The MEDICINAL AND BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY group is composed by a cross-functional team working at the chemistry/biology
interface and focused on the discovery and analysis of drugs and other types of xenobiotics and nanomedicine. Research is
focused on finding new therapeutic solutions for liver diseases, oxidative stress-related diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's disease,
Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), cancer, and infectious diseases. The development of smart delivery
systems to enhance the selectivity, permeability, and chemical/metabolic stability of drugs, drug candidates and other xenobiotics
is part of the group's R&D portfolio. The MOLECULAR THERMODYNAMICS FOR SUSTAINABILITY group is dedicated to scientific
research in the field of Physical Chemistry, specifically Thermodynamics. This group uses a combination of experimental and
computational methods to gather thermodynamic data essential for understanding the stability and reactivity of diverse chemical
compounds, relevant to the fields of energy, environment, and health. The acquisition of accurate data regarding the
thermophysical and thermochemical properties of these substances, along with their systematic organization in accessible
formats, is of essential significance across numerous scientific, technological, and industrial domains. The NANOSTRUCTURES
AND SELF-ORGANIZATION (NSO) group consists of a multifunctional team operating at the chemistry/physics interface, directing
its activities towards the molecular understanding of systems and processes based on thermodynamic and structural
characterizations of high rigor and precision in compounds, mixtures, and materials of current technological interest. The research
is focused on studying the structuration and self-organization of chemical systems at the nanoscale. These systems include ionic
fluids, organic semiconductors, thin films, surfactants, lipids, polymers, and soft and hybrid nanomaterials. The research
conducted by the NSO group is aligned with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United
Nations. The primary goals of PHYSICAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY & ELECTROCHEMISTRY group are to new sustainable
engineered materials and nanomaterials, models and strategies for sustainable electrode materials for energy storage,
(photo)catalytic applications, monitoring and mapping the dispersion of emerging pollutants, controlled release of drugs and
pesticides, and wastewater treatment stability and reactivity. Further, the group aims to develop new analytical procedures for
complex matrices namely environmental and clinical and (bio)sensors for emerging environmental and health risks and fast and
reliable point of care diagnostic. Additionally, the group will continue the fundamental studies that support the advancement of
applied research within the research center. The EDUCATION, SCIENCE COMMUNICATION AND SOCIETY group is dedicated to
cross-cutting activities associated with research into Science Education and Science Communication and their relationship with
Society. Focusing on theories, methods, and practices, the group explores the structured ecologies of Science Education and
Communication. With a particular emphasis on chemical science, the group acknowledges the ubiquitous and polymorphous
nature of digital media, recognizing them as privileged means of redefining the configuration and scope of these ecologies in a
global and systemic society. Furthermore, the group aims to bridge scholars and educators, fostering a network that supports and
challenges pre-service and in-service teachers to integrate cutting-edge scientific and pedagogic content into their practices.
Additionally, the group aims to contribute to a knowledge-driven society by educating students, parents, and the general public,
hereby enhancing awareness, understanding, and engagement with science. The contextualized and relational explanation of
chemistry in relation to other disciplinary areas, as well as cultural and social contexts, is also an important focus, with the group
considering the contributions and strengths of the social sciences in their research and action. |