iBETXplore Day 2025: Fostering Innovation and Scientific Excellence

On March 28^th, iBET hosted its annual conference iBETXplore Day 2025 at Hotel Real Oeiras, Paço de Arcos.

The event brought together iBET researchers, external guests, and partners to present and discuss new, ongoing, and completed research projects funded by iBETXplore – iBET’s innovation program.

About iBETXplore

iBETXplore aims to stimulate iBET’s scientific excellence by fostering new research ideas, promoting new internal collaborations, training young scientists in research and project management, and increasing iBET’s competitiveness to attract external funding. Each year, the program launches a funding call for original research proposals, which are reviewed by an international panel of experts.

Since its first edition in 2017, iBETXplore has invested over 3.4 million euros, funding over 52 research projects across diverse fields within Biopharma and Sustainability for Food & Health.

The 2024 call approved 6 new projects, with a total investment of over 550K Euros.

iBET members who took part in managing iBETXplore funding call (iBETXplore Committee) and/or organizing the one-day event (Organizing Team). From left to right: Ana Gomes, Ana Terrasso, Andreia Freitas, Micael Freitas, Ricardo Correia, Madalena Lopes, Teresa Serra, Ana Batista, Manuel Carrondo, Paula Alves, José Mendes, Joana Fernandes, Tiago Bandeiras, Leonor Costa and Inês Isidro

Opening Remarks

The event commenced with a welcome message from iBET’s CEO Paula Alves, followed by an overview of the iBETXplore initiative provided by the iBETXplore Committee, presented by Ana Gomes.

Scientific Program

The scientific program featured 8 oral presentations by researchers with ongoing projects, sharing their current work and latest results. In addition, 14 nearing completion or completed projects were showcased in the poster session, with 7 of those having the opportunity to present a short poster highlight. Lastly, 6 newly funded projects from the 2024 call were briefly presented with flash presentations.

Networking & Speakers’ Corner

A new addition this year, the Speakers’ Corner provided participants a platform to engage directly with presenters from ongoing and newly funded projects.

Round table “Biotechnology RD&I in a Changing World”

Moderated by Professor Manuel Carrondo (iBET’s VP for Business Development and iBETXplore Committee Chair), this insightful round-table discussion addressed current challenges and opportunities for biotechnology R&D in the context of the evolving geopolitical landscape. The panel was composed by esteemed international guests Dr. Barry Buckland, Dr. Emanuela Cuomo, Dr. John Aunins and Dr. Jenny Fitting.

Networking Cocktail

The day ended with a sunset cocktail, the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow scientists and celebrate scientific discovery in a more relaxed setting.

iBET gratefully acknowledges the iBETXplore committee, the event organizing team and the valuable presence and input of all guests, partners and the iBET community.

See you in 2026!