NEWSLETTER 
MAR 2018

 

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In 2026, LIP celebrates 40 years of scientific research, collaboration and impact.

Founded in 1986 in the context of Portugal’s accession to CERN, LIP has played a central role in establishing experimental particle physics in Portugal and in integrating the country into major international scientific collaborations.

Over four decades, the laboratory has expanded its activities across multiple domains, including particle and astroparticle physics, instrumentation, advanced computing, and applications in health, space and industry.

Today, LIP brings together researchers, engineers and students across its nodes in Lisbon, Coimbra and Braga, contributing to cutting-edge research and to the training of new generations of scientists.

This anniversary marks not only a moment to reflect on LIP’s history and achievements, but also an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to scientific excellence, innovation and international collaboration in the years ahead.



News

40 years · 40 stories: Elisabete Neves

In this story, Elisabete Neves takes us back to the 90s, when research funding arrived in the form of five cheques and recalls her first mission as the “official funding collector”.

40 years · 40 stories: André Torcato

In this story, André Torcato recalls the first Jornadas do LIP he attended.

40 years · 40 stories: Patrícia Conde

Patrícia Conde revisits the journey of the ATLAS group at LIP, from its first work in the 1980s to the next generation of particle physics experiments.

40 years · 40 stories: Vanda Pinto

In this story, Vanda Pinto recalls two moments that marked her first years at LIP

40 years · 40 stories: Conceição Abreu

In “LIP in the South”, Conceição Abreu recalls the former Algarve Pole and a chapter in LIP’s history shaped from southern Portugal.

Alberto Blanco interviewed about LIP’s 40th anniversary

To mark LIP’s 40th anniversary, Alberto Blanco spoke to Diário de Coimbra about the connection with CERN, the Laboratory’s evolution, and the role of experimental particle physics in society.

“Que raios?!”: a new LIP module at UC Exploratório

Developed by LIP, the new module uses a spark chamber and a cloud chamber to reveal the tracks of subatomic particles

Alberto Blanco presents LIP’s 40th anniversary in the “Pontos nos iii” series at UC Exploratório

The session marked LIP’s 40th anniversary, its collaboration with UC Exploratório, and the presentation of the new science module “Que raios!?”, dedicated to visualising cosmic particles and radioactive phenomena.

40 years · 40 stories: Nuno Castro

In this first story, Nuno Castro reflects on his first visit to CERN.

LIP celebrates 40 years with a week dedicated to science, collaboration and the future

Institutional sessions, debates, international guests and open days marked the celebrations of LIP’s 40th anniversary in Coimbra, Braga and Lisbon.

4 May Opening Session: “LIP: 40 Years of Science and National Impact”
Coimbra
Exploratório & LIP-Coimbra
10:00 - Welcome and Opening Remarks
  • Manuel Valença, UC Exploratório
  • Patrícia Gonçalves, President of the LIP Directorate
  • Amílcar Ferreira, Rector UC (TBC)

10:15 - Origins and Foundations
 Rui Ferreira Marques, Emeritus Professor UC

10:30 - LIP Today
 Alberto Blanco, Director LIP

10:45 - Round Table: Particle Physics: Discover, Collaborate, Transform - The role of fundamental science in the development of society
  • Alberto Blanco, Director LIP (moderator)
  • Antero Abrunhosa, Director ICNAS
  • Sandra Carvalho, Sub-Dean FCTUC
  • Nuno Castro, Vice-Rector UMinho
  • Paulo Brás, Researcher LIP
  • Afonso Marques, PhD student LIP

11:45 - Closing Remarks
  • Alberto Blanco, Director LIP

12:00 - Guided Visit to Exploratório and Networking Reception
  • Visit to the Exploratório premises, including LIP’s exhibition area, followed by an informal networking reception (including anniversary cake)

16:00-20:30 - Open Day Coimbra
  • Guided visits and activities for schools and general public
    *registration required for schools
5 May Advanced Computing Day
Online
A curated digital programme highlighting LIP’s role in advanced computing and digital infrastructures supporting scientific research, delivered through our digital channels (website and social media).
  • Launch of introductory MOOCs on High-Performance Computing
  • Showcase of LIP activities in HPC, data science and distributed computing
  • Contributions to national and European infrastructures
6 May Internationalisation of Science
Braga | University of Minho - Gualtar Campus
10:00-13:00 - Open Day Minho | Hall CP1
Activities for schools and general public
*registration required for schools

10:00 - LIP, CERN and Particle Physics | ECUM Auditorium
  • Raúl Sarmento, Researcher LIP

11:00 - Colloquium: Born in Fire and Stone: Neutrino Probes
of the Sun and Earth | ECUM Auditorium
  • Mark Chen, Queen’s University, Canada / SNO+ Collaboration

14:00 - Welcome and Opening Remarks | B-Lounge
  • Pedro Arezes, Rector UMinho
  • Nuno Barros, Director LIP

14:30 - Round Table: "Internationalisation of Science" | B-Lounge
  • António Salgado, Vice-Rector UMinho
  • José Meijome, President School of Sciences, UMinho
  • Mark Chen, Queen’s University, Canada / SNO+ Collaboration
  • Ana Peixoto, Industrial Liaison Officer for CERN at AI²
  • Guilherme Milhano, Director LIP
  • Nuno Barros, Director LIP (mediator)

16:15 - Closing Remarks | B-Lounge
  • Nuno Barros, Director LIP

16:30 - Porto D'Honra | Hall CP1
  • Moment for interaction between guests, stakeholders and partners (including anniversary cake)
From 14:00 - Institutional Session:
  • Opening Remarks
  • Keynote Talk
  • Round Table: “Internationalisation of Science”
  • Closing Remarks
7 May Open Day Lisbon
Lisboa
16:00-20:30 - Open Day Lisbon
  • Guided visits and activities for schools and general public *registration required for schools
8 May Solemn Session: “Science for the Future”
Lisboa
15:00 - Welcome and Opening Remarks
  • Patrícia Gonçalves, President of the LIP Directorate
  • Luís Ferreira, Rector UL
  • Helena Canhão, Secretary of State for Science and Innovation

16:00 - Research and much more at CERN
Fabiola Gianotti, CERN

17:30 - Porto D´Honra
  • Moment for interaction between guests, stakeholders and partners (including anniversary cake)

18:00 - Visit to the LIP Lisbon facilities
4 May Opening Session: “LIP: 40 Years of Science and National Impact”
Coimbra
Exploratório & LIP-Coimbra
10:00 - Welcome and Opening Remarks
From 10:15 - Programme Sessions
  • Origins & Foundations
  • LIP Today
  • National Strategy & Future Challenges
12:00 - Visit to Exploratório
16:00-20:30 - Open Day Coimbra
Guided visits and activities for schools and general public *registration required for schools
5 May Advanced Computing Day
Online
A curated digital programme highlighting LIP’s role in advanced computing and digital infrastructures supporting scientific research, delivered through our digital channels (website and social media).
  • Launch of introductory MOOCs on High-Performance Computing
  • Showcase of LIP activities in HPC, data science and distributed computing
  • Contributions to national and European infrastructures
6 May Innovation & Technology Transfer Day
Braga
11:00-12:30 | 15:00-18:00 - Open Day Braga
Activities for schools and general public *registration required for schools

From 14:00 - Institutional Session:
  • Opening Remarks
  • Keynote Talk
  • Round Table: “Internationalisation of Science”
  • Closing Remarks
From 14:00 - Institutional Session:
  • Opening Remarks
  • Keynote Talk
  • Round Table: “Internationalisation of Science”
  • Closing Remarks
7 May Open Day
Lisboa
16:00-20:30 - Open Day Lisbon
Guided visits and activities for schools and general public *registration required for schools
8 May Solemn Session: “Science for the Future”
Lisboa
15:00 - Welcome and Opening Remarks
16:00 - Keynote Lecture
17:15 - Closing Ceremony
Signature of the symbolic Commitment Charter and official photo
17:30 - Porto D´Honra
18:00 - Visit to the LIP Lisbon facilities



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OPEN DAYS

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As part of the LIP 40th anniversary celebrations, the laboratory will open its doors to schools and the general public across its three nodes: Lisbon, Coimbra and Braga.

These Open Days offer a unique opportunity to discover the science developed at LIP- from fundamental research in particle physics to its applications in areas such as health, space and advanced technologies.

Visitors will be able to explore the environments where LIP’s work takes place, and to learn more about the experiments, infrastructures and collaborations that connect the laboratory to major international facilities such as CERN and the Pierre Auger Observatory.

Depending on the location, the experience may include guided visits to laboratories and technical spaces, hands- on activities, demonstrations and informal interactions with researchers and students.


Schedule and Registration

Participation is free but subject to prior registration for schools.

Registration links:

Whether visiting a laboratory, engaging in an activity or speaking directly with researchers, participants will have the opportunity to experience science as it happens at LIP.


Visit Maps




Calls and Opportunities

LIP © 2026

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