Date: 21 to 24 May
Venue: Pavilhão de Portugal, Parque das Nações, Lisbon (attendance is free)
More information: Official Website
Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa) celebrates one year of Pavilhão de Portugal as a hub connecting with society, where science, culture, innovation, and public participation come together, with the event ‘Experience the Future’.
From May 21 to 24, the space transforms into a living space where ideas take shape, questions find a voice, and every discovery sets hearts racing.
Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, will participate in the event with the following activities:
“Energy Built from Molecules: Discover the Batteries of the Future”
In this activity, participants will discover how organic molecules can function as electroactive materials in next-generation batteries. The experience includes a hands-on demonstration of the simplified assembly of an electrochemical cell and quick experiments showing electron transfer through molecular materials. The immersive component involves direct interaction with the materials, observing colour changes, and measuring small electrical voltages. Everything is presented using simple language, everyday analogies, and visual aids, making the concept of “molecular batteries” accessible to audiences without scientific training.
Guided hands-on experience + interactive demonstration + rotating mini-workshop with a presentation (5 to 10 minutes per group)
Center of Physics and Engineering of Advanced Materials (CeFEMA) and Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN)
“Different Natural Mineral Waters, Different Worlds”
This activity aims to explore with participants what natural mineral waters (often referred to as thermal waters) are, their origin, and the processes that give them distinct physicochemical signatures.
Participants will learn how “in situ” measurement of electrical conductivity (EC) at springs or collection wells serves as a quick and effective indicator of the water’s total mineralisation.
Examples of Portuguese natural mineral waters (Pedras Salgadas, Luso, and Vimeiro) will be presented, associated with different geological formations—granites, quartzites, and limestones/rock salt. By analysing the labels, participants will relate the chemical composition and total mineralisation to the measured EC values.
Using a portable conductivity meter, similar to those used in the field, it will be possible to measure EC (μS/cm) and compare it with total mineralisation (mg/L). The observation of rock samples will also help to understand the role of water-rock interaction in the composition of these waters.
