A new era of international collaboration begins as i3N and the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) inaugurate a cutting-edge research facility dedicated to sustainable energy and next-generation electronics.
In a landmark event for international scientific cooperation, the Sino-Portuguese Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronics was officially inaugurated in Macau. This joint venture brings together the expertise of the Institute of Nanostructures, Nanomodelling and Nanofabrication (i3N) and the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (MUST).
Bridging East and West through Science
The laboratory aims to become a global hub where researchers from Portugal, China, and beyond can collaborate on high-impact technological challenges. According to Professor Elvira Fortunato, the facility represents the culmination of a long-standing partnership between the two universities, positioning Macau - a historical meeting point between East and West - as a natural center for scientific synergy.
Research Focus: The Future of Light and Energy
The Joint Laboratory will focus on three key pillars of modern technology:
- Sustainable Energy: Developing advanced functional materials for a greener future.
- Next-Generation Displays: Pushing the boundaries of visual technology.
- Smart Devices: Exploring the field of optoelectronics, where light is used to detect, control, and power the computers of tomorrow.
Professor Rodrigo Martins, i3N Coordinator and President of the European Academy of Sciences, highlighted that this partnership extends into advanced functional materials research, supported by the Science and Technology Development Fund of Macau. This initiative aligns with global industrial development goals, specifically focusing on transforming scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact.
A Milestone in the Media
The inauguration of this laboratory - the first of its kind in Macau dedicated to optoelectronics - has garnered significant attention. The event and the strategic partnership have been widely featured across national news outlets, underscoring the importance of this project for Portugal’s scientific diplomacy and technological standing.:
- Nova de Lisboa inaugura em Macau laboratório sino-português de optoelectrónica. 03/04/2026. https://www.lusa.pt/lusofonia/macau/article/2026-04-03/46871918/nova-de-lisboa-inaugura-em-macau-laborat%C3%B3rio-sino-portugu%C3%AAs-de-optoeletr%C3%B3nica
- Universidade Nova de Lisboa abre laboratório em Macau. 03/04/2026. https://bomdia.eu/universidade-nova-de-lisboa-abre-laboratorio-em-macau/
- Nova de Lisboa inaugura em Macau laboratório sino-português de optoelectrónica. 03/04/2026. https://observador.pt/2026/04/03/nova-de-lisboa-inaugura-em-macau-laboratorio-sino-portugues-de-optoeletronica/
- Laboratório sino-português de optoelectrónica é inaugurado em Macau. 06/04/2026. https://www.plataformamedia.com/2026/04/06/laboratorio-sino-portugues-de-optoeletronica-e-inaugurado-em-macau/
- Nova de Lisboa inaugura em Macau laboratório sino-português de optoelectrónica. 03/04/2026. https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/pais/2966949/nova-de-lisboa-inaugura-em-macau-laboratorio-sino-portugues-de-optoeletronica
- Nova lança laboratório de optoeletrónica em Macau. 03/04/2026. https://sapo.pt/artigo/nova-lanca-laboratorio-de-optoeletronica-em-macau-69cfa4c1a4c5ea1ec55a7cbd