On September 5, 2025, i3N-NOVA (Caparica campus) welcomed a high-level delegation from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), marking an important step in strengthening scientific collaboration between Europe and China.
The delegation was led by Prof. Wang Dujin, Director-General of the Bureau of Academic Divisions at CAS, and included distinguished researchers and officials such as Prof. Yu Shuhong, Prof. Leng Jinsong, Dr. Feng Xia, Dr. Ru Zhitao, and Dr. Huang Lin, who also serves as Head of the Science and Technology Group of CAS and member of the European Academy of Sciences (EurASc).
They were received by Prof. Rodrigo Martins, Director of i3N-NOVA and President of EurASc, recently honored with the CAS International Cooperation Award for Distinguished Scientists (2023), the highest recognition granted by CAS to foreign experts.
Building stronger bridges in science
During the visit, both institutions explored new opportunities for collaboration in advanced functional materials, nanotechnologies, and frontier innovation, while also emphasizing the importance of scientific talent exchange and mobility.
Speaking after the meeting, Dr. Huang Lin expressed the strong impression the delegation had of i3N’s work:
“The delegation was deeply impressed by the achievements of i3N and EURASC, as well as Prof. Rodrigo Martins’ remarkable contribution to international collaboration with CAS. We firmly believe there is immense potential for future cooperation not only between i3N and CAS, but also between EURASC and CAS,” he said.
He also highlighted the long-term vision behind the partnership:
“We are looking forward to building on this momentum, fostering exchanges and joint activities that can have a real international impact.”
Portugal as a platform for innovation
The visit underscored Portugal’s growing role as a strategic hub for scientific cooperation and innovation, positioning i3N as a key player in connecting European and Chinese research communities.
As Prof. Martins noted, the meeting was not only about celebrating past achievements, but also about shaping the future:
“This collaboration is about opening new pathways for frontier research and global partnerships. Together, we can create meaningful opportunities for our researchers and advance science at the highest level.”