Programme, promoted by CBR in partnership with Oeiras Municipality — this meeting was much more than a networking opportunity: it was a concrete source of inspiration. From initiatives involving elementary school to university to PhD students, to social workers, to Biologists and Geologists, to nurses and Psychologists to Botany or Fine Arts professors, Citizen Science in Portugal is alive and well. Though public awareness of Citizen Science in Portugal is still rather insipient, and central government funding for Citizen Science initiatives is largely non-existent, with most projects funded via European level or municipal funds (with Oeiras and other municipalities as ergo substitute funding sources) and fueled by sheer tenacity – the quality and diversity and reach of ongoing projects is outstanding!

Read more here