FFUP secures over €11 million to drive scientific research and innovation

The Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP) has taken a decisive step in expanding its scientific activity with the approval and launch of nine new research projects under the COMPETE2030 programme, representing a total investment of over €11 million. These initiatives bring together academia, research centres and industry partners, both national and international, consolidating FFUP’s position as a hub of scientific excellence in Portugal.

Among the featured projects are NANOBIOESCUDO, focused on bio-inspired technologies to prevent marine biofouling, and XtremeGourmet 2.0, which explores halophyte plants for healthy and innovative gastronomy. Shrimp4NanoCosmetics seeks to harness shrimp-derived compounds for cosmetic applications, while MedAIVeritas integrates artificial intelligence into medical contexts, bridging data science and healthcare.

Other projects such as INTECH+, PREMIUMALGAE, GrapeUP, Novolac and BioBeauty highlight FFUP’s commitment to sustainability and the valorisation of natural and agro-industrial resources, from developing premium microalgae-based ingredients to pioneering environmentally responsible cosmetics and dairy innovations.

The investment strengthens Porto’s position as a leading city in science, innovation and sustainable development. According to FFUP’s management, the approval of these projects is both a recognition of the faculty’s research excellence and an opportunity to turn scientific knowledge into innovative solutions with real social impact, reinforcing its mission to lead in scientific and technological innovation and to train researchers ready to face global challenges.