The Universidade Católica Portuguesa and the Águas do Norte company signed a protocol allowing support for master's and doctoral students. The two ARQUIMEDES scholarships were awarded to students enrolled at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto, in the area of ​​Biotechnology and Microbiology, and whose research work focuses on topics of interest to the company.
 

Isabel Braga da Cruz, pro-rector of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, who works on behalf of the Regional Center of Porto, points out “it is important for the Universidade Católica in Porto to establish partnerships that promote greater interconnection between research, companies and the impact on society,” adding “this protocol materializes the third mission of the University and the transfer of knowledge.”

José Machado do Vale, president of Águas do Norte, as the concessionaire of the multi-municipal water supply and sanitation system in the North of Portugal and the managing body of the water system in the Northwest Region, says “Arquimedes scholarships represent an incentive to scientific knowledge , bridging the gap between academia and business.” In the case of the master's student, the theme is related to "The Potential of Ultra-Violet Radiation in the Treatment of Water for Human Consumption (ETA of Areias de Vilar - Barcelos)" and in the case of the doctoral student with "The evaluation of performance of the floating macrophyte complementary stage – Experimental pilot integrated in the LIFE Project – Pateiras do Ave (WWTP of Agra)”. Both themes are in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6 - Ensure the availability and sustainable management of safe drinking water and sanitation for all.

The signing session of Arquimedes - Scientific and Technological Cooperation Protocol took place on March 20, at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto. Present were Isabel Braga da Cruz, pro-rector of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, who works on behalf of the Porto Regional Centre; José Machado do Vale, president of Águas do Norte, Águas do Douro e Paiva and SIMDOURO; Fernanda Abreu Lacerda, vice-president of Águas do Norte; Paula Castro, director of the Faculty of Biotechnology; Célia Manaia, professor and researcher at the Faculty of Biotechnology; between masters and doctoral students.