Visit to Wageningen University & Research Strengthens International Collaboration of the CROSSPATHS Project

Rui Magalhães and Manuela Machado, researchers at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) and the Faculty of Biotechnology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (ESB-UCP), visited Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in the Netherlands as part of the CROSSPATHS project, with the aim of strengthening scientific collaboration.

“Our visit to Wageningen University & Research was extremely valuable and directly supported CROSSPATHS’ goal of enhancing research services,” said Rui Magalhães and Manuela Machado.

During the visit, the researchers had the opportunity to explore in detail several research infrastructures at WUR and to understand how different services collaborate, noting that “the dynamic campus environment, where diverse teams support education and research in an integrated way, was impressive.”

Meetings, laboratory visits, and interactions with multidisciplinary teams provided meaningful opportunities for exchange of experiences. “Despite differences in scale, discussions with WUR researchers highlighted common issues and challenges across different research environments,” added the ESB/CBQF researchers. This interaction allowed them to build a broader perspective on the organization and management of research services in large-scale contexts: “These insights will help us improve the way we organize and provide research services at our own institution.”

The visit, which took place from 12 to 14 November, reinforces the commitment of ESB-UCP and CBQF to international cooperation and scientific excellence, promoting opportunities for learning and the exchange of best practices among leading institutions.