General Info

10-13th September 2024 | Aveiro | Portugal

HIGHLIGHTS

ABOUT INSTITUTIONS

ABOUT AVEIRO

City

Map

Gastronomy

Surroundings

ORGANIZING INSTITUTIONS:
University of Aveiro (UA) - ERRS2024 Venue

Welcome to the vibrant world of the University of Aveiro (UA), a dynamic institution celebrating its 50th anniversary. UA stands as an ECIU University and is recognized as one of the top 800 universities globally, attracting students and scholars from around the world.  
 
UA spans two campuses and the teaching hubs of Águeda and Oliveira de Azemeis. The campus of Santiago, home to the upcoming ERRS24, is linked by a bridge for soft mobility to the campus of Castro. The campus is characterized by lush green spaces and striking contemporary buildings constructed in warm-colored bricks, many of which designed by renowned Portuguese architects that create a unique and inviting atmosphere. 
 
The UA’s research is deeply committed to developing state-of-the-art research, in fields of strategic knowledge. UA is a Civic University and its research results from a strong interaction with the local and regional stakeholders, as well as with public authorities, to address societal needs and drive regional economic development.
Its 20 interdisciplinary research units have been working for this, including the five with Associate Laboratory status as CESAM 

CESAM

The objective of CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies is to promote a more efficient use of terrestrial and aquatic (from catchment to the deep sea) environmental resources and a more competitive, resilient and sustainable economy. CESAM also aims to promote advanced training (graduate & postgraduate), designed to endorse highly qualified job creation and assure territorial and social cohesion.
CESAM’s research is transversal, covering the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and anthroposphere. CESAM stands out due to its transdisciplinary research character and the promotion of international collaboration, gathering ca. 500 members with knowledge and expertise on fundamental and applied research in the natural and social sciences. This unique asset positions CESAM as a standout Associated Laboratory in Portugal, dedicated to pushing the frontiers of scientific exploration and making a meaningful impact on a global scale. The CESAM was awarded the status of Associate Laboratory since 2005 and is evaluated with the highest grade of Excellent since 2014.
 

CO-ORGANIZING INSTITUTIONS:
Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP)

The Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP) is one of the oldest and largest organic units of the University of Porto, recognised as one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in Europe. 
 
FCUP aims to generate and disseminate knowledge in Science and Technology through the more than 70 degree programmes it teaches, seeking to respond to the major challenges facing global society. It positions itself as a Higher Education Institution of excellence, both in the Exact and Natural Sciences and in their technological applications, providing multidisciplinary knowledge that combines an interest in discovery with academic rigour and technological pragmatism.
The diversity and scientific quality of its academic community, combined with international collaborations, has greatly boosted research and innovation, making a significant contribution to the development of teaching, science and technology. The teachers and researchers at the Faculty of Sciences are part of 19 Research Centres, responsible for almost 23% of the University of Porto’s scientific output. 
FCUP’s dimension is also visible in its third mission, with a growing role in promoting continuing education, the dissemination of science and technology and the valorisation of knowledge. 
 Scientific research is carried out to national and international standards of excellence in eight partner research units with FCUP jurisdiction, including GREENUPORTO. It is also carried out in nine partner research units with their own jurisdiction. 
 

GreenUPorto

The mission of GreenUPorto – Research Centre on Sustainable Agri-food Production is to contribute to the scientific and technological development and to the knowledge transfer in the field of agronomy, food and environmental sciences, promoting an innovative and a sustained growth of this sector.
 
In the context of a smart specialization, GreenUPorto is the first Portuguese Research Centre mainly focused on the horticulture value chain (with a special emphasis on fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and viticulture) both in open-air production systems and under protected cultivation. The preservation of the quality of soils and of agri-ecosystems is also a key priority.
 

ABOUT AVEIRO

Aveiro is a charming coastal town that effortlessly blends tradition and modernity.  

In 2022, Aveiro was elected by The Guardian readers as ”the most romantic city in Europe“. In 2024, Aveiro becomes the Portuguese Capital of Culture, bringing a wave of exciting cultural activities.  

In Aveiro, you will dive into an experience of science sprinkled by art, tradition, and fun! 

RIA DE AVEIRO AND ITS CHANNELS

Aveiro is nestled along the picturesque Ria de Aveiro (Aveiro Lagoon) that the Portuguese Nobel laureate Saramago brilliantly described as “a living body that connects the land to the sea like a huge heart”.
 
The Ria de Aveiro is the central element of the city, which forms a network of canals gracefully navigated by the iconic and colorful “Moliceiros” boats. Moliceiros are a tourism icon of Aveiro, transporting the city visitors on unforgettable trips, but they were used in the past to transport seaweed to fertilise the agricultural lands.
 
As the day draws to a close, the areas adjacent to the Ria de Aveiro offer a front-row seat to witness beautiful sunsets. Colors reflection on the tranquil lagoon amplifies the beauty of the moment, creating a mesmerizing symphony of pinks and reds that dance across the landscape.

CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Art Nouveau

Aveiro is celebrated not only for its maritime history but also for its captivating Art Nouveau architectural influences. As a proud member of the Réseau Art Nouveau Network, alongside other European cities, Aveiro showcases its association with this seductive art period from the 20th century through attractions like the Museum of Art Nouveau (Casa de Chá) or the Art Nouveau route. Other Aveiro’s museums are the Museum of Santa Joana and the Museum of the City.

Museums 

The Museum of Santa Joana is housed in the former Jesus Convent, where the Portuguese Princess Santa Joana devoted herself to religious service during the 15th century, standing as a significant figure in Aveiro’s religious history. The museum exhibits a diverse range of religious art, featuring sculptures, paintings, and artifacts.

 The Museum of the City delves into Aveiro’s history and culture, encompassing maritime history, traditional crafts, and daily life.

 

Getting around

At the heart of the city lies Praça do Peixe, a bustling central square surrounded by cozy cafes and shops, in the most typical neighborhood of the city (Beira-Mar). Beyond the center, visitors can immerse themselves in the scenic views of Aveiro’s saltpans along the coastal areas, especially at sunset hour. While salt production, once a thriving economic activity, has decreased over the years, the remaining salt ponds offer insight into the artisanal process. The Eco-Museum of Troncalhada further educates visitors about salt extraction. The city’s architectural landscape also reflects its salt-related heritage, with many buildings inspired by the design of traditional salt warehouses.

You can immerse yourself in all of these just with a leisurely walk. Additionally, take advantage of the city’s flat topography by exploring it on a bike, made convenient with the free BUGAs (https://buga.cm-aveiro.en/). This modern tradition pays homage to an age-old practice when city dwellers used bicycles to commute to factories or fields, allowing you to connect with Aveiro’s rich cultural history in a delightful and eco-friendly way.

 

Wooden Paths

The 7 km-long Aveiro wooden paths along the Ria de Aveiro are also worth a visit. Whether starting at the heart of Aveiro or more remote locations, visitors can enjoy the scenic route by foot or bike, encountering engraved benches with local sayings and witnessing diverse avifauna and flora. 

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AVEIRO BEACHES AND SURROUNDINGS

As a coastal city, Aveiro is in close proximity to the stunning sandy beaches of Costa Nova and Barra, located approximately 10 kilometers away. 
 
Costa Nova beach is famed for its charming striped and colorful wooden houses known as ‘palheiros.’ This beach offers a tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for relaxation, family outings, and indulging in the renowned Portuguese pastry known as the ‘pastel de natal.’
Barra beach, one of the longest in Portugal, boasts wide sandy shores and is home to the iconic Barra Lighthouse. It is a popular spot for both swimming and surfing enthusiasts. For those interested in exploring the unique regional ecosystem, the São Jacinto Natural Reserve and BioRia are nearby, dedicated to environmental preservation and education. 
 
Also at a short distance away from Aveiro, the Portuguese heritage village of Vista Alegre is nestled next to Ílhavo city. Vista Alegre is a celebrated Portuguese brand renowned for its exquisite porcelain and crystal products. During its construction, the village was envisioned as a residence for workers, marking a pioneering case where a wholly private and philanthropic initiative established an industrial and self-sufficient community.

GASTRONOMY

Aveiro is a city renowned for its rich gastronomy, profoundly shaped by the rich flavors of the sea. Aveiro offers a plethora of restaurants featuring the freshest fish, seafood, and Portugal’s beloved codfish. While some of the most traditional dishes in Aveiro features eels, the culinary scene highlights the popularity of grilled fish and seafood like oysters, barnacles, periwinkles, shrimps from Costa, among others. But for those who don’t like seafood, there is also the “leitão” (roasted little pig), the “vitela assada” (roasted calf) and the “rojões”.  
 
Aveiro is also a paradise for sweet-tooth travellers that can not miss the opportunity to savor the local treats “ovos moles”, “tripas”, “bolacha americana” (American cookie), the “pão-de-ló” and the “cavacas”.  
 
The “salicórnia” (samphire) of Aveiro is other gem of the region. A plant that thrives in salt environments is harvested from the estuary and can enhance food experience with its exquisite briny flavor. It is a extremely versatile food, and can be consumed fresh, raw or cooked, in a wide variety of dishes, dehydrated or crushed, as a spice, used to season foods. 
 
Aveiro is especially famed for its unique and delightful liqueur, known as “Licor de Alguidar”. This tradition originated decades ago in the hands of the fishermen’s wives, adding to the city’s charm in the picturesque waterfront district of Aveiro: the “Bairro da Beira-Mar”. 

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