EUTOPIA_HEALTH Science Café in Oeiras, Lisbon: Citizen Science Project “SeaMic” Presented on National Sea Day

On November 16, the EUTOPIA_HEALTH project hosted its first Science Café in Oeiras, Lisbon, Portugal, as part of the National Sea Day celebrations. This engaging event focused on the intersection of environment, health and art, featuring the SeaMic project, a Citizen Science initiative launched by NOVA University Lisbon in collaboration with ITQB and the Municipality of Oeiras.

Portugal's stunning coastline attracts visitors year-round, thanks to its pleasant weather. However, beaches are occasionally closed due to microbiological contamination of seawater, which poses significant health risks to bathers.

The SeaMic presentation began with an overview of the EUTOPIA_HEALTH project by Dr. Francisca Melo Fonseca from the Rectorate of NOVA University Lisbon, followed by a presentation from Dr. Catarina Pimentel from the Yeast Molecular Biology Laboratory at ITQB NOVA. Dr. Pimentel highlighted a critical issue: the time it takes for current water quality tests to yield results: 48 hours. By the time the results are in, people may have already been in contact with contaminated water. At the same time, the water may already be clean and, in reality, the beach should have been closed two days before. The SeaMic project aims to tackle this challenge by developing a rapid test for monitoring seawater quality in real time.

Dr. Pimentel explained the methodology behind the project and invited Oeiras residents to participate by assisting with seawater collection, monitoring the development of tests in the laboratory environment and, in the future, carrying out the tests on the beach. The audience was captivated by the potential impact of SeaMic, sparking a lively Q&A session where attendees discussed existing testing methods, health risks, and the influence of environmental changes on coastal living.

The event concluded with a demonstration of the test prototype by Dr. Catarina Amaral, also from the Yeast Molecular Biology Laboratory at ITQB NOVA, and an open invitation for citizens to join the project as citizen scientists. Attendees also enjoyed a sustainable tasting featuring Sorghum Cake, Chícharo Pastries, and Carcavelos wine from Villa Oeiras, fostering a convivial atmosphere where science, community, and sustainability came together.

The success of the first EUTOPIA_HEALTH Science Café, which brought together around 50 participants, highlights the vital role of collaborative efforts in tackling pressing environmental and health challenges. By fostering meaningful dialogue and engagement, the event bridged the gap between researchers and citizens, inspiring collective action for a healthier future.