From 23 to 25 September 2026, the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP) will host the Porto Vibrational Biospectroscopy Symposium 2026 (PVBS 2026), an international event organized within the framework of the BRIDGES4HEALTH project.
Bringing together leading researchers, clinicians, industry representatives and innovators, PVBS 2026 will provide a unique interdisciplinary platform focused on the latest advances in vibrational biospectroscopy and their applications in health and life sciences.
The symposium will highlight cutting-edge developments in technologies such as FTIR, Raman, nano-FTIR and O-PTIR spectroscopy, alongside emerging approaches in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Participants will have the opportunity to explore how these methodologies are transforming areas including clinical diagnostics, infection control, food safety and disease prevention.
PVBS 2026 will also foster cross-sector dialogue and collaboration between academia, healthcare institutions and industry, promoting knowledge transfer and the development of new partnerships with potential impact on the Northern Portugal innovation ecosystem.
The scientific programme will feature internationally recognized speakers, thematic sessions on methodological innovation, and discussions on the translation of biospectroscopy approaches into real-world healthcare settings.
Venue: Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto
Dates: 23–25 September 2026
For further information and registration: PVBS 2026 Official Website
Strengthening the Health and Life Sciences ecosystem in Northern Portugal
The BRIDGES4HEALTH project aims to strengthen the Health and Life Sciences ecosystem through a collaborative platform designed to map regional capacities, align strategic priorities and inform evidence-based public policies, while simultaneously promoting the economic and social development of Northern Portugal.
UCIBIO integrates the BRIDGES4HEALTH consortium, led by i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health and 2CA-Braga – Clinical Academic Center, together with CBQF – Center for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry.
By fostering collaboration between academia, healthcare institutions, industry and society, BRIDGES4HEALTH seeks to accelerate innovation, strengthen knowledge transfer and reinforce the region’s capacity to address emerging health challenges through translational and impact-oriented approaches.
The project is structured around four strategic domains:
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Precision Medicine
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Clinical Research
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Biomedical Devices and Technologies
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Microbiome and Health
The official kick-off meeting brought together more than 100 participants from 43 institutions across Northern Portugal, marking the beginning of a collective effort to position the region as a leading European hub for innovation in Health and Life Sciences.
At UCIBIO, we are proud to contribute to this collaborative ecosystem by supporting interdisciplinary research, advanced biomedical innovation and the development of solutions aligned with clinical and societal needs.
Learn more about the project: BRIDGES4HEALTH Project Page
Discover the kick-off meeting highlights: Kick-off Meeting – BRIDGES4HEALTH