The European Researchers’ Night took place in Lisbon on 26 September 2025 at the National Museum of Natural History and Science under the theme “Science for Global Challenges.” The CANMILK project, represented by IPFN (Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear) from the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), participated in the event with an exhibition stand introducing visitors to the project’s current research activities and demonstrations.
The Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE) at the University of Lisbon and the IPFN are contributing to the project by developing a kinetic model aimed at improving understanding of the mechanisms involved in these reactions.
At the event, IPFN researcher Farzaneh Ostovarpoor and CQE researchers Mariana Pereira and Rita de Jesus presented the concept of heterogeneous catalysis. Using real catalysts, including one from a car, they demonstrated how plasma can improve the efficiency of reactions. They also used a puzzle-based activity to explain how molecular modelling can efficiently and cost-effectively identify catalysts with suitable properties for different reactions.
The European Researchers’ Night 2025 involved more than 1.5 million participants across 460 cities in 25 European countries, promoting dialogue between researchers and the public, and highlighting the importance of scientific research in addressing societal challenges.
