Accepted Poster
Poster Short Abstract
Oeiras Experimenta transforms a historic farm in Portugal into a living lab for drought-resilient crops research, engaging citizens, scientists, and communities to co-create sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems.
Poster Abstract
Oeiras Experimenta, implemented in Portugal through a partnership between ITQB NOVA and Oeiras Municipality under the Ciência + Cidadã program, is an innovative citizen science project fostering active public engagement in sustainability research. The project transforms the historic Quinta de Cima do Marquês de Pombal into a living laboratory focused on drought-resilient crops, including grass pea, sorghum and dryland rice. It unites scientists, citizens, policymakers, and local associations to collaboratively explore sustainable agroecosystems.
Three ITQB NOVA laboratories are involved with 15 researchers, including Masters and PhD students, generating early findings on crop resilience and stress tolerance that inform sustainable food strategies. Citizens engage in several research stages—from planning and sowing to field maintenance, monitoring, data collection, analysis, and co-decision processes—enhancing knowledge co-creation and research relevance. Over 2,000 participants across generations and social groups have joined through collaboration in research, participatory visits, public events, and activities with local organizations, social inclusion partners, restaurants, and artists.
Oeiras Experimenta emphasizes inclusion, equity, and intergenerational collaboration, creating tailored materials for underrepresented groups and adapting the model to new contexts, such as the Centro Padre António Oliveira juvenile detention centre. Recognised by the European Union Prize for Citizen Science and the IMPETUS program, the project highlights both opportunities and challenges of citizen science in living lab contexts.
By linking research, community engagement, and cultural initiatives, Oeiras Experimenta offers a scalable model for resilient, inclusive food systems. Future directions include advancing sustainable crop research, strengthening local food networks, and promoting public awareness of food security.
Poster Session